Laura's post along with the recent coverage of Winnona Ryder's conviction has me thinking and I'd like to start another philosophical discussion--not a heated debate, just a throwing about of ideas. In her situation, Jon's lifestyle might affect how one percieves the band. Let's think about an act. We'll use Richie as an example this time.

What would you think if he were charged and eventually convicted of a heinous crime?

Phase one: You turn on the evening news and you hear that Richie's been arrested for -------------(crime of your choice, whatever you think is the worst).

Phase two: Richie adamently denies guilt and hype and speculation abound in the press.

Phase three: The trial. The prosecution has mounting evidence of his guilt, but he still says he's innocent. Do you take his word for it or are you swayed by the evidence?

Phase four: He's convicted and sentenced.

Phase five: Barbara Walters does a Behind-the-Bars special and Richie admits guilt.

First of all, what crime do you think of as most heinous? Then, how would you react at each phase? Or would you even keep up with all the phases? Would you give up as soon as he was charged? As soon as he was on trial? Or would you hang on until the end and even afterwards?

Becky