Dear Supporters of Roman Polanski

I am a little late to the table on this issue. Here are my thoughts for what they are worth.
In Australia Roman Polanski would be seen as a paedophile, which by definition is an adult who is sexually attracted to children/minors. It might be worthwhile noting, this is a man who also had a sexual relationship with a fifteen year old, the actress Natasha Kinski, as well as admitting to statutory rape of a minor.
His crime, to which he confessed was that of statutory rape. According to Whoopi Goldberg, this is not "rape rape." I'm sorry? Is this a new permutation of the term "rape?"
If by this, the estimable Ms Goldberg means that it wasn't a violent assault on his young victim; then maybe all would be rapists should be issued with drugs that will ensure their victims co-operate with their would-be assailant?
I would also like to draw Ms Goldberg's attention to the victim's testimony at the time where she stated that she repeatedly said no but that he did not stop, committing numerous sexual acts as she protested. He raped and sodomised a thirteen year old girl.
But by her explanation, it was okay, because she consented, sort of. I'm not entirely sure why this isn't seen as rape. Doesn't "No" mean, well "no?"
Those who say she knew what she was letting herself in for at the time. Let me remind you that children of this age today often enter into relationships online with highly unsuitable individuals as well. Does this mean that we should encourage them to meet with their would be attackers? because, hey, come on, these kids know what they are letting themselves in for?
No.
Boundaries need to be drawn.
By parents.
By grown ups. Which to all intents and purposes, he was.
It is all very well to say Mr Polanski endured a terrible childhood, and suffered the horrendous trauma of his wife and unborn child being murdered. Whilst I sympathise with his loss, may I suggest he seek solace with a psychiatrist couch rather than by penetrating a thirteen year old against her will.
This is a man who is simply perpetuating the crimes of which he was a victim.
But he's a genius I hear some say. It simply doesn't matter. It. is. irrelevant. Just because you are good at something, or, better yet, you are an artist, doesn't mean that you shouldn't meet the same standards set for your average members of society, such as myself.
For those who offer the feeble defense that this was a crime committed a long time ago and we should let the past die, because his victim has forgiven him. I am sure there are many victims of war crimes who feel the same way. They have made peace with their pasts. But groups such as the Hague War Crimes Tribunal are ensuring that those who committed atrocities against them should pay for their crimes by serving their time.
And so should Mr Polanski.