Yup, HER

I usually give people the benefit of the doubt, for better or for worse. For that reason I’m inclined to believe Paris Hilton when she says that incarceration has changed her, and that she will now commit herself to helping those who need it.

Is this a ploy? It doesn’t matter, the judge who sent her back to the big house was resolute in his sentencing. True, for every four days she behaves like a model prisoner she’ll have a day knocked off her sentence, but that’s true of all L.A. County inmates.

Like the rest of you I don’t know Paris Hilton personally, and I have no interest whatsoever in her lifestyle, her celebrity, or the “cult of personality” of which she is reigning princess. But if someone with the ways and means sincerely offers to make the world a better place then what the hell, why not.

Unfortunately if she chooses to visit the starving and AIDS-stricken in Africa it will become a media circus, and she will draw untold numbers of detractors who will volley forth the battle cry “she’s just another rich kid looking for a photo op”. Well folks, would you prefer we send POOR people to Africa to help out? Africa has enough of their own, thanks.

I admire people who have the power to affect change and go about it in a truly sincere manner, without the need for publicity. I don’t know if he still does it but years ago Bruce Springsteen, the “Father Theresa” of rock and roll, used to quietly show up at the local food bank and help unload trucks – whereas Bono needs a tv crew and a fanfare, and expects world leaders to drop what they’re doing because he is IMPORTANT. Bono, the CAUSES are important, you're just kind of a dork.

In the end it’s about doing things for the right reasons. Paris, this is your chance to make a real change – good luck.