DSK v Hotel Maid

The New York Hotel Maid at the centre of her alleged rape by the ex chief of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn (DSK), has finally broken her silence after many weeks. She maintains her own innocence of charges of giving contradictory and misleading information to the authorities, when reporting the incident, and holds firm to her story that she was subjected to an unprovoked sex attack.

A lowly maid comes up against one of the world's most influential men. Each with their own story, and each which contradicts the other. Only one is telling the truth. No surprises there then? This is America, the land of the sue culture. Maybe we need the real 'Sioux' to sort this out.

Having lived in the USA, we made many friends, who are good people. That is not in doubt, but I will say what is. Money. In the land of opportunity, and the American Dream, nothing speaks louder than money. It permeates society, from the very poor (who have none) and the rich (who have plenty). It will not be the first time that a wealthy and powerful person will be in the courtroom, (if the case ever gets that far!) defended by the best lawyer that money can buy, and with only one purpose, to get free. On the other side of the courtroom will be a poor Maid, with only her dignity and a less than well known defence lawyer. Do you think it will be a fair trial? I don't. I reckon the scales of 'justice' are already tipped in DSK's favour. Do I need to remind you of the O J Simpson trial fiasco?

This immigrant Maid has nothing to lose, except her name, her poorly paid job, and her reputation. She has already said that she doesn't care about any settlement money. Maybe she is already resigned to defeat at the hands of monetary might, in a country which supposedly espouses freedom. Freedom at all levels internationally, where democratic values are held high. Except in a case like this.

You will have figured by now, where my sympathies lie, but if you are still in doubt, it is not with the rich and famous, who are able to buy themselves out of trouble, and don't care about any personal debris they may leave in their wake. Ok, maybe I am wrong. Maybe I am prejudiced. I would not mind being proved wrong, and if this is so, I will apologise. Until then, we can all watch and wait while the character assassination begins in the name of justice and freedom in the land of opportunity! One thing is certain, guilty or innocent, the lowly Maid's name and reputation is already being shredded in the pre trial preparations.

Therefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.1 Cor 10:12