George Handlery about the week that was. The Polanski case: Some are against rape in principle and tolerant in practice. Save the economic order by suppressing the competition between states? Dictatorial centralization and great power status. National self-perception and its policies. Freedom, choice, insecurity and the age of ideology. About fellow-travelers. It is hard to resist the temptation to bring up the Polanski arrest which is now everybody‘s favorite issue of distraction. Critics generally emphasize that the rape of a now forgiving minor has happened thirty years ago. The fact is true. However, such crimes have a way of surfacing well after the normal statute of limitations would run out. If the time for persecution would be limited then many transgressions could not be prosecuted. To be loudly against sexual (or human rights) abuse in principle, while in practice insisting that with the passing of time they should not be prosecuted, makes the first commitment sound comically hollow. The apologists like to forget that Polanski is a fugitive. Any statute of limitation for initiating persecution is irrelevant. Action has been taken in time but could not be completed since the accused, free on bail, has slipped away thereby preventing the conclusion of the case. Polanski is successful and talented.Duly Noted: Fellow Travelers
Saturday, 3 October 2009
From the desk of George Handlery on Sat, 2009-10-03 10:35
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