Letter to the Editor: Former Chronicle Publisher, Editor Speaks Truth to Power

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I am so saddened by the resignation of Michael Wagar, publisher for The Chronicle. Michael is a brave person who took many risks speaking truth to power. As editor, he and his staff printed a story they knew would create massive backlash in 2003. It was about a 14-year-old girl. She was feeling suicidal, so her mom decided to take her to her pediatrician. Her regular doctor was busy that day, so she went in to see his new associate. 

This doctor was so loving, so caring, so charming, and reassured her mom that he would help her get through this. He would call the girl frequently, and would make time for her outside of his office hours. Usually on a Thursday as he didn’t see patients on that day. This girl’s dream since she was 9 years old was to be a pediatrician. Her parents were so thrilled that this wonderful, caring doctor would be her mentor. That he was so concerned for this 14-year-old child’s mental well-being. And she seemed to improve for awhile. After about a year and half or so, the doctor changed the relationship into something sickening, something that would change the course of this girl’s life.  

I sometimes wonder what would have happened to that girl if things had been different that day her mom took her in to see her pediatrician. If that doctor had said “this sounds like depression, so let’s get her therapy first, and maybe add medications later if warranted.” After all, depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. 

What would that little, innocent, naive, suicidal girl, who had never even heard the word “grooming” — what would her life have been like if she had actually gotten help at 14?

So that went on until she left for college in 1982. It took a few years, but eventually this girl, now a young woman, would end up telling her parents the truth about her mentor.  



Speaking truth to power — that is what Michael Wagar and his staff did when they printed that story in 2003 about Isaac Pope. And yes, I am that 14-year-old girl.  

So Michael Wagar, thank you for your courage and integrity. I am certain you will be missed.

Jennifer O’Brien

Phoenix, Arizona