Heeeeey, she got back to me!
Hm, don't think I posted my e-mail to her:
Subject: Your article on Jeanne Assam's tainted past with the police...
I read your article in the Star Tribune (
http://www.startribune.com/local/12356581.html ) and would like some
clarification:
To me, it looks an AWFUL lot like you're stretched all the way back to
last decade to find some "dirt" on a honest-to-God heroine, in order to
detract from her heroic acts in stopping what could have been a complete
slaughter.
To others, it looks like you're showing that one can rise above past
mistakes, sometimes FAR above in her case...
In any case, I DON'T think it's accurate to call her a "security guard."
Guards tend to get PAID for their work. My understanding is that she
was just a regular citizen, a CIVILIAN if you will, with a
concealed-carry permit and an agreement with the Pastor that she could
carry in Church to protect the congregation?
Her reply:
Good point on the security guard issue. I'm actually not sure of the
answer to your question. She did work for a security agency that the
church hired. The church called her a security guard, but they also said
she was on volunteer security detail. Hmmmm. It's something to think
about if we write about this issue again.
As for your other comments, the only thing I tried to show was the
truth. It is presented in a straightforward, fair manner.
Best,
Amy