As anyone who knows me can attest, I watch way too much television. Even while I’m working I have the TV on in the background. I could be watching old sitcoms or my soap opera… and of course PCN and CSPAN. In the age of TIVO I can even watch a few shows at the same time while surfing the net and such.

A little over 20 years ago I was doing the same thing, I was a teenager home from school, reading the paper and watching television. I had recently developed an interest in politics, and was following the scandal involving the State Treasurer’s office.

What transpired on that day was sad and amazing. As I recall, I watched the press conference on TV, expecting PA State Treasurer R. Budd Dwyer’s resignation. Instead, I was a witness to his public suicide and something that changed my perception of political personalities.

Dwyer, who was facing a prison sentence with a maximum of 55 years, was convicted for accepting bribes, called a press conference the day prior to his sentencing. Many in the room expected Dwyer announce his resignation as State Treasurer. Instead, Dwyer read a brief statement, passed out three sealed envelopes, and then pulled out a .357 Magnum and committed suicide in front of a room full of people and television cameras. Several television stations aired the incident. Due to a January snowstorm, many children were home watching television during the time and witnessed the incident. Over the years, the Dwyer suicide and how it was handled has become a topic in journalism and communications schools.

I invite you to watch PCN’s panel discussion focusing on PA State Treasurer R. Budd Dwyer’s public suicide featuring three reporters who were there and witnessed the fateful incident that day. I applaud PCN for a excellent reporting of the story and a graceful treatment of this traumatic event.