Jail? But I’m Rich!

In America, nobody is treated better than a celebrity, this is a known fact. Another known fact is that if you are famous and you commit a crime, chances are you get slapped on the wrist, have to do a PSA condemning what you did, and go into some sort of rehabilitation. If you are a regular citizen, unless you can afford to fork over thousands of dollars in attorney fees, you get a Public Defender and handcuffs slapped on your wrists as they escort your ass to your cell.

What has America come to these days? We live in a country where more people know about Jon and Kate and their eight shithead kids than they know about important current events like the elections in Iran. We have an insatiable thirst for celebrity gossip and drama. And you wonder why over half the world’s population hates us? You wonder why there is a Jihad on Americans? That is a whole different story, but what I’m getting at is how disgusted I am with famous people commiting crimes and getting away almost scott-free.

Take hip-hop artist T.I. for instance; already a convicted felon, and unable to vote or own a handgun, he handed one of his bodyguards a little over $10,000 in cash to buy automatic weapons and silencers. his bodyguard ended up purchasing these from an undercover agent, and was turned into an informant. T.I. was busted soon after and they found a gun in nearly every corner of his house, as well as his vehicles.

This happened in 2007, and since then he has had an MTV special where he talks to kids about crime, gangs, and drugs. Nevermind thats how he has made his fortune; making albums about selling drugs and gangbanging. Do you think he would have had that show if he didn’t get busted? If it was any other gangster on the street, they would’ve recieved a rather large prison sentence, along with monetary penalties (which they can never actually pay) and years of probation afterwards. Now, T.I. did serve some time under house arrest, and was allowed to perform and do his show for MTV, but now he only has to serve one year in prison. ONE YEAR for multiple counts of illegally attempting to purchase weapons (illegal weapons and silencers to boot). I’m sure he needs security and protection, but if you are a millionaire, hire some real bodyguards who have the right (and the proper documentation!) to own and posses a firearm.

Moreover, Donte Stallworth was sentenced to 30 days in jail for vehicular manslaughter (and he was drunk). The family said they just want to put this tragedy behind them and move on. This is mostly due to a monetary settlement Stallworth paid the family (amount unknown). The NFL Commissioner has suspended him indefinately, which I applaud him for, since the legal system didn’t do shit. After his sentence, he will be placed under two years of house arrest and eight years’ probation, as well as a lifetime suspension of his driver’s license (with the possibility of having an occupational to drive to and from work).

I will say that I applaud Mr. Stallworth for remaining at the scene of the crime and dealing with his situation like a grown man instead of driving off. Aside from that, I do believe he should serve the full 15 years he was facing. We need to start making serious examples of celebrities when they commit crimes. Money really does talk when it comes down to it.

I’m not even going to give Chris Brown any more attention other than the fact that he beats women and we should let Rihanna kick his ass for good measure.

The only real justice that was served was in the case of Bernie Madoff, who in my opinion should just be shot and hung on Wall Street as a reminder to those who let greed get the best of them. Maybe we need to rally for more serious punishments, or just equal punishments, for those celebrities who think they are above the law just because they throw a football for a living, or make a few records. They don’t deserve anything short of a real punishment and a swift kick in the nuts.

Share and Enjoy: