Fairness Issue in Simpson Case

* Re “D.A. Meets With Black Leaders on Fairness Issue,” July 20:

Once again, I am outraged that a few so-called (and I use that term politely) representatives of the black community in Los Angeles are given major front-page coverage. I’m referring to the article on fairness with regard to O.J. Simpson. As a victim of spousal abuse--and unlike many women, I was fortunate enough to be able to leave after the very first incident--I am appalled that the issue of spousal abuse has taken a back seat to the issue of racial justice.

Many members of the black community (both living and dead) have worked long and hard, striving to be judged competent and worthy without regard for the color of their skin. It is a sad day indeed, when there are those in the black community who would use the very thing that kept us on the “outside looking in” for so long as a shield and/or excuse for criminal acts. The saddest thing of all, though, is that two people are dead, one of whom, Nicole Brown, suffered violence from her husband (as do many women, black and white), and that neither our police nor our courts, when presented with the opportunity, did anything in their power to prevent the ultimate violence, murder.

ANNTOINELLA WILKIE

Van Nuys

* I was very disturbed after reading the July 10 article about black sentiment over the O.J. Simpson case. I consider myself a socially aware African American, but obviously I have overlooked something if a growing number of blacks are crying “racism” in the way in which O.J. is being “tried” and showcased by the media.

Yes, I too agree that the international press has covered this case ad nauseam. But to call it racist has gone too far. Simpson’s race has nothing to do with anything in this matter.

This case is all about celebrity, wealth and intrigue. Any high-profile celebrity of any race would get the same type of press coverage. Especially when the case has all the intriguing elements of a Hollywood suspense blockbuster: a grieving widower who is also the sole suspect, his alleged suicide attempt, a televised freeway chase, not to mention an emotion-charged, gavel-to-gavel courtroom showdown between high-powered attorneys.

I want true justice for everyone involved--Nicole Simpson, Ronald Goldman and O.J. Simpson. I hope O.J. is proved innocent or guilty on specific, uncircumstantial evidence.

CLARENCE BROWN

Diamond Bar