O.J. walked, justice worked

As I listened to America's response to the O.J. verdict, I began to wonder what ever happened to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Does that apply to everyone, or just some people?

To me, it seemed like a lot of white people were angry and frustrated at the justice system because it didn't work for them this time.

It frightens me as an African American woman to think that there are still some people in the society who would convict a man even if there is a reasonable doubt.

There were many white people on television, on the radio and in the newspapers who said the jury's decision was unfair. But according to the jurors, there was plenty of reasonable doubt -- and that's all that is required to acquit.

Based on this, I believe the system worked.

From my point of view, there was reasonable doubt. Given the possibility that the evidence was moved, contaminated or planted, I don't think I could have given a guilty verdict either.

However, I don't believe the jury was saying O.J. was innocent. I believe they were saying, simply, that there was reasonable doubt to set him free.

Would it make things better had O.J. been convicted even with the possibility that evidence was planted? Some might say yes. My question then becomes WHY? Is it because it takes another black man out of society and puts him behind bars?

Often, black people see friends and loved ones imprisoned; sometimes for legitimate and sometimes for unjust reasons. A lot of black people, black men in particular, feel disillusioned with the justice system and realize that once they're in the system, there's practically no way out.

It is a fact that black men are incarcerated at a faster rate then their white counterparts. Where's the justice in that?

Most white people are upset that some black people are celebrating O.J.'s acquittal. But from where I sit, I believe black people are not happy that Nicole and Ron are dead. I think those black people were celebrating because they saw a black man go free. That doesn't happen too often in this society.

I'm not saying two wrongs make a right. And I do not, by any means, advocate domestic violence, but I just want to point out a few things to those people who might not understand why some black people were celebrating O.J.'s acquittal.

[ Golden Gater Online October 17, 1995 ]

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