I should’t need to remind any citizen that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag ends with the expression “liberty and justice for all.” This notion has become a sham in recent years. Rather the system has actually become justice for $ome–those with tons of money. This undermines one of the prime premises for the nation. As I listen to the news–or as much as I can bear–it seems almost daily there is a story of corruption by someone who already has far more than most of us will ever have. Doubtless Diogenes would be frustrated in his hunt for an honest man in the United States.

This article will be the first in a series of aperiodic pieces exploring the woeful state of American justice system in which the rich get golden get out of jail free cards.

What I find appalling is how anyone with enough money can buy justice. Justice for some! It has always been that way to a certain extent, but it seems to be getting worse. Jeffrey Epstein is a case in point on multiple occasions. He got a sweetheart deal, then he even managed to improve that during his cushy time in Florida jail. Then many years later when his past was catching up with him, his attorneys argued he should be released on bail in a luxurious home that few could afford. Fortunately, the judge saw what a sham that would be and confined him to jail. Even then Epstein was not done gaming the system as his attorneys argued he was no longer a suicide risk. Then he escaped justice via suicide either because of the jail’s incompetence or corruption. Epstein gave the system the ultimate middle finger when he signed a new will two days before the suicide to prevent his victims from seeking justice.

Felicity Huffman is another case in point. She bribed someone to cheat on the exam for her daughter and was considering doing so for another. Then in an Emmy-winning performance she pleads regret. Remember, folks, she is an actress and can pile on the tears. Her fine $30,000 chump change for her. Then a mere two weeks in the clink and a few weeks of community service. The parole board apparently considered this bribery a victimless crime that called for no incarceration. It seems to me the board has fallen prey to the allure of celebrity. The victim was the system and further undermining honesty in the system. Apparently that didn’t merit as punishment.

Some defense attorneys have even complained Huffman shouldn’t have served anytime. They’ll give reasons, but one must wonder if their real concern is the ability to sell a get out of jail free card to the rich for high billable hours would be limited. Meanwhile, Epstein’s attorneys seem to be milking billable hours after his death by calling for an investigation. How about doing some pro bono work for the oppressed poor?

Finally, I almost choked when Ivanka Trump said she got a strong moral compass from her dad. Really? Can she name one instance in which she didn’t do something because her dad said it would be morally wrong? I would have liked to hear that answer. Meanwhile, Diogenes is crying.