I was a fan of the Washington City Paper for many years. I am a fan no longer. Your story on the Miss D.C. pageant (“Miss Appropriated,” 6/21) was irresponsible journalism at its worst. The author’s portrayal of Sarah-Elizabeth Langford as an unscrupulous opportunist was not only unprofessional, it was unethical. Langford is a third-year law student at Howard University School of Law and deserves your respect.

In the past, I admired the City Paper because it seemed to represent the heart of D.C. These days, however, it is only good enough to roll up and twist in a knot, to get the fireplace started.

The editor, author, and any other staff member who contributed to this article should be ashamed to put out such garbage. High school journalism has no place in the real world, with real, hardworking, and respectable adults.

Please grow up or shut up.

Westminster