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Bungleau · 02-21-2005, 10:43 AM

It certainly muddies the water a bit, doesn't it? And the definition of "child rapist" leaves something to be desired, too. It covers everything from a 19-year-old with a 15-year-old girlfriend to a 50-year-old sports coach molesting the kids on his team. I know *I* don't have as much of an issue with the first as I do with the second...

Another thing to keep in mind is that those sites can be woefully outdated. Do you think everyone on there checks in religiously with the state to let the state know where they've moved to? Not likely, my friend. So before the vigilante mobs head off, make sure that the person they're going after is indeed the right one.

Last year out here, there was a long-running news story about a guy who was released from prison, having done his time for molestation. Problem was he couldn't find a place to live... He started at his parents' place, but local pressures drove him out of town, and then our local sherrif contacted the sherrifs of towns he was heading to and let them know that he was coming. End result was that the folks in those towns (multiple states away) also booted him. He finally found a place to stay after four or five attempts in different states.

Now, is this a problem? In a lot of ways, yes. I'm not sure the impact of our sherrif "tattling" to other sherrifs. I mean, they don't do that with other offenses, do they? On the other hand, I'd really be unhappy to find out that a molester had moved in next door, so I'd want to know.

Can a person be rehabilitated? I don't see why not. I haven't done much research on it, so I know I've got some reading to do, but I don't see where a person can't change. At least, not more than someone convicted of any other crime.

Perhaps it's that the victim in these crimes is a poor defenseless child. Much like recent threads about the abuse of animals, a child can't defend themself from an adult with bad intentions, and we act to ensure that the child can't find themself in that situation.

Bottom line for me is that the lists are inherently out of date, and contain charges that run the gamut from serious to benign. Given that, we can't necessarily use them effectively, and they present an opportunity for easy abuse.

02-21-2005, 10:43 AM	#10
Bungleau 40th Level Warrior Join Date: October 29, 2001 Location: Western Wilds of Michigan Posts: 11,752	It certainly muddies the water a bit, doesn't it? And the definition of "child rapist" leaves something to be desired, too. It covers everything from a 19-year-old with a 15-year-old girlfriend to a 50-year-old sports coach molesting the kids on his team. I know I don't have as much of an issue with the first as I do with the second... Another thing to keep in mind is that those sites can be woefully outdated. Do you think everyone on there checks in religiously with the state to let the state know where they've moved to? Not likely, my friend. So before the vigilante mobs head off, make sure that the person they're going after is indeed the right one. Last year out here, there was a long-running news story about a guy who was released from prison, having done his time for molestation. Problem was he couldn't find a place to live... He started at his parents' place, but local pressures drove him out of town, and then our local sherrif contacted the sherrifs of towns he was heading to and let them know that he was coming. End result was that the folks in those towns (multiple states away) also booted him. He finally found a place to stay after four or five attempts in different states. Now, is this a problem? In a lot of ways, yes. I'm not sure the impact of our sherrif "tattling" to other sherrifs. I mean, they don't do that with other offenses, do they? On the other hand, I'd really be unhappy to find out that a molester had moved in next door, so I'd want to know. Can a person be rehabilitated? I don't see why not. I haven't done much research on it, so I know I've got some reading to do, but I don't see where a person can't change. At least, not more than someone convicted of any other crime. Perhaps it's that the victim in these crimes is a poor defenseless child. Much like recent threads about the abuse of animals, a child can't defend themself from an adult with bad intentions, and we act to ensure that the child can't find themself in that situation. Bottom line for me is that the lists are inherently out of date, and contain charges that run the gamut from serious to benign. Given that, we can't necessarily use them effectively, and they present an opportunity for easy abuse. __________________ B Save Early, Save Often Save Before, Save After Two-Star General, Spelling Soldiers -+-+-+ Give 'em a hug one more time. It might be the last.