SHELBURNE FALLS, MASS.-Zeke and Linda Hecker are two of my best friends. I have read and heard about their situation for more than a decade. I know what Zeke allegedly did and what he acknowledges. I don't condone his behavior.
I have kept silent as articles have been published by The Commons, but when innuendo and unfounded allegations are presented as fact, I want to speak out.
I was glad to see Linda Hecker's Viewpoint in The Commons. I hope that people have read it and learned that she has been falsely accused and maliciously treated by journalists, colleagues, and musical organizations. In fact, as she points out, those organizations have kicked her out not for anything she has done, but for fear that the public will withdraw their support.
Let's base reporting on the facts. Let's educate ourselves about sexual abuse. Let Linda live her life, play music, enjoy participation in her community, and have her contributions to society appreciated.
Those who have wrongly accused her in the press should apologize to her. The organizations that have excluded her should offer to reinstate her.
Jessica Murrow
Shelburne Falls, Mass.
This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.
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