A Voice in the Wilderness In Defense of "Mere Conservatism"

Dennis Prager on the Roman Polanski Affair

The story of Roman Polanski's statutory rape of a 13 year old girl 30 years ago has always bothered me.  Let me first say that I love movies and film in general, and have thoroughly enjoyed some of Mr. Polanski's work (Chinatown and The Pianist).  But I remember the day in college that I learned of Polanski's heinous sexual crimes and have never been able to shake the feeling that something was wrong with an industry (Hollywood) that so honored and adored a known rapist and international outlaw.  His story has been white-washed for decades.

Now it seems that justice has caught up with the renowned director, as he was arrested in a sting operation late last month in Switzerland.  In his latest column Dennis Prager, as only Dennis can, analyzes the bizarre support that many in Hollywood are rallying for Polanski.

An excerpt:

Hollywood's view of its superior morality is prompted by two factors: the excessive adulation it receives from the public and from one another (in what other area of human endeavor do people give one another as many awards?); and the belief that making art renders one a morally superior human being.

As noted by many observers, imagine if Polanski were a Roman Catholic priest -- or a Republican politician -- accused of the same crime. All hell would have fallen on the man's head. The Boston Globe cited the Rev. James Martin, associate editor of America magazine: "If Polanski were in a collar there would be no boo-hooing about his recent plight. There would be zero pity for him. ... Can you imagine a petition being circulated among actors, directors, and producers in the United States to have a Catholic priest reinstated in his parish after he had abused a 13-year-old child? If you believe this about Polanski -- that his good deeds offset his guilt and that enough time has passed -- do you believe the same about pedophile priests?''

It's a sad, tragic tale with a real victim: the young girl who was violated all those years ago who has had to live with that pain and shame as Roman Polanski made films and won awards.

Dennis has set up something called Prager University on You Tube where he discusses some of the greatest issues in life.  Here is one entitled "Human Nature: Are We Basically Good?"  I thought it appropriate in light of the nature of his column this week.  PLEASE take a moment and check it out.