Theresa Santoro

The Hilton family is a large family. Rick is one of 8 children. We never hear a word about any of them. There must be scads of Hilton cousins. Why is Paris a household name? Does anyone know the names of her little brothers? When it comes to fame, it is all about the publicists we pay to keep our names in the paper, and on the news. But who could have predicted this? What a debacle the whole Paris Hilton thing is. Conrad and Nicky had their days as scandalous Hiltons, one marrying Zsa Zsa, the other Elizabeth Taylor. Very benign marital stuff in comparison to Ms. Paris Hilton. In jail, out of jail, back to jail. Lots of supposition on the part of why, oh why? One theory on the streets here in So. Cal is that the Hilton family paid big money into the Sheriffs coffers during election time. Maybe, and the again, maybe not..

Lets go with the media spun story. Paris is ill, really ill. She has all sorts of mental problems. Psychiatric problems. Oh my gosh! Really? Poor Paris! Will she be alright? Puhleeze! Lets just say for a moment that she really is ill. What kind of irresponsible parent stands back and watches as their 20-something daughter goes out night after partying night only to self destruct. Would not a person with severe mental illness be on some sort of strong medication that does not mix will with alcohol? When she gets her DUI, they stand back, smile in a "these things happen" kind of way, and don't call "Caution&.our daughter is sick&really, really sick". When she later gets pulled over for doing over 70 in a 30 mile and hour zone, they don't panic, and scream "Everyone out of the way, Paris is sick&.really, really sick". Instead, they did what ever they could to get her off the hook. Her poor publicist fired for not keeping Paris up to date on her court requirements. Hmmmmm, is it just me, or should a high paid attorney have kept up on that one?

It is all such a mess, and Kathy and Rick win the bad parent award for a few reasons. First, of all they did not allow Paris to fall. They kept trying to use money, their name, and their connections to free Paris. I am sure that first time DUI offenders do not go to jail. On the other hand, I am also positive that those that ignore probation, court mandated classes, and suspended licenses should go to jail, and that is just what Paris got. Jail time. Only to cry wolf in the very first twenty four hours , and say&&&. "I am sick, really, really sick! Let me out!" And out of jail the Sheriff allowed her. But not for long. As soon as the public was in uproar, and protests outside the jail began, she went back in. This time, she got to go to the medical treatment side for undisclosed reasons. As Paris was hauled off to jail from the court room, she screamed in fear for her mother. Is Paris really psychologically ill? My opinion? And it is only my opinion. Paris is most likely an alcoholic and recreational drug user. She was going through withdrawal, and panic. It happens to many prisoners. Even hardened criminals cry when they get to prison. No one wants to go. If people wanted to go to prison, they would slap the name "Hilton" on it, and you would pay a fee to get in. Prison is not supposed to be a day in the park.

I don't trust Kathy Hilton. She comes from a family of child actors. It seems she wanted her children in the limelight of Hollywood; the same light that she was unable to succeed in herself. I give her good acting props, and I don't trust her because the day that Paris was hauled off to jail the second time, Mrs. Hilton looked so very distraught going to the car. But once in the car, she was all gleeful smiles as someone yelled out to her to say hello. She put on her happy face which was very genuine to say hello, and thank them for being there. Somehow, I don't think she knew she was on camera. There is talk about how much money jail time will make for Paris. For every day in, she will rake in more money when she gets out to sell her story. Really? Fantastic! I have a great idea!

I would love it, if the very same judge could order that every dime she makes from the publicity of jail go back to help those in recovery, or in jail. That would really be time well served! Sadly with the money carrot dangling, I am sure Paris will now do just fine. Her mother will continue to peddle and sell the story to someone. My bet is Barbara Walters. A journalist, I no longer respect or trust. She has been defending Paris all along, saying what great parents she has. My bet is that Barbara is preparing to secure the exclusive. Big money for Barbara. Big money for Paris. Is it the right move for the Disney owned ABC? A family company would do well to ignore it, and not pay a dime. I am anxious to see how it all unfolds. In the end, it is our young daughers who lose. As there will still be nary a starlet in Hollywood to admire. So very sad!