Two Systems of Justice

Courtesy of Instapundit, we come to this charming tale of two people breaking the same law, yet being treated differently. The Washington Times explains:

It’s been more than a week since police in Washington, D.C., opened an investigation into NBC’s David Gregory’s possession of a “high-capacity magazine” that’s prohibited in the District on on national TV. Metropolitan Police’s spokesman refused Monday to respond to whether Mr. Gregory had even been interviewed yet. This is a rather curious departure for a city that has been ruthless in enforcing this particular firearms statute against law-abiding citizens who made an honest mistake.

In July, The Washington Times  highlighted the plight of former Army Spc. Adam Meckler, who was arrested and jailed for having a few long-forgotten rounds of ordinary ammunition — but no gun — in his backpack in Washington. Mr. Meckler, a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, says he had no idea it was illegal to possess unregistered ammunition in the city. He violated the same section of D.C. law as  Mr. Gregoryallegedly did, and both offenses carry the same maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine and a year in jail.

Two guys both broke the same law. Specialist Adam Meckler went to jail, David Gregory remains free.  Spec Meckler didn't realize that he was breaking a law, Mr. Gregory broke the law in public and spectacular fashion after having asked if he could break the law.  Gregory was told no.

Gregory has political juice.  Meckler doesn't.  That's the difference.  Common folks go to jail.  Folks like Mr. Gregory don't.  There will be those who argue that it's always been that way, that the rich and famous get away with things that the common person can't.  That argument doesn't mean that we have to accept it.  It's wrong and Mr. Gregory should face the same prosecutorial system that Mr. Meckler faced.