In her affidavit seeking a restraining order against Charlie Sheen, his estranged wife Denise Richards made a number of startling claims. Among other things, she alleged that the actor abuses hard and prescription drugs, procures prostitutes, and patronizes pornographic websites featuring minors of both sexes.

Clearly, there is plenty in this to justify launching a criminal probe into the actor's actions. But what do you think the chances are that this will ever happen? Many in Hollywood engage in these and similar kinds of activities — often quite openly — and yet one never hears of any criminal prosecutions.

Things, however, are quite different if you happen to be a well—known conservative. A couple of years ago, a District Attorney in Palm Beach County was trying very hard to bring criminal charges against Rush Limbaugh for alleged infractions which pale in comparison. If you remember, Mr. Limbaugh became addicted to a prescription pain management drug while under medical treatment.

In his prosecutorial zeal, the DA went so far as to raid Mr. Limbaugh's doctor's offices in an effort to obtain Mr. Limbaugh's medical records, searching for an offense with which to charge him. Eyebrow—raising conduct, indeed, in a society that rarely prosecutes people for minor substance abuse. Needless to say, no evidence of any criminal activity was found.

Do you think a similar effort will be made to bring criminal charges against Charlie Sheen based on allegations of a much more serious nature put forth under penalty of perjury in his wife's sworn affidavit?

I would not bet on it.

Vasko Kohlmayer   4 24 06