Roman Polanski -- the Swiss got it right.

Okay, so I really need to update this blog. But I can't help but add my two cents to the whole Roman Polanski arrest scandal. People here in Europe -- even here in Switzerland where he was arrested -- are aghast that America has the audacity to extradite an internationally acclaimed figure for a crime he committed three decades ago. The French Culture Minister said, "There's an America we love and an America that scares us, and it's that latter America that has just shown it's face." What? It scares the French to see the American justice system treat everyone equally -- rather than giving preferential treatment to those who are internationally acclaimed directors? Frankly, it scares me that the French think that a person can be "excused" from past crimes just by being a famous director.

Maybe in France famous figures are above the law, but not in America. If we exempt people from our justice system just because they are "famous" or because they committed a crime long ago, we would be violating the blind justice upon which our system is based. Polanski broke the law. He drugged a 13-year-old girl and raped her. It doesn't matter how long ago it was or even whether the girl has now forgiven him. Would Roman Polanski want Charles Manson to be allowed to remain a fugitive after killing his wife and unborn child -- just because he happened to be famous? I presume not.

Obviously, the fact that Roman Polanski has lived a decent life after his crime (and the fact that there may have been judicial misconduct) can be examined in his sentencing hearing. But he must face the justice system before that determination can be made. Thankfully, Switzerland is finally making Polanski face the consequences of his crime.

I had thought the French believed in equality under the law -- Liberté, égalité, fraternité.

But that legacy of the French Revolution seems to have been forgotten here. Fortunately, America has not forgotten.

Another thumbs up for Switzerland and the good ole' USA.