Apparently, this will be my new blog series. Every now and then I read or hear about current events that completely baffle me. My first installment was in reference to the NFL and the way it sanctioned players who have committed a crime.
The latest news story to cause me to scratch my head is in reference to Roman Polanski.
At first when it was on the news that he was arrested I didn't know enough about the story to react either way. Since then I have learned many details that have made me incredibly angry.
The facts:
- Roman Polanski drugged, raped, and sodomized a 13 year old girl in 1977
- Polanski has never denied these allegations and he plead guilty to unlawful sexual encounter with a minor
- He was evaluated in a mental hospital
- He fled the country prior to sentencing because he was afraid the judge would send him to jail instead of sentencing him to time served in the hospital
- He has been living in France ever since.
Polanski was arrested in Switzerland on Saturday where he was planning to attend the Zurich Film festival to receive an award.
Many in Hollywood are now supporting Polanski and calling for his immediate release. This is the quote from a fellow film-maker "He's a brilliant guy, and he made a little mistake 32 years ago".
What? A Little Mistake? Did I miss something?
This man drugged and raped a 13 year old girl. That makes him a pedophile and a sexual offender. Why should he be treated any differently. The fact that he is a Hollywood insider does not in any way absolve him from his responsibility.
Would there be a different opinion if he was a regular guy? Imagine if he was a minority or poor. Things would have turned out differently:
- A poor man would not have been able to afford a wonderful lawyer that helped arrange a plea bargain.
- A poor man would not have been able to afford to flea the country.
- If he did somehow manage to flea, no-one would be supporting him now following his arrest.
I am personally appalled by the double standard at play here. The fact that many actors, directors, and other celebrities have come out in support of this man makes me sick.
What he did was wrong. He potentially destroyed the life of this young girl and he needs to pay for this crime. The only person in this story that deserves our support is the young victim who has turned into a well adjusted woman despite the trauma that she experienced.
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Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh
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Stacey, well expressed! I'm with you -- we should ALL be held responsible for our actions no matter how much money we have.
Evening Stacey, Amazing that anyone would try to make this seem anything less than is is ! I've heard some of them defending this rapist and it makes my skin crawl.
Godd evening Stacy,
You are right this does make you scratch your head in wonderment! The facts are the facts. It doesn't matter who you are you do have to abide by out laws! It only makes common sense.
Stacey Ann,
Read Whoppie Goldberg's comments about it if you really want to be appalled. The man should be in jail, period.
Rich
Stacey - Just because 32 years have gone by doesn't mean the facts have changed over that time.
Shocking it is Stacey. The young who are abused will carry the scars for their whole lives and the abusers should not be forgiven for it.
Stacey-Ann - yes, there is a double standard and it goes beyond rich and poor.
The more I read about this story the more angry I become. Rich - you are right, Whoopie Goldberg's comments are appalling.