OK - so Polanski deserves jail time. How long?

[Taverner]

Life?

50 years?

20 years?

10 years?

5 years?

1 year?

6 months?

1 day picking up trash in West LA?

1 PSA?

[Odin2005]

1. life in prison.

[kimi]

3. Yeah. I'd go along with something like that

He sodomized a kid, for cryin out loud. So he's supposed to be a film-makin genius, and it happened a long time ago.

He sodomized a kid.

Sorry, that's just too much for me to overlook.

[proteus_lives]

2. I'd like 20 but he'll get five at most and only do 1 year-18 months.

He's a rapist and deserves to do 20 years.

But for some reason Roman's concerned sane people turn into rape-apologists. Plus he's probably dropping millions to save his ass.

[emilyg]

5. Agree.

[LostInAnomie]

4. How long does he deserve or how long will he receive?

IMHO, he deserves at least 20 for the rape and matching time for as long as he ducked extradition.

How long will he receive? Probably about a year with early release for good behavior.

[Terra Alta]

6. he drugged and raped a 13 year old girl.

He should rot in prison for life.

I have NO respect for child rapists -- NONE.

[Taverner]

11. I don't see that happening

I do see him getting some credit for time "served" in exile.

Who knows how much...

[Shell Beau]

33. Why do you see him getting some credit? He chose exile and

lived a rich life.

[Tabasco_Dave]

7. Put him in a cell with OJ and Phil Spector

and they can all discuss how they $@#ked up their rich, famous, easy lives.

[Chan790]

8. Well...

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that regardless of what he deserves...he's likely going to get one of the last 3, if anything at all.

[Taverner]

9. Good prediction, and probably right

As for me, Again, I don't know...its not an easy decision.

I mean, sure he's guilty - but what should the penalty be? Should his years on the lam be counted? If so, why? If not, why?

[mitchum]

10. 13 years? He's seems to be very comfortable with that figure

[Taverner]

12. LOL

[Frank Cannon]

55. Ha ha ha

[wickerwoman]

13. I'm actually pretty sympathetic towards Polanski,

between the Holocaust survivor thing and his wife being murdered.

But nobody who is convicted of rape should spend a day less than 15 years in jail and release should be contingent on psychological evaluation.

And anybody who flees justice should have twice the amount of time they fled tacked onto their sentence.

So yeah, I think Polanski should die in jail but not a Supermax or anything. Put him in white collar jail, have him teach film-making to prisoners and let him still make movies. He did a terrible, stupid, unforgivable thing thirty-two years ago, but he still has a lot to contribute to society.

[Kali]

23. very reasonable reply

:thumbsup:

[pinniped]

14. That rapist shithead deserves life, but I bet he'll weasel out and try to skip town again.

.

[WildEyedLiberal]

15. Well if he were Joe Smith and he'd drugged and raped a 13 year old girl then fled the country

He'd be looking at 20+ years. But because he's an Important Filmmaker and he'll be tried in LA, he'll get community service and maybe a lecture from the judge.

[LibDemAlways]

16. Polanski was stupid to flee the country at the time. He would have been out

many years ago had he simply faced the music back then. Attitudes were different at the time and he was probably facing little more than a slap on the wrist. Today he'll be dealt with much more severely. I suspect he'll be sentenced to 10-20 and serve 5.

[liberaltrucker]

17. Till Hell freezes over

Wait...the Saints are in the Super Bowl.
Never mind.

Life without parole in the general population.

:evilgrin:

[struggle4progress]

18. Give him his plea bargain time and then prosecute him for flight

[slay]

19. Go ahead and yell at me - but I say leave him alone

At least while he's not in the US. I mean, come on, aren't there bigger problems out there?

"Roman Polanski's most compelling defender is the woman he raped at Jack Nicholson's house when she was just 13.

Now 45, Samantha Geimer is a mother of three who lives quietly in Hawaii and works as a bookkeeper.

In January, Geimer, who publicly forgave Polanski in 1997, filed a formal request that Los Angeles prosecutors drop the charges against him.

"I have survived, indeed prevailed, against whatever harm Mr. Polanski may have caused me as a child," she said at the time. "I got over it a long time ago."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/09/28/2009-09-28_roman_polanskis_victim_now_45_got_over_it_long_ago.html

---I guess we don't really care what the victim wants though - WE want vengeance.. WE want to see him suffer. Right? RIGHT? Sigh..

[LibDemAlways]

20. Yours is not a popular view on here, though I agree. To be fair to

Polanski, this ought to be looked at through the attitudes of the late 1970's. The girl's mother allowed her to go off with Polanski and he had already taken topless photos of her another time before he took her to Nicholson's house. After being arrested, he was sent for a psychiatric evaluation and a plea bargain was already in the works. No one at the time was calling for him to be sentenced to life or even put away for a long time. As I indicated elsewhere on this thread his biggest mistake was running away. Had he faced the charges, he'd have been freed long ago. As it is, he's returning to a country in which attitudes have hardened considerably and he's likely to face much harsher punishment than would have been thought possible or even considered 30+ years ago.

[bif]

21. There's a very good article in the New Yorker about the case.

Well worth reading. I think it was around Christmas. I'll post it if I can find a link. Here's an overview of the article:
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/backissues/2009/09/back-issues-roman-polanski.html

[slay]

24. Thanks for the post.

I love how people are all out for punishment these days - especially if the person happens to be famous. Well, no, I don't love it, I think it's disgusting. We are all humans, we all make mistakes, we all have to live on this planet together, so why don't we see if we can tone down the anger and try to forgive each other. His victim did so long ago.

[WildEyedLiberal]

25. Yeah, attitudes in the 70s were different - rape and child sexual abuse were not taken as seriously

I'm not sure that's something you want to celebrate if you're trying to argue for leniency for Polanski.

I'm certainly glad that his victim has gone on to live a normal life and has overcome the damage he caused to her, but frankly, what he did goes WAY beyond sexual permissiveness, and the suggestion that "we all make mistakes" (as asserted by another poster in this subthread) diminishes the seriousness of what was done to a 13 year old girl. "Mistakes" are things like getting deep into drugs and getting caught, or being poor and desperate and trying to rob a store. Those are things for which the offender can and should be rehabilitated rather than punished. Raping a child is not a mistake - it's a disturbing crime that causes repercussions for its victims for the rest of their lives. I have several friends who were sexually abused as children and adolescents, and it's not something they can just get over. The difference between now and the 70s is that people have begun to realize what lasting psychological harm sexual abuse causes.

[LibDemAlways]

28. I am in no way excusing Polanski's crime. I think he should

have faced the music and been locked up when it happened. What has changed is the way society views these crimes - and rightly so. I can't imagine any parent allowing a 13 year old today to be photographed by a 42-year-old man in an unsupervised setting. Apparently the mother was ok with it at the time, and Polanski certainly took criminal advantage of the situation. Had he faced the charges back then, however, the courts would have been much more lenient. If he is successfully extradited, he will receive a harsher sentence than he would have back then. That is the only point I was trying to get across.

[Deep13]

27. Justice isn't about what the victim wants.

I've had victims say that petty theft is as bad as murder and others who did not want to prosecute because "I know he loves me."

The law simply cannot give anyone who rapes children a free pass.

[proteus_lives]

30. So you're fine with a child-rapist getting away scot-free.

Sure, I'll yell at you.

Which one of his films convinced you that it was fine if he committed rape?

[slay]

31. See post #29

n/t

[Name removed]

37. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

38. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[proteus_lives]

39. You wanted to be yelled at.

Don't call me names because I called you on your disgusting position.

Roman Polanski drugged and raped a 13 year-old girl. You don't have a problem with that but I do. I don't think location, fame, being rich or the amount of time that's passed should excuse him from that horrible act.

What makes this case different?

Sorry about your name but I'm not slandering you. I'm calling you on your admitted position.

[slay]

40. Fine. If that's the way you want to play, I've alerted on this whole subthread

so you'll have to find some other thread i've posted to and come harrass me there. pffft whatever dude.

[proteus_lives]

41. It's interesting that you won't answer my question.

Why are you defending this act of rape?

[slay]

43. I explained my thoughts on this case in my original post

ok fine - i'll explain a bit more - i'm not defending rape. i'm talking about a guy any DA would drool over - hey look at me I caught Roman Polanski. you think there'd be this much hoopla if he wasn't rich and famous? there are sick ulterior motives at play in situations like this where so much time has passed. but mainly, i side with the victim. if she wanted him on trail, i'd say do it. but she doesn't. she made sure that official paperwork was signed stating so. there are a few other minor factors but read my first post. those are my reasons. you are free to disagree with them. sorry for acting like an ass earlier but you pissed me off. doh.

[proteus_lives]

44. So because the economy sucks we should let a rapist get off scot-free?

I did read your first post.

1. Other problems don't excuse rape.

2. Criminal prosecution isn't about what the victim wants. She's past it and Polanski paid her off, fine. But Polanski still owes society because he broke. the. law.

3. He's a rapist. People are only defending him because of his fame, wealth and talent.

And I'll repeat, you shouldn't asked to be yelled about it you can't take it.

[slay]

46. I think i edited my post #43 before you posted this reply

yelled at is one thing. YOU ARE WRONG SLAY! name calling is something else.

i respect the wishes of this woman. i lived through those times. you likely were not around back then but i could be wrong.

he's many other things. the whole situations sucks - but i see NOTHING to be gained by putting him in prison. guess i'm too much of a liberal softy.

*edited to add post #

[proteus_lives]

49. Alright I'll back down a little.

But this Polanski situation infuriates me. He's a rapist and people are defending him.

I'm a liberal too, that's why I want rapists (rich or poor) in prison.

"i lived through those times. you likely were not around back then but i could be wrong." I wasn't around and right now, I'm not regretting it. Please tell me what about the 70s made it ok to rape a 13 year-old girl. I must missed that day in history class.

I disagree with you. What's gained is that a rapist is put in prison.

[slay]

50. I think we'll just have to agree to disagree

think of 13 as we see 18 now. well, not totally but the 60's and 70's had people rebelling against the sexual repression of the 1950's, but especially in places like hollywood and new york back then young girls, once they hit puberty, often went partying - it was the culture - without judging right or wrong that's just how it was. like Studio 54 as an example of 70's sex/drug culture. -- "Studio", as it came to be called, was notorious for the hedonism that occurred within it; the balconies were known for sexual encounters, and drug use was rampant. Its dance floor was decorated with a depiction of a Man in the Moon that included an animated cocaine spoon. John Blair and Jason presented "Sundays at Studio 54", which catered to a homosexual clientèle." -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio_54#Nightclub_era It was just a more sexual, drug-use time period in general. still, that is not why i say don't jail him - i side with the victim's current wishes.

don't get me wrong - i'm not excusing it. i've read the court transcripts. it's totally wrong what he did. however - this lady lived it, she has pleaded with the authorities to leave polanski alone. i think you think it doesn't bother me. it does. i guess i should have expressed more frustration with the wrongness of what he did vs her wishes. she's already been victimized once so i have to side with her on this. i see nothing to be gained by putting him in jail at this point, and neither does she. also i do not believe him a "danger to society". again - no good outcome here. the situation is what it is - you know my feelings on it. i'm not doing cartwheels about it or anything though.

[proteus_lives]

51. I think I just vomited a little.

"think of 13 as we see 18 now."

That's disgusting and I'll gladly judge that.

My final comment-He's a rapist and deserves to be prison for his crimes. The amount of time or wishes of the victim doesn't erase what he did.

[slay]

52. Mmmm vomit...

I had sex with someone who was 13 back when i was 13. you do understand that back in the 1800's girls were routinely pregnant by older men by the time they were 13. times change. people change. i love how i write these big explanatory paragraphs and you pick one small sentence to comment on and ignore the rest. your debating skills leave much to be desired. just curious - how old are you? nevermind - i'll just end with - your lust for vengeance in the guise of justice regarding a matter in which you know neither of the parties involved and have no personal stake in is troubling. that kind of projection will eat at your heart as well as your soul making you a colder, more bitter person as the years go by. i would suggest you learn to walk the path of forgiveness whenever possible, but i can tell by your attitude and anger that it will be many years before you will tire of fighting windmills. neither of our opinions matter one bit at all in any way in regards to affecting the outcome of what will happen to roman polanski. .

[proteus_lives]

53. Except Polanski wasn't 13.

You judge me and I'll judge you.

Vengeance? This isn't about vengeance. And I don't need to personally acquainted with either party to condemn a rapist. It's not speculation, it's a matter public record.

Windmills? Right and wrong are windmills to you? I'm probably younger then you but I'll say this. The years haven't brought you wisdom.

You sound like a defeated man trying to justify something that's wrong.

I'm not going to forgive a rapist.

I wonder if you would be saying the same thing if he had killed her? What, was murder ok in the '70s too?

[slay]

54. He was at one time...

Whatever. Listen - we know where each other stands on this. I don't care what you think of me. At all. Go bother someone else now. Shoo. You're still young and attempting to refute your narrow view of a complex situation has lost its already limited appeal. There is no talking to you, I tried. I hope he goes free. I really, REALLY do. He's a good man. No, a GREAT man. I wish he could be our president! President Polanksi! Polanki 2012! :patriot: :crazy: :eyes: There - are we done now? :+ :evilgrin: :bounce: :smoke: :silly: :nopity: :boring: :nuke:

[LibDemAlways]

58. I've read this thread and its apparent that people are passing judgment

based on current standards - not what was the prevailing attitude back in '77. This is serious shit and if it happened today Polanski would have been dealt with much more harshly from the get-go. However it happened at a time when the movie "Pretty Baby" was popular - close to the time when a very young Brooke Shields was proclaiming there was nothing between her and her blue jeans - and at a time when sexual standards were lax. Doesn't in any way excuse Polanski's behavior, but to entirely dismiss the context in which this took place is shortsighted. My 2 cents.

[seabeyond]

59. we knew what rape was. we didnt know we were allowed to prosecute. that

is the difference from then and now.

[proteus_lives]

60. I'm thankful for my "Narrow View".

My "Narrow View" will never be ok with rape.

If you have any daughters, I pity them.

[slay]

61. My daughters are very sexy - and available!

you know i'm just fuckin around at this point right? do i need to start adding /sarcasm/ tags? heheh.. FREE POLANSKI! lol.. :rofl:

[proteus_lives]

65. I'm aware.

And I still pity you and any female you're connected with.

You think rape is a laughing matter.

[slay]

67. OMG take that stick out and calm down

what i said was obvious a joke aimed at the comments from that new senator who took kennedy's seat. i'm goofing on the absurdity of the seriousness to which you are taking a freaking LOUNGE post - but whatever - I'm done, even if you're not. Oh and BTW the women's lovvvvvve me. I can charm their pants off - literally. :P Go on and hate me. I know deep down you just be jealous. :rofl:

[Shell Beau]

35. Yeah, but the victims don't get to decide. Maybe some other

girl would have wanted him to fry. I guess we should only go with what the victim wants if it lets the person off? I think we should listen to the victim, but ultimately it isn't up to them. And this isn't just about the girl he raped, but for ALL child rapists out there. The message is IT IS NOT OK!

[blueknight]

56. she probably

was paid to say that

[blueknight]

57. she probably

was paid to say that

[barb162]

22. Whatever other people in that state get for doing the same thing

to a kid.

[Shell Beau]

34. Yep. I am not sure what the sentence is normally for that, but he

certainly should serve no less time than your average rapist joe.

[Deep13]

26. Whatever the law in that state was at the time.

Plus he faces trial for his flight from justice.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

29. If the victim doesn't care, I don't care.

But for The Ninth Gate? Life and a flogging.

[Shell Beau]

36. And what message does it send? What if the victim does care?

What about all the people who were raped by whoever who do care? The message should be that it is wrong and there is a price to pay. No matter what.

[MilesColtrane]

32. 10 years for the original crime

+ 10 years for running

No early release.

[old mark]

42. 15 minutes, time served. nt

[proteus_lives]

45. So, which one of his films excuses him raping a 13 year-old girl?

[slay]

47. Baited question. But I will say I greatly enjoyed Chinatown. Is #60 in top films of all time on IMDB

The scene where Jack got his nose sliced.. badass. :P

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071315/

[proteus_lives]

48. I enjoyed Chinatown too.

It was the last Polanski I saw before I found out he was a rapist.

[old mark]

69. 9th gate. It's all California politics, and it's mostly bullshit. nt

[Javaman]

62. Like the old saying goes...

12 to 15 will get you 15 to 20.

[VMI Dem]

63. Until he dies.

Which will probably not be long.

[Quantess]

64. He doesn't belong in jail for very long.

Make him do community service and pay some fines, I say.

Force him to direct a documentary about child abuse.

[proteus_lives]

66. Yeah. Fines.

That's a fair consequence for child-rape.

[slay]

68. I agree - fines it is!

$1. :P

[Quantess]

70. How about I charge you by the hour while I slap you silly?

Can you get Roman Polanski to direct a film about child abuse? That's the real question.