Notice that one of those 'slammers' indicates that she was a Straight Parent (Phyllis Eig, St. Petersburg):
"An invasion of Semblers' privacy
Dirt & the diplomat Nov. 12
Sensationalism! I have come to the conclusion that is what the media are all about when it comes to selling newspapers. Does anyone really care about the private lives of people in the community? No, they do not, except if it is someone as popular as Mel Sembler.
I find it absolutely disgusting that the Times would want to put on its front page an article about the private life of a man and his family who have contributed so much to this community, the state and this country!
I certainly have my opinions as to Straight, having had a child go through the program, but that has nothing at all to do with a family that has only tried to make something better for all kids that were in trouble many years ago.
The Semblers were not responsible for changes that they did not know about at the time, and to print a story from an individual who wants revenge is appalling. Ambassador Mel and Betty Sembler should be held in high esteem in this community for their sincere and generous contributions for the benefit of all.
Phyllis Eig, St. Petersburg"
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/11/15/Opini ... dent.shtmlWes Fager writes:
"
11-15-06 An editorial: Letters to editor on Dirt & the Diplomat The verdict is in. Overwhelmingly the letters to the editor blast The Times for invading the privacy of one of the Bay's "most dedicated citizens" for the benefit of one "deranged" man. And why not. For years The Times exposed the abuses of Straight here. But then new management came in and The Times spent a decade trying to rebuild Sembler's shattered image here. So when The Times presented its half-hearted attempt to show Straight's harm to one man readers did not understand. Ms. LaPeters understands the destructiveness of what the Semblers have wrought to thousands but her editors just didn't want to offend Sembler too much."
Source:
http://thestraights.com/index.htm
