A judge shouldn’t have to define appropriate behavior

This letter is in response to the case argued in court last week, the Studers versus the VFW in Hubbard. I am not writing about the verdict, although I am saddened by it; I am writing in reference to the demeanor of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in the courtroom and compensation for Krysten’s death.

During the closing arguments of the attorney for my family, several of the men, who represented various district VFWs, negatively commented and with disregard for the feelings and sensitivities of our family. Their oral manifestation caused pain for my family and particularly for Krysten’s mother. The courtroom had to be cleared of everyone except the veterans, and the judge addressed their behavior.

I am disheartened by their disrespectful behavior. Is their behavior indicative of the climate in this country or is this simply a manifestation of the way humans behave when they fear others? Must we bully and denigrate others when they disagree and argue for rights? Must we always seek the lowest forms of behavior when we feel threatened? The veterans of this and other countries deserve our thanks for the service they rendered to us and this country. Krysten’s father served this country and he deserves our thanks. It is an honor to serve. However, there is no honor in arrogance and bad behavior because of service.

I am concerned that this case appeared to be about monetary compensation. How could anyone argue for the monetary compensation for the life of a child? Krysten would not be resurrected and joy would not return to our lives if we received money. Our motives to go to trial were to eliminate the possibility of another injury or death due to drunken driving. Our motives were to raise awareness that when we serve and enable a driver to drive when drunk, we risk danger to others. We all have a responsibility to be vigilant.

Perhaps John Donne said it best when he wrote, “any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

Joanne Scarvell, Hubbard

The writer is the grandmother of Krysten Studer, 14, who was killed April 4, 2003, by a hit-skip motorist who had been drinking at Hubbard VFW Post 3767.