The O.J. Verdict

Yes, I actually cheered when the judge sentenced O.J. Simpson for last year's armed robbery and related crimes in Las Vegas. I especially liked the part where the judge said that (I'm paraphrasing) at first, she couldn't decide if he was simply arrogant or ignorant but now she knows the answer. He's both.

The judge made it clear that both the jury that convicted him in this felony trial and her decisions in regard to sentencing had nothing to do with carry-over feelings from his murder acquittal 13 years ago. Maybe that is true. For the sake of our judicial system, I hope it is. All people deserve a fair trial.

When it comes to O.J., I've lost all reason and sense of fairness. I think he is a thug and a murderer. He has lived a life that includes sports hero worship, phenomenal financial riches, beautiful women and children. Yet, he is a destroyer --he destroyed families, including his own.

Shackled and smug at the same time, he asked the court for mercy. In some ways, he received it. He will serve a minimum of 9 years before chance of parole. He could serve up to 30-plus years.

I'm betting Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman begged for mercy too.

The Mom Finger Wag

Chances are you've been on the receiving end of the Mom Finger Wag. Odds are pretty good that you may have done it yourself. It's pointing your finger at a child while you're scolding or making a point. (My mom preferred the head thump.)

Our city has one east-to-west street that is renowned for crime. I swear every time I read of a murder or drive-by shooting, it's on (or near) this street. It's a major thoroughfare and lots of people travel it everyday. I use it but I'm also pretty cautious to make sure my doors are locked and I make eye contact with no one.

The other night, after leaving the dreadful "I killed a goat" party, my friend and I needed to be on this street for three blocks. We're chatting and laughing. At an intersection where she had the right of way, a group of young men almost ran the light.

She pointed and did the Mom Finger Wag.

I started screaming, "Are you crazy? People get killed for less than that!"

Then I became obsessed with looking behind us to make sure they hadn't turned around to follow us.

Obviously we are okay but for a while there, I was sure we were going to be the goat.