That Good Ole Rush to Judgment

This week we learned about the possibility of a "Drew Peterson dating game" on a Chicago radio station...proposed in jest according to his attorney, Joel Brodsky. Jest or not it was a tacky and stupid idea that quickly got the kibosh due to public outcry and someone having the good sense to realize this was an example of poor taste personified.

Bless me father...for I am about to make my confession. Here's the reality. Drew Peterson is innocent until proven guilty. That's the law. Period. End of story. Whew...that was actually hard to say because if we're honest, in our hearts we soooo want Drew to be guilty. We so want to wipe that grin off his face and see him do the "perp walk" into a jailhouse. We don't know him...but we know we don't like him.

We pontificate and grandstand that we want only the "truth" to come out when what we really want is what we have created in our minds to be the truth.

Let's look at the facts: Peterson's third wife died under suspicious circumstances. Her body has been exhumed...and an investigation into her death is being conducted right now. His fourth wife, Stacy, has been missing since October 28th ...and by all accounts, from the outside looking in, she was a normal, wonderful, loving, young mother who just "up and disappeared."

Neither one of these scenarios seems to sit well with us. And you know us. Once something isn't sitting well, we're going to mold it, fold it, twist it and turn it until we get it to fit comfortably in the box we've designed for it. It's like when I see a pair of shoes that I love. I know I wear a size 10, but if those strappy shoes with the crystals that I saw in the magazine are left only in a size nine-and-a-half, I will somehow squeeze my big foot into that nine-and-a-half...and swear they look good.

And guess what, when they have only a size ten-and-a-half or an eleven, all of a sudden, I will rationalize that "sometimes my feet swell at the end of the day, and I like the extra room." Yes, I sound like a nut. I admit it. But at least I'm copping to the fact that when I want something to work, I make it work. Justice shouldn't be like buying a pair of shoes. It should be the right size, color, shape, and style, every time we try it on.

I've been very critical of Drew Peterson, because quite frankly he's acting like an ass. But let's be honest...and let's be fair. Being an ass might make him someone you don't want to date, but even for this ex-prosecutor, it shouldn't make him someone we convict before all the facts are in.

Star Jones is an attorney and host of the "Star Jones Show" on TruTv (daily at 3pm est./pst.)

Comments

[kirsti]

I'm a Star-fan from now on.

[kirsti]

i just posted, Star. I love your post. You should write more.

I also said that "banned", as the European that I am reminded me of times when books and people was burned on the same fire. Banned is like noose to me.

You're a good person,
Star.

[demlover1]

Another great post. I continue to be disgusted by how so many legal analysts continually try people in the press and presume them guilty before they've had a trial. They did it to the Ramseys, the first suspect in the Elizabeth Smart case, the man who was falsely accused in the Atlanta Olympics case, Howard K. Stern and now Drew Peterson. I may have suspicions against Mr. Peterson and think he's acting stragely (but I don't need to go on tv and say it--let the police handle it and let him have a trial before he is trashed by the media. There is no need to try him in the press. That's what courtrooms are for.
In the other cases I mentioned, the media falsely accused all these people of terrible things and they never truly got their reputations back. Instead of reporters and analysts speculating endlessly about things they really know nothing about, they should report on important issues of the world--poverty, homelessness, the war, lack of health care, etc. Thanks again Star for such a thoughtful post.

[PattiNYC]

I can't believe I'm saying this - because I was never a fan of yours - but here's second blog of yours on the HuffPost that I liked reading.

Star Jones, the Voice of Reason? Who knew?

Thanks for another sensible and thought-provoking post. Looking forward to reading more of them.

[SimplySimon]

Star, you're being a star again. Right on, you voice for reason. Your style supports the truth and the finding of that truth. Cool it, says you, and I concur with your argument. Great shoe analogy. My daughter shares your passion. You're a much better "view" than the one you left.

[MsLiz]

A white female body has been found in Chicago. It may be Stacy Peterson, or not.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=5914962

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-remains_webjan26,1,1020043.story

The person who found the body told the press he saw a blue container nearby, but the police did not find it. The body has red or blonde hair.

[Nic]

Great to see you on the HuffPo.
I love it that you now have your own show and we can FINALLY hear you...unlike your days on The View with those cackling hens that sat to the right and to the left of you.

[kmdscsd]

WOW, well said! I loved you a million years ago when you had your court tv show. But then I was really disappointed when I saw you on "The View" because I felt that you got "dumbed-down" there. No offense. I'm now happy to read that your brain IS still there and working just fine! Welcome back, Star! Looking forward to reading more!

[LeonBNJ]

I just wish that there would be a gag order on everyone in this case - Mr Peterson, the families, the police, the proscutor, and the defense lawyers. All of them are jepordising reaching the truth - to find and if possible try in a court whoever murdered Ms. Peterson.

[SeanGardner]

good to see you on the HUFFINGTON Star. Please post more often.

I sincerely hope your show is doing well, and...I absolutely concur with the positions and argiuments you laid out in your post.

Thanks!