(Untitled)

[kateorman]

Surely it's up to a court to determine whether Roman Polanski ought to face punishment, not up to his powerful friends nor public opinion. If he deserves leniency for one reason or another, then a sentencing judge will take that into consideration.

Comments

[karjack]

You would think so.

I am sorely disappointed in the people who have signed the petition asking for leniency, and especially Whoopi Goldberg for commenting that it 'wasn't rape-rape' whatever that means.

[kateorman]

Presumably she means it wasn't forcible rape. Of course, a judge would take that into consideration when passing sentence.

[karjack]

I suppose that's what she means, though it _was_ forcible rape, so I have no idea where she's getting the notion it wasn't.

Maybe it's a case of 'but I know this guy and he's not a monster' without people realizing that monsters don't commit these crimes: people do. Yes, even people we know and have worked with, who might be charismatic, talented, and just so gosh darn nice. While all of those things may be true, none of them excuse the crime.

[hnpcc]

What you said. He drugged and raped a 13 year old.

Just because he makes great films and had some terrible things happen during his life doesn't change that.

[lotus79]

YES.

[hnpcc]

I assume you've probably already seen this, but just in case Feministing has a round up of posts about Polanski. I particularly liked Kieran Healy's point of view.

[kateorman]

No, I hadn't - thanks!

[infinitarian]

Word.

[pbristow]

Possibly useful counter-petition (to the Pro-Polanski petition): http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/599143029