OOOPS, "SHE DID IT AGAIN"

So, for my "Pour Your Heart Out Wednesday,"  I have very little on my mind, except entitlement.  The whole idea is based on a fallacy.  Where is it written that we "deserve" something?  Where did this notion begin?  How is it that we feel that we should receive "certain privileges?"  Are the privileges I am deserving of, the same ones that you are deserving of, and for that matter, who decides what each of us "deserves?"  The whole concept of having a right to something because we feel we have earned it or merit it in some way is preposterous--especially when we DON'T, but think we do.

 A reasonable person would never conclude that they should receive extraordinary benefits or treatment; regardless of what they have accomplished, who they live with, or where they graduated from.  They wouldn't deem it proper to be judged by a yardstick different from anyone else.  To presuppose that you can do as you wish and will not have to suffer the same consequences as others who have walked in your shoes, is incredulous.

And yet, it happens every day.  Jails are full of people  with the mentality that what they did wasn't wrong as long as they didn't get caught. The problem is...they got caught.  The mind reels at the number of excuses a judge must hear each day in court.  "Your honor, I didn't mean it; it was an accident."  "Your honor, I didn't understand."  "Your honor, it wasn't my fault."  "Your honor, I did my best."

This last justification is often used by the defendant when he or she believes that extenuating circumstances will condone their behavior.  "I really did try...can I have one more chance...I know I wasn't perfect, but if you will just pardon me one more time, I know I can do better."  These kinds of statements, in court, must test the patience of the best public officials elected to give authoritative opinions as to the guilt or innocence of the accused. 

Today, that same rationale was used by the notorious Lindsay Lohan who was sentenced to 90 days in prison and another 90 days in rehab (not that she will ever see that amount of time due to overcrowding in prisons).  The look of stunned disbelief on her face as the judge handed down her sentence told the whole story.  Her petulant tears and spoiled antics did not go unnoticed as she expressed her incredulity upon hearing the judge pass down the first verdict.  Her frank disbelief was most evident as she turned to her attorney mouthing the words, "What??"


No, Lindsay, you are not entitled, nor deserve, any different treatment.  Welcome to the real world where people don't believe that they DESERVE special privileges.

Your problem, as the judge so accurately stated, is that, "You think you can do whatever you want, as long as you don't get caught."  

Well....you got caught.  Deal with it.