To: The Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Like a particular misguided online petition, this statement will open with a quote from that very authoritative Wikipedia : "Paris Whitney Hilton is an American celebrity and socialite. She is an heiress to a share of the Hilton Hotel fortune, as well as to the real estate fortune of her father Richard Hilton." Unlike that petition, however, this statement will note the next part: "Hilton rose to fame when a home-made sex video of her was leaked onto the Internet in late 2003. The release of the tape, later titled 1 Night in Paris (2004), attracted worldwide publicity and contributed to the success of Hilton's FOX reality series The Simple Life. " As most of America, and indeed the world, now knows, Paris Hilton was recently charged in a Los Angeles court with Driving Under Influence and sentenced to 45 days in Century Regional Detention Facility in California beginning on or before June 5, 2007. If she fails to show for this term, she faces a possible sentence of up to 90 days. Many internet-aware people might also be aware that an online petition was started to beg the Governor of California on Ms. Hilton's behalf for a pardon. The petition, in its statement, informs us all that many other celebrities have gotten light slaps on the wrist for similar offences. The obvious point that must be made here is that Paris Hilton is in the spotlight far more than most other celebrities in the world today. As such, her young, impressionable fans can see every move she makes - which is why it is so important that the law does not falter. This is the law that keeps a nation together; a law that Paris Hilton obviously has no respect for, saying that "they'll just pull me over to hit on me. It's really annoying. They're like, 'What's your phone number". It has not occurred to Paris that the police couldn't possibly be just DOING THEIR JOB. The petition then goes on to state: "She didn't hurt or kill anyone, and she has learned her lesson. She is sincere, apologetic, and full of regret for her actions as she explained tearfully to the Judge handling her case in court yesterday.She is distraught and understandably afraid." This writer suggests that Paris Hilton is merely tearfully afraid that she will have no access to her makeup or pocket mirrors while in jail, something that she otherwise carries with her at all times. This superficial, pretentious and shallow girl needs some time off from her luxuries - perhaps it will teach her some humility. We, the public who support Paris' conviction, are shocked, dismayed and appalled by how much support there is for a person who has driven under the influence. If she is pardoned for this most preventable and despicable of crimes, then what message does that send to the youth of today That girls with lots of money and apparent good looks can make a mockery of the law That girls can be superficial and fake, as long as they can pay for it If Paris Hilton can go to jail and come out of this a better person, perhaps it can influence her fans to follow suit. Perhaps in jail, Paris can reflect on who the police might have had to scrape off the bottom of her car. Someone's daughter, perhaps. Someone's father Perhaps she can think about how, if she had gotten off lightly, then a young fan somewhere might have thought it okay to DUI - hey, Paris got off! - and subsequently smashed someone's mother's skull through their windshield. Paris Hilton put others in danger. If a terrorist detonates a bomb on a quiet street, is he charged Or is he let free for not hurting or killing anyone The question I pose to you is this: Do you support the law and justice Or do you support pretentious celebrities who put others in harms' way