There seems to be no discernible resonance in policy as to the global glitterati’s sphere of influence. “The line is different for everybody and would satisfy no one,” reverberates the glaring response within the overview of a media-exploitive culture.

Ironically, the Tracy Press’ serendipitous attempt (Cheri Matthews’ Editor’s Notes column on Saturday, “Darts cause commotion online”) further demonstrates the formula for a conundrum dichotomy (when, during a computerized comment-functionary, its SolutionsIC server the 800-pound gorilla in the room under a firestorm of data transmissions) while dealing with the written confluence about a recent vehicular tragedy on Lowell Avenue, known as “the accident at West High.”

Not only did it create a giant mechanical glitch, it also served to polarize the public’s account of media intervention concerning what many feel are private matters.

Perhaps it’s not surprising that those who condemn the media as merely “liberal Web sites” see this as another irresponsible attempt (remember, nothing sells like death and carnage) to shape and define the court of public opinion while contemporaneously attracting potential “surfers” or future subscribers.

The other side proclaims its right at media transparency to expand logistic capabilities under the guise of free-trade marketing and freedom of expression posturing techno-logs as viable self-help agencies in an era where instant messaging may replace your mother’s therapist.

However, reaching deep into the anonymous abyss of the masses (myself included) too often becomes less about the actual incident and more about settling personal and political scores. Enter the blame game.

For example, many local slow-growth idealists blame the lack of infrastructure as a direct contributor to the percentage of vehicle accidents occurring seemingly at a rate far too high for a city of Tracy’s size. Others argue the lack of police patrols or availability of emergency services underscores the demographics in a town of more than 80,000 people. Moreover, criticisms surround public officials for not having the particular insight and forward-minded thinking to see into the future or be able to predict the ongoing problems of rapid growth.

Conversely, none of this is intended to minimize the importance of parental skills or the ability to instill a sense of self-control into a generation of teenagers living “in the extreme” or profundity of “Jackass sports” and a culture whose mantra is “instant gratification!” Moreover, when you live in an area whose only commodity is selling houses, it generally takes more than one income and little time for anything else to exist as a family.

Back to my original query: At what point does the media have the ethical or legal propriety to furnish public response lines as an expression of action and concern by and for the use of private citizens

My personal experience arrived with the Tracy Press’ Jan. 10 account (“Two stabbed in Yasui Park fight”) of when my son was accosted while attempting to come to the aid of a friend. Yet, until now, out of respect for privacy, I somehow managed to overcome any psychological duress to go public.

Apparently, we are all in the business of making and selling news.

Kurt Vosburg, a rural Tracy small businessman, is among a group of local Town Crier columnists.