by Marcus Brooks

Created on: June 29, 2007   Last Updated: August 02, 2008

Twenty-three days housed in a cell would break most so-called "bad girls". At-risk females with spotty records are prone to understand their mistakes. Few people desired to be hampered all of their adult lives by "the system". However, the offers from media outlets to interview Paris Hilton, "the ex-inmate", had softened whatever moral message she could've received.

To receive the "privilege" to her speak publicity, a check had to be cut first. And, she wasn't about to go on some regional affiliate station. Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Phil and Larry King Live bid for two weeks over "America's most anticipated post-jailhouse interview". The moral of the story was lost among media hype, Beverly Hills glamour and tabloid buzz. A troubled, rich girl earned her "street cred". Should America have admired her? Should America have condemned her? Whatever the message, it was lost.

Miss Hilton was rewarded for her irresponsible and dangerous behavior. After a few DUIs, the debutante shouldn't have received extra face-time to "plug" herself. She deserved to be scorned for her ridiculous behavior. Instead, impressionable young women watched in horror at another "Hollywood party girl gets her way" rerun. Regular folks with no money or fame received a night in jail at least. First-time offenders are stripped of their licenses for six months. Second-time offenders are given $1,000 dollar-plus fines. In addition, they are allowed "free" weekend stays in the county jail for three months. The ones with the most money got the best plea deals.

During her confinement, Miss Hilton said that she discovered God. He wasn't in her confiscated rolodex or that infamous Sidekick of hers! The woman had so much prestige. But, she got into so much trouble. This arrest was probably a cry for help. I'm not one to question someone discovering religious guidance. But, come on! She only told her story for a $1 million check. The money she "earned" could go to a MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers)program. More likely than most, she donated that money to her favorite charity, Hilton, Inc. Maybe, she should look at parents who lost their children because of another person's good time. I'm sure many of them would live impoverished just to have their children back.

I watched a little of Larry King Live. He didn't pound into that socialite the ramifications if her actions did hurt or kill someone. The famed journalist didn't pound her with soul-searching questions. He refused to make Miss Hilton hold herself accountable for her stupidity and irrespsonsibility. Just because no one was seriously injured or died, you let an offender off easy. That was his costly mistake. He lost credibility of being an impact interviewer for his "light as feather" approach. His heavy hand would've made her understand the gravity of her irresponible, selfish and potentially deadly actions. A heavy interviewing hand now, would've prevented another DUI tragedy later.

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