Feedback: Still reacting to the O.J. verdict, and continuing the ‘Trek’ debate

Reaction to O.J. Simpson verdict

Regarding “O.J. Stirs Actor’s Feelings as Well” [April 10]. I have been intrigued by the resurgence of the O.J. trial in all its forms, from the FX series to reality shows covering the double homicide and the succeeding televised trial. It was an alarming incident that captivated our interest. Equally alarming is Cuba Gooding Jr. stating he held a party at his home when the verdict was read and not caring if O.J. did it or not, that it was a victory for them. There are no victors when a murder occurs. We are all victims.

Kurt Bonzell

Northridge

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O.J. stirred a lot of feelings but not all for reasons people think.

I was teaching high school when the verdict came in and one of my 10th grade boys said, “I wanted to go to Compton and riot tonight.”

Doreen Lorand

Downey

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Cuba Gooding Jr. said he had a gathering at his home when the verdict was rendered back in 1995 and “We were excited, screaming, we didn’t care if he did it or not. It felt like a victory for us.” Please tell me this is a misprint.

Gary Calame

Burbank

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Cuba Gooding Jr. stated he and the gathered people at his home cheered when the O.J. verdict was announced.

This country has come a long way in bringing races together and granted we still have work to do but this kind of incendiary comment certainly adds fuel to the fire rather than putting out any flames.

David L. Hardison

Murrieta

A refresher on criminal law

Regarding: “A Voice for the Defense” [April 5]. I owe Marcia Clark a debt of gratitude.

After practicing criminal defense law for over 40 years, 32 of which were spent as a deputy public defender in Los Angeles, I now know that I am “morally ambiguous.” I have more “creative freedom” than the prosecutors, and all I need is a “defense that works.” “It doesn’t have to be the truth.”

Perhaps Clark should dust off her constitutional law book and take a look at the fundamental rights afforded anyone charged with a criminal offense. There is also the concept known as the presumption of innocence, which puts the burden of proof on the prosecution to prove that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The prosecution doesn’t win, it merely meets its burden of proof. And defendants don’t lose, they are found guilty if and only if the prosecution meets its burden of proof.

But how would I know? I am “morally ambiguous” and given to not telling the truth.

David Carleton

Burbank

More notes on ‘Trek’ debate

It’s been an interesting chain of letters. First, Nicholas Meyer wrote [“Feedback,” April 3] suggesting that Alexander Courage’s “Star Trek” theme (1966) was borrowed from Robert Farnon’s title music for the 1952 film “Captain Horatio Hornblower.” Then, the following week [“Feedback,” April 10] Richard Arnold correctly pointed out that only three or four notes are the same, thereby dismissing any suggestion of plagiarism or derivative writing. Meyer referred to Robert Farnon as an Englishman. Actually, Farnon was born in Canada and moved to England in his middle years where he had a very successful career as a first rate arranger.

Richard R. McCurdy

Burbank

A pipe organ show to catch

I was stunned that Mark Swed’s article [“Super Sonics,” April 12] did not mention the largest church pipe organ in the United States, at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles.

The half hour concert by Christopher Bull before Sunday’s service is a joy, and he plays classic as well as modern pieces.

Meg Quinn Coulter

Los Angeles

Not taking this coarse ‘Detour’

Regarding the review of the “The Detour” on TBS [April 12]. Robert Lloyd generally seemed to like the premiere, albeit with some mixed feelings. I did not see the show, nor will I ever. According to Lloyd, “The Detour” has some of the best vomit scenes ever and some humor about diarrhea and urine. I guess you can’t go wrong with jokes about hilarious bodily discharges. Of course, there are the obligatory sexual references by precocious tweeners, in this case 11-year-old twins. Such is the writing served up in much of today’s TV. Are the people who like this fare the same ones who complain about the coarseness of Donald Trump? Just asking.

Ken Grow

Newbury Park