Punishment for Crimes committed by Government Officials

[BigBallinStalin]

Yeah, I do like equality before the law, but politicians and their friends do not--dare I say, even judges and their friends, so problem unsolved. What do?

[thegreekdog]

Yeah, I do like equality before the law, but politicians and their friends do not--dare I say, even judges and their friends, so problem unsolved. What do?

Punch them in the face?

Elect Barack Obama?

Join System of a Down ("We're gonna build a prison!" and "Mandatory... minimum... sentences!")?

Elect Mitt Romney?

Let's do a poll.

[TA1LGUNN3R]

The problem with the charging "celebrities" imo is a bit absurd and avoiding responsibility. If, to take the example of Ms. Lohan, we were to charge her with additional charges because she influences young pre-teens, I'd say we need to look to our parenting if the parents allow that kind of full mind-control from a celebrity. Ms. Lohan is an individual, and if she wants to go out plastered and drive, then that's her choice and in that respect she's no different than anybody else. She should pay the price Joe Everyman does. But to charge her extra is ridiculous because everybody should be responsible for their own actions, not the actions of somebody she'll never meet.

Imo it would become quite a confused jumble if we were to charge celebrities with additional abuse of power or influence because (1) of what I mentioned above, and (2) even if one were to disagree with (1), then how does one judge how much influence a celebrity has? Does Ms. Lohan have more influence than some other actor/singer/do-nothing? Do we rate these based on earned income, ratings, whatever TMZ says?

Quite ridiculous.

-TG

Again, I'm not sure we're at the point where Ms. Lohan is receiving the same punishments as Joe Everyman. And that doesn't help your argument.

Again, I'm in no way arguing that celebrities shouldn't receive the same punishments. They absolutely should. I merely responded to the assertion that celebrities should receive greater punishment than the average person simply because they're, like, omg famous. Anyway, BBS summed it up nicely.

-TG

[thegreekdog]

The problem with the charging "celebrities" imo is a bit absurd and avoiding responsibility. If, to take the example of Ms. Lohan, we were to charge her with additional charges because she influences young pre-teens, I'd say we need to look to our parenting if the parents allow that kind of full mind-control from a celebrity. Ms. Lohan is an individual, and if she wants to go out plastered and drive, then that's her choice and in that respect she's no different than anybody else. She should pay the price Joe Everyman does. But to charge her extra is ridiculous because everybody should be responsible for their own actions, not the actions of somebody she'll never meet.

Imo it would become quite a confused jumble if we were to charge celebrities with additional abuse of power or influence because (1) of what I mentioned above, and (2) even if one were to disagree with (1), then how does one judge how much influence a celebrity has? Does Ms. Lohan have more influence than some other actor/singer/do-nothing? Do we rate these based on earned income, ratings, whatever TMZ says?

Quite ridiculous.

-TG

Again, I'm not sure we're at the point where Ms. Lohan is receiving the same punishments as Joe Everyman. And that doesn't help your argument.

Again, I'm in no way arguing that celebrities shouldn't receive the same punishments. They absolutely should. I merely responded to the assertion that celebrities should receive greater punishment than the average person simply because they're, like, omg famous. Anyway, BBS summed it up nicely.

-TG

I agree with both you and BBS. I'm merely pointing out that because celebrities and politicians don't currently receive the same punishments as Average Joe, it is not unreasonable for Average Joe to demand increased punishment of celebrities and politicians.

[PLAYER57832]

I agree with both you and BBS. I'm merely pointing out that because celebrities and politicians don't currently receive the same punishments as Average Joe, it is not unreasonable for Average Joe to demand increased punishment of celebrities and politicians.

A tad on tangent, but I remember thinking when OJ was on trial "where are the black football stars and white models in the jury", if this is truly a jury of "peers". Among other results, I am sure the trial would have been over a LOT more quickly!

[Lil_SlimShady]

The problem with the charging "celebrities" imo is a bit absurd and avoiding responsibility. If, to take the example of Ms. Lohan, we were to charge her with additional charges because she influences young pre-teens, I'd say we need to look to our parenting if the parents allow that kind of full mind-control from a celebrity. Ms. Lohan is an individual, and if she wants to go out plastered and drive, then that's her choice and in that respect she's no different than anybody else. She should pay the price Joe Everyman does. But to charge her extra is ridiculous because everybody should be responsible for their own actions, not the actions of somebody she'll never meet.

Imo it would become quite a confused jumble if we were to charge celebrities with additional abuse of power or influence because (1) of what I mentioned above, and (2) even if one were to disagree with (1), then how does one judge how much influence a celebrity has? Does Ms. Lohan have more influence than some other actor/singer/do-nothing? Do we rate these based on earned income, ratings, whatever TMZ says?

Quite ridiculous.

-TG

Again, I'm not sure we're at the point where Ms. Lohan is receiving the same punishments as Joe Everyman. And that doesn't help your argument.

Again, I'm in no way arguing that celebrities shouldn't receive the same punishments. They absolutely should. I merely responded to the assertion that celebrities should receive greater punishment than the average person simply because they're, like, omg famous. Anyway, BBS summed it up nicely.

-TG

I agree with both you and BBS. I'm merely pointing out that because celebrities and politicians don't currently receive the same punishments as Average Joe, it is not unreasonable for Average Joe to demand increased punishment of celebrities and politicians.

Maybe its just my wishful thinking that those in a position of power, whether political or otherwise, will finally bear the responsibility that comes with their social status. After all, they get to enjoy all the perks. So, no, they are not average joes and should be held to a higher degree.

[BigBallinStalin]

I agree with both you and BBS. I'm merely pointing out that because celebrities and politicians don't currently receive the same punishments as Average Joe, it is not unreasonable for Average Joe to demand increased punishment of celebrities and politicians.

I almost wanted to agree with you about this, but 'the masses' shouldn't have such control over punishments. Otherwise, we get poor outcomes, e.g. disproportionate punishment against young people who possess <1 gram of marijuana. Some of the issue stems from mass elections of judges, so... it's a real difficult issue that isn't my specialty.