Just burn him alive
It used to be that an apology counted for something.
“Just say you’re sorry,” we were told as children. And then it would be over.
Now, though, even the most seemingly heartfelt of apologies is meaningless. For the hecklers who were the poor victims of his inflammatory attack, nothing short of hiring a news-camera-chasing lawyer like Gloria Allred and demanding millions in settlement will suffice.
So Michael Richards is either angry, or racist, or both. Who was really hurt by his outburst? Himself. And in subsequent interviews, he’s been the picture of genuine contrition. He’s been banned from the Laugh Factory. He’s been vilified by fellow comics. If his career isn’t over, this is at least a very costly setback.
None of that is punishment enough. No, he must pay the hecklers and their attorney, and it won’t be cheap.
If or when he settles up, will that be enough? Or will it take more? Maybe we could find a pretext for sending him to prison. Surely someone’s civil rights have been violated. I know I’m outraged by having seen that video — maybe he should have to send each of us ten bucks. And then have to clean up after Thanksgiving dinner.
I hope this goes far, far into trial, that both sides wrack up enormous legal bills, and that the final judgment is on behalf of the plaintiffs to the tune of: one dollar. Then both sides will learn not to be greedy, hateful, and stupid.