DEAR ABBY: I’m divorced with a young son. My ex-husband and I share joint custody. My problem is that my ex is very bitter about our divorce. He makes derogatory comments to me in front of our son and others.
My ex is the editor of a small newspaper and is now making disparaging comments about me in his column. He won’t print a rebuttal. The abuse continues, but now the audience is wider. Is this ethical journalism, and how can I put a stop to it?
— Frustrated Ex
DEAR FRUSTRATED EX: Using a newspaper column to continue a personal vendetta over a failed marriage is not ethical journalism. You do not have to tolerate his public sniping. Take the offensive clippings to your lawyer and ask him or her to write a strong letter to the publisher of the newspaper — because THAT’S who will be liable if there are grounds for a lawsuit.
DEAR ABBY: I have recently learned about a campaign that was launched in England. It urges people to store the word "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in their cellphone address book, along with the phone number of the person you would want contacted.
It’s such a simple idea, but it could be extremely helpful in an emergency situation. If you agree the idea is worthwhile, please mention it in your column and help to get this initiated in the United States.
— Tanya F., Miami
DEAR TANYA: The idea is certainly worth considering. I would recommend that it be indexed under "Emergency Contact" rather than an obscure heading such as "ICE." n
