- Yes, victim impact statements are part of the equation.

and the fact that so many members of RFK's remaining family are adamantly opposed that could ultimately carry some sway.

But it's important to keep in mind that the victim's views are just one piece of this much larger puzzle, a puzzle that's more art than science.

So here are some of the factors I think that augur in favor of Sirhan's release.

He's been in prison for more than 50 years, he owned up to the crime.

He admitted to doing it albeit under the influence of alcohol.

He apparently hasn't committed a serious disciplinary infraction in prison since 1972, and now at the age of 77, he's statistically unlikely to pose much of a safety threat to anyone.

I'm not saying he should be released just that those are some of the factors that the board may have relied on.