Results tagged “America” from Birmingham Mail - Veron Graham

Strange as it might seem now, I used to think that OJ Simpson was not guilty of those infamous murders in 1994.

After watching a compelling US documentary several years ago, I was convinced that the killings were committed by one of the disgraced former American footballer's sons.

The in-depth psychological analysis of the killer's motive, down to the trajectory of the stab wounds, and the physical whereabouts of Simpson and his son at the time of the killings seemed to suggest that OJ was not the killer.

I began to think differently when Simpson planned to release the book, 'If I Did It,' a couple of years ago, a first-person fictional account of the murder, supposing had he actually committed them.

I must admit seeing him on TV the other day begging unsuccessfully for the judge's mercy after being convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping seemed like poetic justice. This is especially so when the US channel Fox News unearthed video footage of OJ bragging about hiding his valuables from the court to avoid paying compensation to families of the murder victims as ruled by the 1995 civil conviction.

What? Can you believe it?

I can't understand why someone who has so much going for them can throw it all away through extreme arrogance. OJ rose from humble roots to become the darling of the American media, with his good looks, impressive list of TV/ film credits and product endorsements to complement his record-breaking sporting career. Some even thought he could have run succcessfully for political office ... and we are talking about the 1970s here.

What is it about people like him who feel they can do what they like? Is it being a sportsman? Rising to such heights in a relatively quick time? Surely if someone rises from great hardship to great success, they would place greater value on making their accomplishments work for them?

I don't know but it's worrying in this day and age when so many want to find an ultra-quick route to fame and fortune.

It's sad to say but there has always been a consistent band of OJ-haters over the years, whether for his success or his apparent obsession with white women.

Whatever the rhyme or reason, OJ's fall from grace should stand as a lesson to all those wannabes as well as a whole host of arrogant celebrities who can't seem to stay on the straight and narrow.

What thoughts has the OJ saga stimulated in your mind?

The American presidential election seldom fails to hold my attention - since the 1980 Reagan v Carter clash - the first one I remember - up to the current Obama/Clinton/McCain battle, which have sent me furiously reading up on the previous ones!

I'd love to see Obama win it - a man of hope, inspiration, youth and vision. It's so refreshing to see his campaign proceed without going negative. I just can't take 'Hilarious' Clinton seriously - either as a person and particularly not as a president.

I've been aware of her since 1991 but I can't remember seeing her so much as crack a smile up until her campaign began. What, have her lips been sewn together all this time?!

I admire McCain, an ex-prisoner of war and a straight talker, however he seems to be cut from the same cloth as Bush - although this guy can read, string a sentence together and eat a bag of crisps without ending up in A&E!

Come on America, elect Barack because we Brits are forever copying you. Lord knows we need someone with fresh ideas and a positive, rational attitude to shake up the UK political scene.