Alexandra Bogdanovic's Blog: That's life... - Posts Tagged "rules"

If there's one thing I hate, it's someone with a sense of entitlement. If there's one thing I really hate it's a celebrity with a sense of entitlement.
So not surprisingly I wasn't impressed when Johnny Depp became the center of an epic controversy in Australia while I was there.
Apparently Mr. Depp arrived in the Land Down Under on a private jet. In and of itself, that is certainly no big deal. It only became a big deal because he (allegedly supposedly purportedly reportedly) brought his dogs along... without informing the proper authorities.
Needless to say, the proper authorities -- who are tasked with enforcing the country's rigorous immigration and customs regulations -- weren't impressed when they learned about the (alleged) transgression. Because all domestic animals that enter Australia must be quarantined to ensure they aren't bringing any dangerous parasites or other diseases into the country that could harm animals or people, the Australian minister of agriculture was especially peeved.
In televised appearances, he said the laws apply to everyone -- and that ignorance is no excuse for disobeying them. Then he basically told Mr. Depp to take his dogs and go home -- or else.
The media ate it up. In quintessential Australian style, the press dubbed the controversy "The War on Terriers." It was so wrong -- funny -- but wrong.
Whether he cared to admit it or not, Johnny Depp was wrong, too. As an Australian, I was angry that he thought he could just waltz into town with his dogs in tow and get away with breaking the law. As an American I wasn't surprised.
Until next time, "That's life..."