In what many will likely view as a surprising position by one of the nation's most liberal newspapers, the Times editorial board Tuesday asked some seemingly obvious questions that are eluding those that think the passage of time along with Polanski's great filmography mitigate his transgressions:
After being indicted in 1977, didn’t Mr. Polanski, now 76, confess to having sex with a 13-year-old girl after plying her with Quaaludes and Champagne? Didn’t he flee the United States when the plea bargaining seemed to fall apart, raising the prospect of prison time? Isn’t there a warrant for his arrest?
Good questions all leading the Times to conclude:
In Europe, the prevailing mood — at least among those with access to the news media — seemed to be that Mr. Polanski has already “atoned for the sins of his young years,” as Jacek Bromski, the chief of the Polish Filmmakers Association, put it.
We disagree strongly, and we were glad to see other prominent Europeans beginning to point out that this case has nothing to do with Mr. Polanski’s work or his age. It is about an adult preying on a child. Mr. Polanski pleaded guilty to that crime and must account for it.
Here's something you don't often hear from a conservative media analyst: Bravo, NYT. Bravo.
