Wikipedia's most current definition of "Perp Walk" describes it as a "slang expression" for the "practice of intentionally parading an arrested suspect through a public place so that the media may observe and record the event."

It constitutes, by definition "intentional disregard for the privacy of a suspect." It is done, the definition continues, for many reasons, among them: "bolstering the image of law enforcement, to humiliate a suspect, both, or neither." It is , by definition, an act that requires a conscious affirmative decision.

No rule or regulation compels it.

In some cases, indeed, the practice has been deemed a violation of an accused person's constitutional rights. (In this country suspects are, after all, still innocent until proven guilty.)

There is, in my view, no excuse whatsoever for what appears to be the deliberate, gratuitous, mean-spirited, and unnecessary humiliation of my Editor in Chief that occurred on November 30 on the streets of Middleburg.

Her counsel contends, and I firmly believe, that the charges against her will not stand.

But, even if she were guilty (which by definition she is not) what possible excuse was there for arresting her at lunch time at a popular restaurant and parading her through the streets in front of her family, her friends, the Mayor, and the media.

Dee Dee Hubbard has, for thirty years, given far more to Middleburg than she ever received, or, in my view, ever expected to receive.

I know of no one with a bigger heart, who works harder, or longer, or for more people, places, or things in need, than Dee Dee Hubbard. Her work on behalf of the town and in support of suffering people and animals all over the world are cited elsewhere in this paper, and repeatedly in the records of the Town Government.

As an editor she is tough and testy and generous to a fault. She has faced down threats to her person as well as to her well being. One of her dogs is a blind orphan for goodness sake.

While one may quibble about what was supposedly "required by regulations" in the arrest and transport of Hubbard, in my view both the State Police and our own Chief were honor bound, and especially honor bound in this case, to exercise the prerogatives of command. For whatever reason (and none, other than "convenience" and "standard procedure" have been forthcoming) they apparently chose not to exercise those prerogatives or, worse, show any sense of judgment, justice, discretion, grace, or mercy at all.

While I am sure that over time some form of quibbling excuse will be offered in an attempt to "justify" these actions, such quibbling only adds to the disgrace. Was Hubbard dangerous? No. Was she a flight risk? No. Was the "public interest" in any way served by this? No.

Any effort to justify something so clearly wrong, in my view constitutes nothing more than a quibbling effort to save face. In my youth that was considered an honor offense.

Indeed, in my view the events of November 29 and 30 dishonor the State and the Town; dishonor the uniforms and insignia worn by those who truly protect and serve; and fly in the face of any sense of justice.

They are both a disgrace . . . and a sad disappointment.