Art does not excuse rape!
I personally grew up knowing through 'arty aunts' and I'm sure that some of you were at least aware of the fact that this brilliant director named Roman Polanski could not work in the USA for fear of being arrested for the rape of a 13 year old girl in the 70's. A crime he has admitted to, but has never faced justice for, until now.
The law has caught up with him and suddenly a petition sprung up on line (signed by many celebs including Harvey Wienstien, Debra Winger, and Woody Allen) to get him released and forgiven.
My argument is this...
Yes Roman Polanski is brilliant at what he does professionally, many of his movies have genuinley moved me. BUT he has admitted to raping A CHILD! and though I do not question that professionally he is a master of his craft, maybe even a genious on occasion, he should be subject to the same laws as everyone else. Does the child (now woman) he raped back in 78 give a shit that he made an awesome Macbeth? I doubt it.
If he goes free based on who he is it makes a mockery of all western justice systems, systems which too many are already doubting.
If you agree with anything in the post I ask you to please sign this petition http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/art-does-not-excuse-rape-polanski-must-face-justice
Thankyou!
news paper article http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lopez30-2009sep30,0,4549479.column