Revisiting this page today, I am heartened to find the comments defending the piece above national boundries. Above being an American, Bethany considered herself to be a citizen of the world. I again thank Ms. Cutts for an amazing story and Ranging_Ranter and Andrew W. for their comments.
Richard Butler

Lindsey Houghton acknowledges its sound-blasting function could be used “if it means keeping the public safe.”

The idea that a weapon capable or creating a mass casualty situation, yet incapable of being deployed against specific individuals could be used to insure the safety of the public is... well... frankly it's insane. Sounds strikingly close to the statement of an unnamed American Major during Vietnam speaking about the shelling of Ben Tre. "It became necessary to destroy the town to save it."

It is commonly agreed upon in the mental health community that the majority of sexual offenders act not out of sexual desire, but in an effort to display dominance over their victim. Many offenders were themselves victimized earlier in their life. I'm not stating that as an apologist for their actions, but as evidence that could suggest that an immasculated sex offender might actually be more likely to act out against future victims as a way to "reclaim" power which has been taken first by their own attacker and later by the state. The worrisome idea here is that without libido / sexual ability they might, in frustration, resort to even more brutal tactics of victimization and dominance. This needs to be watched carefully.

I wanted to drop you a letter of thanks this morning for the beautiful piece you published about the life of Bethany Lott. She was an amazing woman. She was the nicest, kindest person I have ever had the honor of knowing. It was a pleasure to see her memorialized so well in your pages.

While working on the story Jen Cutts showed amazing care and sensitivity and went above and beyond the duties of a journalist. Much has been reported about the loss of Bethany, but Jen's kind grace gave us a breath of fresh air by sharing not our loss, but our privledge in having held such a beautiful soul. I'm sure that Bethany is kicked back on a moutnain somewhere right now, reading the story, and smiling. Thank you for that.

Sincerely,
Richard Butler
Knoxville, TN