What should the dialogue be?

'The news behind the gathering of the news is as big a story as the case itself. '

In all my years of reporting the news, I have never seen anything as insane as the Duke lacrosse rape case. Durham has become the home of journalists from every major news outlet in America. The Washington Duke Inn should be renamed "Rape Case Headquarters." The trucks and reporters camped out in front of the courthouse make it difficult to access the bus stop there. One angry transit customer yelled at reporters, "I've missed my bus three times this week because of you."

The news behind the gathering of the news is as big a story as the case itself. Reporters and producers roam the streets of our fine community in search of a new angle -- anything to separate them from the rest of the competition. It doesn't help that we are approaching ratings season, the time of year that has news directors begging for the sensational to boost those numbers.

The national media have done a fine job of ruining the already fragile reputation of Durham. Before the Duke case arose, city leaders were stewing over a commentary by Michael Skube in the Greensboro News and Record. Skube claimed that Durham is the one city in the state that the rest wished would go away. It was hard reading those words, but there was a bit of truth. After the burning of three crosses, a few bouts with the Board of Education and a load of scandals in city and county government, those of us who love Durham find it difficult proving the City of Medicine is one of the best places to live in America.

When Collin Finnerty, 19, and Reade William Seligmann, 20, were arrested and charged with first-degree rape, first-degree sex offense and kidnapping, the effort to lift the image of the city took a turn in the wrong direction. It didn't take long for journalists with no connection to Durham to mention the history of racial tension and poverty that has been the subject of public debate for as long as I can remember.

The story quickly shifted from the sad account of members of a lacrosse team and an exotic dancer who said she was raped to a heated conversation about all that is wrong with Duke University and Durham. The media and the public that have followed the story have forgotten what really matters -- these are young people. They have feelings. They have made mistakes, and they will suffer the consequences of their decisions for the rest of their lives.

This is not merely about what Duke University has done wrong. The impending trial should not be used to remind us of the effects of racism or the unfair advantages given those with white privilege. No one should use this time to promote his or her own agenda. Politicians should refrain from calling news conferences to prove to the world they are among the "who's who" of the city. All of the local wannabe community activists should avoid taking advantage of all those cameras and reporters across the city. This is not a time to be recognized and celebrated for being able to put a few words together in a sentence. All of the outside agitators should pack their bags and go back to wherever the sun set before they decided to help Durham with our community problem.

This is about young people -- ages 19 to 27 -- who will have their days in court. All of them are hurting, and we add to that pain whenever we make it about something different.