Gary Glitter should have made better songs

Why are so many people outraged by the treatment of Roman Polanski? If any other man had pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 13-year-old, and then fled the country before being sentenced, those same people would be condemning him.

However, it seems that being skilled in the field of film-making means it's okay to be a disgusting sexual predator. As long as pretentious movie buffs get to rub their chins over your films, you're allowed to rub yourself over whoever you like.
Frankly, I'm appalled that seemingly intelligent people are able to excuse such a horrible crime. He should be extradited to the US as soon as possible to face trial, and his fleeing should also be taken into account and he should be sentenced for that too.

For those that argue that the victim has dropped the charges, it really doesn't matter. He committed a crime, and he should be punished for it. No doubt she's happy with the settlement she got from him, but does that make it okay? Should we allow the rich to buy their way out of trouble?

Some people see a creative genius, but when I look at Roman Polanski, I see a wretched, snivelling coward who, having committed a most heinous crime, didn't even have the courage to face up to the consequences.

UPDATE: For all the Polanski supporters, here's an interesting bit of reading. Now tell me he doesn't deserve to go to prison.