It goes without saying that this week has been pretty eventful.

In the past few days, North Korea has become more bold in its speech toward the West, promising to rain a "nuclear shower" on the U.S. should any of the communist country's upcoming missile tests be intercepted by our military.

Meanwhile, the struggle for power continues in Iran, as the current regime does its part to suppress its people by keeping them from peacefully protesting the reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The struggle has led to the death of an unconfirmed amount of people, with some of the victims' last breaths captured by cameras for all the world to see.

The Palmetto State found itself in the limelight this week as well, with Gov. Mark Sanford confessing to an affair whose roots were cast several years ago. Though Sanford and "Maria" started as friends, their intimate relationship has cast a shadow of doubt over the governor's immediate future, both politically and at home.

Unfortunately, these issues though serious during the treacherous times we live in have covered up others closer to home.

Celebrities have always been there in times of boredom, using their talents on the movie screen or football field to give us the entertainment our bodies yearn for on a daily basis. In turn, they get PAID — you know, cash money ... a lot of it.

However, when did fame give someone the unalienable right to do whatever their heart and mind pleases?

On multiple occasions within the past two weeks, our nation's justice system has let all of us down, but let two celebrities with an unlimited amount of talent and apparently an endless amount of money, off the hook.

Driving under the influence (D.U.I.) is inexcusable. Automobiles are already a dangerous weapon that when driven recklessly or without caution can create an environment for disaster.

We don't know whether Cleveland Browns wide receiver Dante Stallworth actually took the time to think of the consequences of his actions should a police officer stop him or an accident occur. But we do know the consequences were real minutes later.

On his way home, Stallworth, whose blood-alcohol level was above the legal limit, struck and killed a 59- year-old man headed to a bus stop. After a long night at work the man merely wanted to see his family.

Instead, he met the bumper of Stallworth's car.

Similarly, R&B sensation Chris Brown's future was a bit cloudy after the fallout between him and ex-girlfriend and pop singer Rihanna.

They had made quite a splash in the music business, both with number-one singles to their credit and an even brighter future ahead. It seemed they were destined for a future of greatness both professionally and as one of the industry's power couples.

Brown and Rihanna were scheduled to be two of the top performers at this year's Grammy Awards. They were top performers alright, unfortunately it was on the front pages and tabloids all over the world.

In a moment both will regret, the couple was involved in an altercation that left Rihanna injured, according to several media outlets. Brown was later charged with two counts of felony assault and making criminal threats as a result of the incident, causing a backlash against him in the media and fans to turn against him.

I'm guessing many of you are thinking, "two separate incidents ... big deal."

Stallworth was looking at a minimum of five years jail time per Florida law if found guilty of D.U.I. vehicular homicide. If convicted, Brown could have been sentenced anywhere from probation to four to eight months in prison.

You would think the full extent of the law would have been served by the respective judges in these cases, laying down the law to set a precedent to celebrities of all types and the general public against such behavior.

I guess the saying is true ... money talks.

Stallworth was given a virtual slap on the wrist, being sentenced to 30 days in jail, two years house arrest and eight years probation, in addition to paying a significant amount of cash to the victim's family. NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell has suspended him indefinitely.

Brown, on the other hand, escaped jail time by copping a plea agreement in which he would spend the next five years on probation, in addition to serving 180 days of community service. He also is required to complete a domestic violence counseling program.

Fame should not put anyone above the law, especially those whose mere means of a living is making money off of those coming to watch them perform or buy their records. If any one of us were put in a similar situation, we would have been given the full extent of the law and told not to let the door hit us on the way out.

All were created equally, huh? I guess the only thing that is equal is our selfish need to do what is best for us instead of our pursuit of the right and just thing to do.

Joe L. Hughes II (joe@gaffneyledger.com) is a features reporter for The Gaffney Ledger. You can also follow him on Twitter (ledger1865) where you can ask questions and give your opinions on issues here in Cherokee County.