There's some common wisdom that says that we all learn from our mistakes. I only wish that it were universally true, but haven't we all repeated the same old mistakes at least once in our lives? A really strong person may learn after only one misstep, but the rest of us, well...

That said, I read in the paper today about two of the media's favorite "bad girls", Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton, who are enjoying the fruits of their stupidity. Yes, I said stupidity!

First Paris: Facing a 23 day incarceration for driving with a suspended license (What? she FORGOT???) Paris' friends threw her a party. A quote from the article:
“We had a little party at her house the other night so we were all around her to be there for her,” childhood friend Caroline D'Amore told People magazine on Wednesday. She added that, at the Memorial Day barbecue hosted by pal Nicole Richie, “We all watched the first episode of the new season of 'The Simple Life,' which was really cute.”

Another Hilton pal says the heiress is dreading jail time. “She breaks down crying a lot because she just can't deal with the reality and pressure of everything that is happening,” the source told People, adding that some friends have not been so supportive. “She really can't take how most people around her have scattered and distanced themselves.” Added pal Kim Kardashian, “(Paris) is a smart girl and will be OK. It's all about learning from her experiences.”

OK, so she's "learning". Couldn't she "learn" from her DUI experience and NOT drive without a license? There's "learning" and then there's the never do it again "learning". I hope this time is the last.

Now to Lohan: As opposed to Paris, who I think is just an over privileged spoiled brat, Lindsey is a truely sad case. As a child actor she was used and manipulated by her dysfunctional family, and THAT is sad, but her continuing problems with substance abuse are cases in self destruction NOT victimization.

Don't get me wrong, I come from an alcoholic family background, so I understand the problems she is facing, but I have also learned that an alcoholic has to admit their problem and take steps to deal with it. Apparently Lindsey has not, at least so far. After being caught in digital form after an accident, slumped on the seat of her car, mouth agape in an alcohol induced stupor, she checked into a posh rehab facility in Malibu. A quote: “She's happy where she is and is just taking time to herself to learn and be OK,” stylist friend Nate Newell told People magazine at Wednesday's Los Angeles opening of the flagship Diesel store on Melrose Place. “I've been in touch with her and she likes it.”

This isn't the first time for her. Perhaps she didn't "learn" from that experience as, according to her friend, she is "learning" this time around. Let's hope so, because at 20 years of age she has an awful lot of life to yet experience, and a life of regrets over a few years of stupidity is no way to live. Don't we all know?