If ever there was a more blatant example of what connections can do for you, I ain’t seen it:

Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, a musician in his own right, helped secure the release of Atlanta R&B producer Dallas Austin from a Dubai jail after a drug conviction, the senator’s office confirmed Saturday.

In a statement released through his staff, the conservative Republican said he was contacted by Austin’s attorneys, then called the ambassador and consul of the United Arab Emirates in Washington on Austin’s behalf.

A Grammy winner who has produced hits for Madonna, Pink and TLC, Austin was arrested May 19 and convicted of drug possession for bringing 1.26 grams of cocaine into Dubai.

On Tuesday a court sentenced him to four years in jail and said Austin, 34, should be deported after serving the term. Hours later, Dubai ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum pardoned and released Austin. (emphasis mine)

Question: why is the average US citizen caught with drugs somehow deserving of prison time but Dallas Austin isn’t?  Last time I checked, Orrin Hatch wasn’t exactly Mr Legalize-It…

Slaps on the wrist for people w/ access to power, SWAT team home invasions & mandatory minimums for the commoners.  It’s so plain. Whoever is running against him should call him on this ridiculous contradiction.