The Virginian-Pilot 
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, July 6, 1994                TAG: 9407060004
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A12  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   25 lines

WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE?

I've been shocked, intrigued and bewildered following the media's reporting of the O.J. Simpson story. I'll probably be questioning and searching for answers with the events leading to the trial and its verdict.

For me, O.J. was a hero, celebrity and gentleman. Yet I'm realizing O.J. is human with human frailties. This in no way excuses the seriousness of the allegations, the brutality of the crime nor its tragic consequences.

Regardless of whether you and I judge O.J. to be innocent or guilty, is the story about the judging or is it about the demon in O.J. and in all of us? Are we interested solely in sitting in judgment or are we willing also to be enlightened?

LANCE A. LAVENSTEIN

Virginia Beach, June 24, 1994 by CNB