Why put this story on the front page?

"Atheist's daughter takes own stand at school." This front-page headline created the strong reaction that the Daily Herald surely hoped for. It aroused sensitivities that generated responses that sold papers.

It is my understanding that the decision not to select "God Bless America" as one of the songs for the homecoming was made by the student council, based on the theme of the event - not the opposition of one student. It is also my understanding that this student simply stated her opinion and didn't vociferously oppose this song. It was not one student causing the entire student council to capitulate, as the Daily Herald would have us believe. What an insult to the student council. The decision that was made was not an issue until the Daily Herald chose to make it one.

Why would the Daily Herald put this "non-story" on the front page? You had to know the reaction this was going to generate. Oh, yes, I forgot - part of your mission statement is "and make money."

For the record, I love "God Bless America" and welcome it being sung at a variety of public gatherings. I just don't like being manipulated.

Dennis Depcik

Buffalo Grove