The media is so predictable…
Just as it was twenty-five years ago, from yesterday morning and all throughout today, virtually every news media outlet on radio and TV (and I also assume in the newspapers, although I haven't seen any of them yet) have been abuzz with stories about my parole hearing. And it is no surprise, too, that because of either their ignorance to all the facts, or maybe because of their bias against me, some of the information they presented to the public was incorrect.
All the news I listened to on my radio, and then late, on the few TV channels I saw, said that my “bid” and “attempt” to get parole was denied. Yes, the board said, “Parole Denied.” This was a formality as they had to, by law, make an official decision for the record. However, the fact is, I was not trying to get out.
I knew before I went to yesterday's hearing, and so did the parole board, that I was not seeking release. For as I said in my March 25 letter to Governor Pataki, “For if and when I go to this hearing, it will only be to show respect to the parole board, to apologize and take responsibility for my criminal actions, and to basically tell them what I am now telling you that I do not deserve parole.” And this is exactly what I did!
I was saddened to see this “Summer of 77” hysteria back in full force. It hurt to hear these continuous reports about my “bid for freedom” when I made no such bid. How ridiculous. The reports, in this respect, were completely untrue.
D.B.
All the news I listened to on my radio, and then late, on the few TV channels I saw, said that my “bid” and “attempt” to get parole was denied. Yes, the board said, “Parole Denied.” This was a formality as they had to, by law, make an official decision for the record. However, the fact is, I was not trying to get out.
I knew before I went to yesterday's hearing, and so did the parole board, that I was not seeking release. For as I said in my March 25 letter to Governor Pataki, “For if and when I go to this hearing, it will only be to show respect to the parole board, to apologize and take responsibility for my criminal actions, and to basically tell them what I am now telling you that I do not deserve parole.” And this is exactly what I did!
I was saddened to see this “Summer of 77” hysteria back in full force. It hurt to hear these continuous reports about my “bid for freedom” when I made no such bid. How ridiculous. The reports, in this respect, were completely untrue.
D.B.