Why won't Lindsay Lohan apologize?

Lindsay, Lindsay, Lindsay. The courts grounded you before, and you didn't listen. We're not saying we agree or disagree with your jail sentence of 3 months - your tearful face got to us. However, we have to think of your millions of admirers that saw you refuse to take alcohol and drug abuse seriously.

What shows that a person is sorry in this media-driven age? There are poorly received apologies (Tony Hayward, Gen. McChrystal, Joe Barton) and there are positively received ones (the Pope, Jim Joyce, David Cameron). Why did some go over better?

People respond better to apologies when people take responsibility for the damage they've done. Instead of saying, "I'm sorry that Galarraga didn't get his perfect game," he said "I cost that kid a perfect game." Galarraga and baseball fans seemed more than willing to forgive.

When will Lindsay Lohan take responsibility for her actions? In 2005, she claimed to be a passenger in a car she crashed. When she was proven to be the driver, she said, "I'm not a good liar." But she lied again about speeding the next year while under the influence. And again about cocaine discovered in her pockets in another traffic stop.

It's not about the drinking and drugging. Life is full of mistakes and people can learn from them. This is about the apologizing Lindsay hasn't done. Imagine the respect "I am an addict. I have made many mistakes. I'm sorry for hurting myself and others," would earn her..

What can you do?

• Take a look at what the Do Something audience had to say about whether or not Chris Brown deserves forgiveness for his history of dating abuse.
• Remember that a drug or alcohol problem is difficult, dangerous and scary no matter how famous you are or aren't. Support someone in a tough place.
• Check out this timeline of Lindsay's legal troubles so you can understand better how she got herself in this mess. Then maybe you'll have some ideas on how she should dig herself out.

2005

The year begins with Lohan riding the success and acclaim of Mean Girls.

FEBRUARY 2

A couple files a lawsuit claiming that Lohan injured them in a traffic accident that took place in 2004.

OCTOBER 4

Lohan crashes her car into a parked vehicle and sustains minor injuries, as do two others involved.

2007

JANUARY 17

Lohan checks into a rehab center saying she wants to "take care of my personal health." She leaves after 30 days.

May 11

Movie "Georgia Rule," comes out and gets mediocre reviews.

MAY 26

Lohan arrested after crashing her car into a sidewalk. She is arrested for DUI; cocaine is found in the car.

MAY 28

Lohan enters a different rehab facility.

JULY 2

Lohan celebrates her 21st birthday in rehab.

JULY 13

Lohan leaves rehab, heads to Las Vegas to attend a party wearing an alcohol-monitoring anklet.

JUNE 14

Lohan is accused of being drunk during the 2005 traffic incident.

JULY 21

Production of upcoming movie, "Poor Things," shut down amid concerns about the Lohan's stability.

JULY 24

Lohan charged with driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, possession of a controlled substance and bringing contraband into a custody facility. She heads back to rehab.

AUGUST 14

Lohan gets sued for assault and negligence by one of the people in the car that the actress allegedly chased the month prior while driving under the influence.

AUGUST 23

Lohan reaches a plea deal for her two 2007 arrests, saying she would spend one day in jail, serve 10 days of community service and complete a drug-treatment program. Lohan is placed on probation for three years and required to complete an 18-month alcohol-education program and pay hundreds of dollars in fines. She also is to finish a three-day county coroner program that required her to visit a morgue and talk to victims of drunken drivers. "It is clear to me that my life has become completely unmanageable because I am addicted to alcohol and drugs," says a statement issued on her behalf.

OCTOBER 5

Lohan leaves rehab after two months.

2009

MARCH 13

Arrest warrant issued for Lohan regarding parole violations and failure to attend counseling.

OCTOBER 16

Lohan attends a hearing for her 2007 drunk driving case and her probation is extended another year so she can finish her alcohol-education program.

2010

APRIL

Lohan misses two court appearances.

APRIL 26

Lohan is asked to leave the film "The Other Side." The director says Lohan was fired because she is not "bankable."

May

Lohan says her passport is “stolen” in France and she cannot make her drug testing commitments. Blames it on a stunt orchestrated by her estranged father.

MAY 24

Lohan ordered to wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet and submit to random drug testing at least once a week to avoid jail. Bail posted.

JUNE 8

Lohan’s alcohol monitoring bracelet (SCRAM) goes off. She claims she did not consume any alcohol. An arrest warrant is issued, as well as a fine. She posts bail.

JULY 7

Lohan is sentenced to 90 days in jail and 90 days in live-in drug treatment program. It is rumored that she has acquired prescriptions for Dilaudid, Adderall, and Ambien.