Ask Elsa

Old?

Q A recent Sports headline, "The Old Woman and the Free," actually made me feel sick to my stomach. This headline is derogatory, opinionated and takes away pride and respect that this lady earned and deserved. Irene.

A I agree with you that the headline was not a good one. It was intended as a take-off on "The Old Man and the Sea," but you could have fooled me. Having said that, I don't think it was derogatory to refer to Dara Torres as old. She is old for an Olympic swimmer as the story says, the oldest American ever to swim at the Olympics. Her age is one thing that has placed in her so many headlines. That she can break records at age 41 is remarkable.

Wanted

Q Your "Wanted" display Monday was disproportionately African-American. Why is that?

A Law enforcement agencies provide the information for this regular feature, which spotlights people in the Lowcountry who are wanted for crimes. Editors have requested that the submissions be diverse to reflect the diversity of arrests. Some weeks are more so than others.

Well done

Q I'd like to compliment the paper on Ron Menchaca's story about a daughter bringing her father's remains home. It was beautiful — a moving piece. Terry.

A The story, which appeared in Tuesday's paper, told the story of Air Force Reserve Capt. William K. Mauldin who was killed during the Korean War. His daughter, Corinne Mauldin of James Island, searched for years to learn his story. Ron will be in Easley on Friday to report on his military burial.

Elsa McDowell, public editor, welcomes questions or comments about the paper's news coverage. Call 937-5626 or e-mail her at askelsa@postandcourier.com.