Rant 262 18/9/12 Subject: Paparazzi perverts

Rant number 262

I think I've made it pretty clear in the past that I am not a great royalist really. They aren't any mightier or better than anyone else.

As such, I have been listened to the reports about Kate Middleton with only minor amusement.

In general however, its got me thinking about the paparazzi.

If I go out with a telephoto lens tomorrow and take some pictures of a lady sunbathing topless in her garden, or her balcony or through her window I'm going to get arrested surely.

So the question is? When does a paparazzi photographer become a peeping Tom?

For years and years, its become the norm to stalk celebrities and take pictures of them in various compromising positions: Why is it OK for someone to take these photos of you, only if you are famous? Its surely a loophole that we need to seal up.

It's not like Kate Middleton was on a beach somewhere with her baps out. She was on a balcony in private property - and someone had to use a massive telephoto lens to get the photos. If that's not peeping then I don't know what the hell is.

I know that some concessions are being made now - but its a bit like closing the gate once the animals have escaped now. The pics are out there and the damage is done.

I think its about time that someone starts locking these perverts up!

Rant over.