Gary Graham Execution

After reading Danny Glover’s commentary (“A Fervor to Kill in a Doubtful Case,” Aug. 8), I hope not too many people are fooled by his charges of racism.

Gary Graham admitted to committing 10 robberies, in which he shot four of his victims. The only reason he was not charged with murder in these instances is that fortunately his victims lived, which had nothing to do with Graham’s compassion or love for the human race.

In fact, one of his victims was shot in the neck, with the bullet traveling in such a direction, had it gone any other way it would have killed him. I am sure Graham did not foresee the path of the bullet, and in this circumstance, the intent was indeed murder.

The witness to the murder for which Graham has been charged is a black woman who has been constantly harassed after naming Graham as the murderer. She does not believe that her coming forward has anything to do with racism.

Glover states that Graham had a rough time growing up. Sad as that is, it cannot be a justification or used as an excuse to commit violent crimes.

I do not believe that this case has been handled in a racist manner. All people, black and white, should be apprehensive about a person like Graham being released back into society. While Graham writes beautiful poetry, I am sure that his victims would also be able to write some heart-wrenching prose, perhaps explaining what it is like to be attacked and what it is like to live in fear for the rest of their lives.

RUTH ANNE L. HAMILTON-MANN

Agua Dulce

* Glover wrote an intellectually dishonest piece. Glover opposes all capital punishment. He states that Texas should not execute Graham because: What if a new witness came forward; he is a victim of racism; he had bad parents who abused him; he did not receive a fair trial; he has reformed himself in prison.

Graham is a murderer who had a fair trial and is only a victim of his own predacious sociopathic tendencies. Texas will be safer without him.

CHRIS KNOX

Diamond Bar