Double Standards for the Famous

It's amazing when you read about how professional athletes, actors and the other super-rich social elite find themselves in legal trouble. It's not surprising to me anymore that they get caught doing or possessing something that's against the law, but rather that they get away with it. Maybe they don't go without penalty entirely, but their punishment pales in comparison to someone in the middle class. Why is that? Is it fair that because they have built up enough of a social status, they are no longer subject to appropriate sentencing? Rarely has a prominent figure been investigated, charged with a crime and then actually go to jail/prison. It could be as simple as a misdemeanor drug charge all the way up to a murder, yet if you're not well-known in our popular media, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.


Some NFL players have a tough time abiding by the law. The more alarming part about that story is that these arrests are only those that occurred after the Giants beat the Patriots in another surprising/entertaining Super Bowl. In a matter of six months, these guys have believed (and possibly continue to believe) they are above the law. The sad reality of this is that the majority of these players will not only face reduced sentencing off the field, but they will also retain their position on the team's roster. The majority of people like you and I would get little sympathy from a judge, lose their jobs and have difficulty finding another that will accept your criminal background.


In the NHL, players like Todd Bertuzzi and Dany Heatley are directly responsible for the end of two players' careers; in Heatley's case, it resulted in another player's death. In both cases, these players were given sentencing that, considering the circumstances, did not nearly fit the crime. Bertuzzi broke a man's neck in front of thousands of witnesses, Heatley killed a teammate because of reckless driving, and both of them were allowed to continue with their playing careers as if nothing ever happened. How can this be considered acceptable by any means? Oh yea...they're famous. Nevermind.


Here's one more sampling of those that also get similar privileges. Charlie Sheen is one of the best examples of preferential treatment. Many people know of his troubled past, both recent and earlier in his career. The problem is he is accepted by society as a screw-up, yet he has never had an issue finding work again. It could be argued that the more money he brings in, the more he is then licensed to break the law again. This can be said for Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan and any other over privileged diva, but they're not even worth a link to direct you to.

Charlie proves to us once again...WINNING!

All I'm saying is even the playing field. These people are showing us that they are not only untouchable, but also that their media presence gives them the right to repeat offenses. That's such a great example to set. I would ruffle a lot of feathers if I told everyone that Michael Vick and Plaxico Burress are not amongst this list of people. The only reason I feel they are not worth mentioning with these individuals is because they served their time. The judges in their cases did not take their cases lightly, and rightfully so. Each of them sat in prison, which is a lot more than you can say for the rest of these idiots. (Blogger's note: I hardly consider the time spent in jail enough for Lohan. Think of how many times she had a chance to get her act straight. Vick and Burress...zero tolerance. That's how it should be.)


Give these people what they deserve...give them a real lesson to be taught. Bubba and Mongo will show them a thing or two behind bars. Then see if they act out ever again. That, and they'll never drop soap again.


D.