I just saw the article on the Cape Gazette website and was startled at the subject matter to say the least. I'm not in any way criticizing your writing, mind you. I just can't believe that all of the people in your photos are celebrating at the expense of the Bradley victims. I can't help but wonder some of the following:

Are they celebrating their $34 million net of the $123 million settlement? If so, the could have afforded a cruise and should have celebrated privately.

Did Judge Slights approve the cocktail party at Fish On as well as the settlement? Was His Honor invited or was he slighted?

Were the Beebe officials celebrating the fact that due to a less than aggressive investigation by the Office of the Attorney General that not one single person who enabled Bradley was ever charged or even received a parking ticket?

Were any of the 900 families involved in the class action suit invited to their cocktail party? I don't see any in the backgrounds of your photos.

Was it the idea of some creative idealist to shamefully celebrate publicly? There could not be a more distasteful way to acknowledge one's personal victory, especially since it came at the horrible expense of so many. I wonder how a sampling of victims' families would feel if they saw your photos and read your article.

Sometimes things should be done in private. A celebration such as the one shown in your article is nothing short of horrific. Everyone is allowed to opine on any matter they choose and that would be my opinion.

David Smith
Elverson, Pa.

Editor's note: The writer refers to an article about an event where Beebe Medical Center officials acknowledged Alex Pires' donated efforts to initiate and conclude a class-action settlement for the victims of convicted child molester Earl Bradley.