Lingering Doubt: Should O.J. Simpson be paroled from Nevada prison?

It's hard to believe that more than two decades have passed since America was enthralled by the O.J. Simpson saga.

In 1994, Simpson's ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ronald Goldman were brutally murdered. The football and film star went on trial but was acquitted. Many believed this was a miscarriage of justice and that he was indeed guilty. In 1997, a civil court awarded the victims' families more than $33 million in a wrongful death suit against Simpson.

In 2007, Simpson was arrested in Las Vegas. He was accused of numerous felonies having to do with charging into a hotel room and taking sports memorabilia by gunpoint. He was convicted and sentenced to 33 years, with parole eligibility after nine years, Many saw the long sentence as unjust and motivated by a sentiment that he "got away" with the double murder.

Now Simpson, 69, is eligible for parole and is expected to go before the Nevada board this summer. Observers say his age and and record of good behavior in prison mean he has a good shot. He could be out by October.

Supporters say he has more than paid a just price for the robbery and that keeping him in prison would amount to punishment for crimes for which he was not found guilty. Opponents say he was sentenced to 33 years, and he should do the time.

We want to know what you think. Should O.J. Simpson be released on parole? Or should he remain behind bars?

Send your response (50 words maximum) to [email protected] by Wednesday, May 31. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504 or drop it off at our office, 101 E. Broad St., Texarkana, Ark. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday's paper.

Last Week: Last week's question was about preserving the old buildings that make up Texarkana's rich architectural and cultural history. Would it be worth your tax dollars to help preserve those buildings? Or are efforts to save local historic structures just a waste of money?

 

From www.facebook.com/TexarkanaGazette

  • So, how do we save the history downtown? Downtown revitalization has to be predicated on attracting small businesses and light manufacturing that require little to no parking. Or, provide volume parking. Attract businesses that are willing to rehab old buildings while maintaining the original store fronts. A model for this is Old Town Alexandria in Virginia. Absent small retail business and light industry, downtown will die a slow and painful death like all cities.
  • History is important. If there is any way possible, we should try to save these buildings. It would be nice if there were a way to save them and help out our homeless veterans at the same time.
  • This generation may sacrifice to restore or preserve a building. The next generation may see structures such as the Kress Building as a symbol of capitalism at its worst. The building may then be torn down because it offends the sensibilities of some. Why make monuments to nothing? Humanitarianism is the only truly altruistic use of excess public funds.
  • If we don't make the necessary effort to save our historical buildings, then they will be lost forever. The history of a nation gives its people meaning, purpose, and vision for the future. Taking all of it away leaves a country listless and easily overturned.
  • The under-40 crowd has no clue as to what downtown once was. To the young generation, they hold no value. To the older generation, it's all just a faded memory of times gone by.
  • It is a sin and disgrace that the Kress Building was not saved.
  • Restore and reuse. There are so many homeless with no place to stay. Also put the beauty back in this town.
  • Really, they need to nuke the entire city.

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