I got into a debate with some folks on a message board today, discussing an article one of them had written about Paris Hilton and her current trials and tribulations. In a nutshell, the writer said that she hates Paris for being beautiful, rich, and famous — especially because she’s dumb and talentless — and that she should take her medicine, serve her 45-day sentence, and “shut the fuck up”.

Personally I think if you’re lucky enough to be rich and famous, yet dumb enough to break the law and get caught, you would be a fool not to use your money and fame to get your ass out of trouble, like these famous people did.

Mel Gibson - Accomplished actor, director, producer. Famous as a road warrior, a cop with a death wish, and a Scotsman with a big sword, knowing what women want, and hating Jews. Arrested and convicted of drunk and reckless driving. Sentenced to three years probation, $1200 in fines and ordered to attend AA (alcoholic actors) meetings.

O.J. Simpson - One of the best running backs in the history of football. Famous for playing football, running through airports, and decapitating his ex wife and her boyfriend. Got off on a technicality because he wore gloves that were too small when he committed the crime. As his attorney, Johnnie Cochran, so memorably put it, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit”.

Michael Jackson - A formerly black singer/dancer who never grew up. Famous for wearing one glove, moon walking, surgically altering his face to look like Diana Ross, and sleeping with kids. Arrested for watching porn and molesting a 13-year old boy in Neverland. Acquitted because Peter Pan and Tinker Bell couldn’t be located to testify

Considering the horrible crimes that famous people get away with, surely a beautiful, talented, rich, and innocent young woman doesn’t deserve to be incarcerated with known criminals for simply using poor judgment. As Joshua Capone so eloquently put it in his petition letter to Governor Schwarzenegger, “She provides hope for young people all over the U.S. and the world. She provides beauty and excitement to (most of) our otherwise mundane lives.”

Please, won’t you join the over 17,453 kinds souls who have already signed the petition? Click here to save an American icon.

Update: The Free Paris Hilton petition is up to 19,937 signatures as of 12:30 pm ET, Thursday, but the Jail Paris Hilton petition has 40,462. Where’s the love?

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