Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 22 July 1995 — Page 3

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SATURDAY. JULY 22.199S

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAQE A3

Opinions 0J. Guilty EARL OFAR1 HUTCHINSON

Dismissed Black Simpson juror Michael Knox in his new book claims that his is “leaning toward a verdict of guilty.” At a vigil held for Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson on the first anniversary of their murder, a Black man gently put his arm arourul Fred Goldman, Ron’s father and assured him that he, and many other Blacks, think that “O. J. is guilty.” He and Knox are not isolated voices. Many African-Americans think that O.J. is guilty, but they are ignored by the media. Before the trial, CNN, Time Magazine, Newsweek and Los Angeles Times polls reported that whites believed the case against O.J. was strong. Forty-five percent of Blacks disagreed. The majority of whites said that he would get a fair trail. The majority of Blacks said that he wouldn’t. The case appeared to fling many Blacks and whites to separate planets that were in no danger of colliding. Newsweek pronounced the O.J. case a symptom of the deepening “racial divide over Simpson’s guilt or innocence.” They asked Blacks and whites, “Was O.J. framed?” Newsweek was appalled that a “staggering” sixty percent of Blacks agreed. But what was so staggering about that? Sixty percent was hardly an overwhelming majority, let alone represent a consensus of opinion among Blacks about the case. Still the media had its story line. Blacks thought he was innocent, whites throughout he was guilty. It fit nearly into the media image of a racially polarized America. In May, Newsweek asked Blacks and whites about Simpson’s guilt. Fifty-six percent of Blacks thought he was not guilty. Newsweek again declared that Blacks and whites were oceans apart in their view of Simpson’s guilt. But fifty-six percent hardly indicates anything approaching consensus on his innocence. The polls were always less a referendum among Blacks on O.J’s guilt that the criminal justice system, many did not believe that a Black man, even a wealthy and famous celebrity like O.J., could get a fair trail. This did not mean that they believed that he was incapable of committing murder. The media also did not look closely at its own polls. They found that a solid thirty to forty percent of Blacks publicly stated that O.J. was guilty. Privately, the numbers were even greater. Many Blacks I talked with about the case either had deep doubts about O.J’s innocence or said that it was “probable” he was guilty. Their reasons were: He had a terminal case of “jungle fever” obsession with Nicole. He was a spoiled and pampered athlete who couldn’t take rejection. He had a history of domestic violence, the DNA tests on the blood found in O.J.’s Bronco and at his estate were conclusive prove of his guilt. Others merely said it was O.J. because there was on one else. Many Blacks are not prepared to ignore the mountain of seemingly compelling circumstantial physical evidence and testimony the prosecution presented during the past six months. They are convinced that O.J. has strung the case out as long as he 1 >' has because he can afford a dream team defense, they believe that the average Black defendant without Simpson’s means would . ... have been convicted and sentenced long ago. Even before the prosecution neared the end, there was no noticeable sea change in Black opinion on the case. More Blacks were openly saying on Black (and non-Black) radio talk shows that Simpson was probably guilty. Unfortunately, many legal and media commentators missed most of this. They bought their own spin that Blacks were hopelessly blinded by racial loyalty toward a “brother.” they confidently predicted that the Black jurors would never vote to convict. There is no evidence Blacks will reflexively vote to acquit Black defendants out of racial allegiance. Blacks are aware that one in the jury box they are under greater public scrutiny to make sure that they don’t “lean” toward Black defendants. They listen intently and often put more emphasis on the evidence presented by prosecutors and the testimony of victims and the police than the defendants. Reporters and courtwatchers generally agreed that the Black jurors took copious notes when the prosecution presented its physical evidence and closely followed the testimony of the police and expert witnesses. They showed no signs of disinterest or hostility toward the prosecutors. From the start of the jury selection, Los Angeles County District Attorney Gil Garcetti was resigned that the jury would be predominantly Black. He swore that he was not concerned with race but rather that the jurors, “follow their oath to base their decision strictly on the law and the evidence.” Although the defense repeatedly charges that the prosecutors are trying to massage the jury in their favor, thee is no proof yet that they are systemically trying to eliminate the Blacks from the jury. Garcetti knows from experience that Black jurors will vote to convict Black defendants if the evidence is compelling and presented impartially. The jurors in the Simpson case are duty bound to honestly weigh all the evidence. If there is reasonable doubt they must acquit him. If there isn’t they must vote to convict. I am confident that will be the only standard that the jurors use. But many trail watchers are still convinced that the jury will deadlock solely because Simpson is Black. Even if that is true, it would mean that at least some of the Blacks on the jury would have to vote for conviction. It will not surprise me if they do. They were the silent minority among Blacks who bridged the “racial divide” on Simpson. The media ignored them, but they were there all along.

WRITING TO THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letter from "an Islamic knuckle head"?

Immediately following the eleven o’clock news July 7 on the John Gillis show (WIBC,) he and an unknown person were having a conversation. In the course of that conversation the name Cat Stevens came up and there was some interest as to what he is doing right now. At this time this unknown person said that Cat Stevens is now “an Islamic knuckle head.” Upon hearing this I listened further to heat what was meant by that erm. There was no further talk on

that subject which left me with the impression that his radio station believes that anyone who claims the Islamic faith must be a “knucklehead.” When I called the radio station and identified myself as a representavie of the Islamcic Center here in Indianapolis and expressed by concerns about an insult to the faith of over one billion people worldwide and tens of thousands in central Indiana, the person I talked to nonchalantly dismissed

my concern stating that he did not have time to discuss this. When I insisted that this is a serious issue I was direted to a Mr. Sterling. No one answered the phone so I left a voice message, as of today I have yet to receive a message or reply from him. Islam is the second most popular faith in the world having believers in all comers of the world. The Muslims in Indianapolis are hard working law abiding American citizens and wish not to be publicly

berated on the airways by people who have no knowledge of our faith. Ismil Abdul-Aleem Senior wonts to keep busy I write this letter to share benefits I have received from the Senior Community Service Employment Program of the American Association of Retired Persons with hopes that others might read it and be able to benefit as well. In the latter part of 19901 found myself unemployed. Being over age 55, I need something to do to supplement my income and keep busy. 1 have always been an active person. Knowing that jobs aren’t easy to come by at my age, I contacted the SCSEP/AARP. I was accepted into their program from training to leam new skills. It was a job for me and countless others I met that felt as I did. Meeting new friends, being intellectually stimulated and feeling needed are things money can’t buy. After I was assigned to work at Community of Greater Indianapolis as a receptionist.-After working in that capacity awhile, I advanced to adminisrtative assistant of the Foster Grandparent Program. This is a program which helps low-in-come individuals age 60 and over stay active. Foster Grandparents volunteer to work 20 hours a week and receive a small stipend and transporation allowance to give extra attention to children with disabilities and other special needs in hospitals, schools, family support centers and programs and homeles shelters. If any reader would like to have an experience like mine, I urge them call SCSEP/AARP at 634-6416. Gloria Butler

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