Call for Policy to Increase Protection for Victims of Ritual Abuse in San Diego, Part I - Page 7

Some of the letters to the editor were critical of Sauer's impartiality regarding the subject of ritual abuse, and were written to draw this to the attention of the editors. To refer the letters to Sauer for a response, rather than investigating and acting on the complaints of biased reporting, is an abdication of responsibility. It is the duty of the newspaper to publish unbiased accounts of the news. Where bias occurs, the newspaper must take steps to eliminate it.

The Union-Tribune's long history of suppressing views of ritual abuse that differ from those of Mark Sauer is very troubling. We live in a diverse community where people have different views on many matters of public interest. One of the main forums for discussion of differing views is the letters-to-the-editor section of the newspaper. In San Diego, the newspaper market is dominated by the Union-Tribune. When the Union-Tribune refuses to permit expression of differing views on controversial matters, it is not fulfilling an important part of its mission. Sauer is not entitled to express his views free from scrutiny and public comment. By refusing to print any of these letters to the editor, the newspaper is allowing Sauer's views to go unchallenged. This failure takes on great importance in subjects such as ritual crime, which effect the safety of the public.

Many of the letters to the editor in September, 2002, were critical of comments made by Paul Pfingst, incumbent District Attorney who is being challenged for office in the November election in what appears to be a close race. Pfingst's comments appear to be thinly veiled threats of action by law enforcement against psychotherapists who treat and teach about treatment of victims of ritual abuse. The Union-Tribune should have expressed grave concern that a candidate for District Attorney implied that there is something illegal about teaching treatment for ritual trauma. Instead, the Union-Tribune remained silent. What is worse, they permitted Pfingst's comments to go unchallenged by failing to print the many letters to the editor which disagreed with Pfingst. It is not responsible journalism to publish statements by a candidate for public office as news, and then not permit opposing viewpoints to be published as well.

C. Civil Grand Jury of San Diego County

Two reports by the San Diego County Civil Grand Jury have also had dire consequences for victims of ritual abuse.

1. 1991-1992 Grand Jury Report No. 8 "Child Sexual Abuse, Assault, and Molest Issues". This report, for which Carol Hopkins was Deputy Foreperson, states that, "The Jury found that there is no physical evidence of satanic ritual child abuse in San Diego County. There is evidence and considerable professional testimony that the existence of satanic ritual abuse is a contemporary myth perpetuated by a small number of social workers, therapists, and law enforcement members who have effected an influence which far belies their numbers". The report also states; "The Grand Jury is aware that the Department of Social Services has reevaluated the investigative protocols on ritual and satanic abuse. The social worker who investigated in this area has been reassigned and the Ritual Abuse report is no longer being distributed by the Commission on Children and Youth. This is as it should be." (see: http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/cnty/cntyd...