Talk about the mixed messages rappers and the like are sending to kids today. Akon just got off scott-free and Soulja Boy is apologizing for his vulgar language. But overall I have to wonder why entertainers today seem so much more like children that never grew up than ever before.
Well maybe not all entertainers, that would be unfair. But in the world of hip hop and rap it seems to be exactly true. I mean how many times has DMX, Snoop Dogg, TI, and the rest been arrested? And I can more readily count the rappers that don't use foul language, on and off stage, since 1992 on one hand that do use it. Add to that the constant use and glorification of drugs and abuse of women. And these are the people I observe little kids reciting songs of and dancing to. But they aren't responsible for any negative consequences, of course.
But I don't understand how Akon, Aliaune Thiam, got his plea bargain. He admitted to throwing a minor off a stage and into a crowd at a concert. There was video tape of the event. There were officers standing next to him. His guilt was never in question.
Yet he got 65 hours of community service and a fine of $250. He apologized to the minor and his parents. That's it. Hello! Endangering the life of a minor and assault and he got just that with witnesses and video tape? Let a regular person try half that and guess how long you'll be in jail.
I have to believe that the only reason he walked on this is that some serious hush money went to the family. It may not be recorded as part of the plea but I bet it happened. That seems the only way an obviously guilty as sin Akon isn't in a jail cell awaiting his lawsuit date. And the woman that was struck by the child he threw into the crowd probably got a piece of that cake too. Because I can't see any jury not approving damages for that.
No wonder kids today want to be rappers instead of getting an education or a career. In the rap hip hop industry it is possible to live like a vulgar sleezy Peter Pan. Laws are parted like a knife through butter. Excesses of drugs and alcohol are ignored. Promiscuity is promoted from music video shoots to the stage and beyond. Hell, rock n' roll stars don't get all this treatment (well not as often, and not always to the benefit of record sales). This is the one industry where being a slovenly pig is an accolade and cash generator. Why grow up?
The Fishkill prosecutor and judge have failed the public. Not just their community but the nation. They have supported the idea that thugs succeed in the "ghettofabulous" lifestyle they glorify. That all their abuses of law and people is justified by the fact they have a marginal debatable skill. And because of this no child and no parent has won.
This was not justice. This was money. Because of the money involved justice was perverted and we the public have been sullied.
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