By Mike Kirwan Venice
Jimmy Cannon writes that I advocated shipping Paris Hilton off to South Africa (“Deportation is no laughing matter,” May 15, letters). Nothing could be further from the truth. At one time, under apartheid, South Africa did “ban” regime opponents, meaning they could not be seen or quoted in any form of media. This is what should be done with the person in question — no mention of her in any newspaper, magazine; no photos, no reporting of every single thing she does, as if she is actually important.
We would all be better off without ever hearing about her again. I would never advocate deporting her to South Africa... not even Iraq, Iran or North Korea. Maybe someplace farther, like Pluto... one way.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 19, 2007. Read the original PDF.