Second Opinion / COMMENT FROM OTHER MEDIA : THE SENTINEL : ‘Trial Next Time’ Will Hit Closer

Soon, and very soon, the city will emotionally and physically gear up for the state trials of the young men accused of beating trucker Reginald Denny at the corner of Florence and Normandie avenues last April 29. No doubt the media will again fan the flames of emotion. It’s sort of like the old saying: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again . . . “

Let us not be caught up in the media hype. It is important that we continue to exercise the good common sense that we (exercised) during “the trial this time.” In July, “the trial next time” will hit closer to home. Many of us know the defendants, or certainly know young black men like them. The two-tier justice they’ve experienced since all this began has had an effect upon all of us. Virtually all of us have experienced--or know someone who has experienced--double-standard treatment at the hands of Southern California’s criminal justice system. It is going to take all that many of us have to exercise restraint. But exercise restraint we must.

There are those among us ready to stoke the flames of emotion for their own selfish reasons.

Don’t fall for it. Let’s continue to keep peace in the ‘hood.