Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 4 November 1995 — Page 3

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1995

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A3

Opinions

Why does he have to be guilty?

Compelling,

overwhelming and credible, among others, are adjectives used to

describe the

prosecution’s case against football legend O.J. Simpson. My adjectives, among others, are trumped up, unbelievable and

unreliable.

Further, it is simply appalling that this man, acquitted by a jury of his peers, remains under constant scrutiny. His every move seems to be monitored by sleazy papparazzi and lurking tabloid reporters. Is there no privacy somewhere in his future? Indeed, the grisly murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman have not been forgotten nor will they ever be. But, while all attention shines on O.J., the real perpetrators remain free and unsuspected. What is disheartening and injustice-like, is that Marcia Clark, Christopher Darden and the entire Los Angeles prosecution team focused entirely on O.J., and never pursued any other leads or suspects. And, when-the likes of former detective Mark Fuhrman and his merry band of crooked cops — he certainly did not act alone — could not produce genuine evidence, they created their own. Their talents would have been better used in other areas, the theater, perhaps. I vividly remember the negative reactions and comments of many around the world soon after the verdict was read: “I have no faith in the justice system.” “How could they (the jury) possibly reach a verdict in such little time?” “I am shocked, considering all the evidence against him.” I am shocked and dismayed that these people saw “color” and not justice. To them, it was nothing more than a witch hunt, not a trial. But, rather than burning at the stake, Simpson walked out a free

man.

I deeply sympathize with the Brown and Goldman families. The voids in their hearts can never be filled. There are two small, beautiful children without a mother, two sets of parents without one of their children, and siblings and other family members without a loved one. However, there is also a man who will never see his wife again. A wife who bore his children and one he surely loved. A reasonable doubt is all that is required to render a “not guilty” verdict. In this case, there was a mountain of reasonable doubt and a mole hill of evidence, planted evidence. And, for those who believe O.J. is guilty, know that if he is, he will be judged by a power greater than any of this earth. But, remember, we must stand before Him, too.

WRITING TO THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

The Indianapolis Recorder encourages short, concise letters to the editor and opinion articles from the public. Letters and opinion articles will be used at the editor's discretion and are subject to editing. We will not guarantee publication of material received. We cannot guarantee dates of publication. Letters containing libelous or untrue statements will not be published. All letters and opinion articles must include a verifiable full name, address and telephone number. This Information will not be published at the request of the writer. Letters and articles should be typed but will be accepted If handwriting is legible.

The Indianapolis Recorder P.0. Box 18499 Indianapolis, IN 46218-0499

By ANNETTE L.

ANDERSON

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Diversity differs from affirmative action

Affirmative action. It’s a topic that’s being debated in Congress, in civil rights organizations and in corporate offices throughout the nation. Regardless of what happens to specific government programs, however, corporate leaders must continue to promote the message that diversity works. It is not only a social issue. At Ameritech, we are convinced that diversity contributes to good business decisions and is vitally important to the economy. Diversity differs from affirmative action because it is more than a black and white or male and female issue. It is an inclusionary process that makes us more productive and create > a stronger team. Let’s not allow the debate and scrutiny of government affirmative action programs distract us from a constructive business agenda that invites everyone into the workplace. If a business is going to have competitive edge, then its leaders should take advantage of the strengths that come from a diverse workforce. Businesses can’t afford to exclude a major portion of available skills. It only makes sense that we can better serve our diverse customers with an equal!} diverse workforce. I am especially encouraged by what we have been able to accomplish at Ameritech. Our company’s preparation for the future includes diversity as a BltKk-on-Black crime deserves more serious response I write this letter in search of an answer for a question that I find rather disturbing. What is the value of life? The reason that I remain without an answer is people are dying today for the most menial reasons. Another life was taken recently because some persons wanted the car that Mr. Edward “Dobie” White was driving. I am puzzled by this incident because it shows that, to some, life is of no value. That no matter how good a person one might be, it sometimes is all for naught. Having been bom and raised as a member of the African American race, it pains me much when I read about a life being taken by another member of our race for such senseless reasons. I grew up with a desire for many material things, some I obtained, others I never possessed, but never once did I consider taking, robbing or stealing, much less taking the life of another person, in order to get what I wanted! I was taught to get out and work for what you want and if it was meant to be, then so be it. I do strongly believe that, when a murder of one member of our race is committed by another member, we are performing genocide or self-elimination. The persons responsible for taking a son, brother, husband, father, friend and so forth from us should receive the maximum punishment possible! Our justice system must treat a Black-on-Black crime in the same manner that it would treat an interracial crime. I had the pleasure of knowing this fine Black man and will always remember “Dobie” for all that he was. I hope and I pray that the recent Million Man March just might keep another brother from suffering such a horrible fate. George Fox

strategic business issue. That includes our strong commitment to diversity in staffing our organization. And it includes the bridges we are building across cultural, racial and social lines through new products that help people communicate. As further examples of our commitment to diversity, we sponsor the Ameritech Precollege Minority Engineering Program at the University of Notre Dame and contribute to the Purdue University Business Opportunity Program, which prepare minority students to enter the engineering field. And we work with Crossroads Rehabilita-

tion Center to ensure that we provide the necessary workplace accommodations for employees and job applicants with physical disabilities. In addition, Ameritech in 1W4 spent more than $100 million with small and developing businesses, including minority and women suppliers in our fivestate region. Based on our current progress, we expect to exceed that figure in 1995. We are also major supporters of many organizations that provide financial and management assistance to help developing businesses grow in all types of industries.

The business community has a responsibility to be visiblb promoters of diversity. As corporate leaders, we must point out the business advantages to others who would prefer to bury the issue. An inclusive economy is fundamental to social, political and community issues. Given this reality, it makes sense to seize the opportunity to build a climate of cooperation and inclusion throughout our state.

Kent A. Lebherz President, Ameritech Indiana

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