Myth #134 Justice is Black and White: Roman Polanski

The 13 year that was raped by Polanski is now over 40. This reminds me of the German officers that participated in the Holocaust. Some were not caught until they were in their eighties for crimes they committed in their 20's and 30's. Perhaps some of these men had grown into kind people doing great good for the world. Perhaps some had paid all they could pay for the horrific crimes they did and had suffered their punishment just being alive. I don't know, but it is possible.

Yea, Polanski was wrong a long time ago and should not have fled. I am assuming he has led a virtuous life since then, or at least stayed away from minors. The question is, is he the same person that committed the crime. Is revenge and punishment the reason that he needs to go to jail now?

Yes, I think he should be brought back over to face up to his past. But, it is not clear to me that what was decided about 30 years ago should still be the right thing to do now. The victim of the crime, the state, and Polanski need to sit down and do a lot of talking. It would be good to hear some remorse from Polanski, and some insights from the victim, and some flexibility by the law. In short, there should be a process, perhaps even a new trial. I don't know what the right answer should be, perhaps Polanski should go to jail. But, everyone needs to sit down and discuss this and figure out what the right thing to do is -- what makes the world a better and kinder place to live.

I guess I just do not believe in black and white.