Just read the article, referred to above,in which rapper LL Cool J was interviewed. I'll have to say that I was thoroughly unimpressed. The story of his childhood was indeed horrible; If only we could bring that father and stepfather to justice. But the fact is that the vast majority of people who have disadvantaged or abusive childhoods do not resolve it by engaging in violence against others. Even fewer make a career out of inspiring young people to violence. If the picture of him performing earlier this year was accurate, he still shows gang sign (the one rolled-up pant leg) when he performs, and he continues to make extremely violent movies. He never said he was sorry or expressed regret, except inasmuch as it appplied to his own life. Selfish? I don't know. It makes me think of all the former Russian communists who are now ready to be healers and bridges from east to west (rot in hell, Vladimir Posner). Sometimes saying you're sorry, or even being sorry, is just not enough.

Chet W.