Stanley Williams
* Re “San Quentin Death Row Inmate a Nobel Nominee,” Nov. 19: Though I commend former gang member Stanley “Tookie” Williams on his efforts to reduce youth violence and for the way he has turned his life around, I still do not believe he should have been eligible and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Williams, founder of the brutal Crips gang, was convicted of killing four people in 1981, which should have disqualified him for the award. An individual’s entire life should be taken into consideration when nominating him for this prestigious award, not just a portion of his life.
His nomination is an affront to the families of the four people he murdered. If he does win the award, any monetary prize should be given to these families.
KENNETH L. ZIMMERMAN
Huntington Beach
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* Reading of Williams’ evolution over the years from gangbanger-killer to nonviolence activist must be mind-boggling to those believing that human nature is essentially unchangeable. But it occurs to me that were that initially great sinner who became St. Augustine living today in California, he would very likely find himself facing “25 to life” under our benighted three-strikes law. Isn’t it about time to reconsider our draconian laws and parole policies?
HORACE GAIMS
Los Angeles
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