Now that this trial is over, Michael Jackson's is coming up, and this should make OJ's look rather tame.....Colin

I'm all for free speech, so that's cool. But on a personal responsibility thing, I just had to learn to hit the brakes. That's why I watched the coverage of this trial only very sparsely. It's too easy to manipulate a person by hiting their hot buttons, and there are a few we all share.

Based on that, I'm sure you guys are right and I think I agree with your assessment. Whether right or wrong, guilty or not, people would be easily swayed by their emotional response. It's pretty hard not to hate a guy that you think killed his pregnant wife just to have a fling. The whole thing could be done with photos and feelings.

It would be interesting to look at the ratio of inmates in general population killed as opposed to those on death row. Ten death row inmates killed in 12 years is 10 more than need be, but considering these are the most violent of offenders that does not sound abnormally high.

You're right; the news is the news, but the way it is reported is not reality. It is someone's view of reality. Everyone has an agenda. Am I cynical? Yes. With good resaon? Yes.

With regard to SS: I am 39 years old, and I don't expect Uncle Sam to be sending me a check every month when I retire. I am not counting on that money. Period. I worked in industry for a number of years and have seen too much waste in the private sector to rely on the government. So, after making money for others, my wife and I recently started our our investment company. It's very exciting, and the prospects are good.....Colin