The Leonard Lopate Show 12-20-2007

Underreported: Are Sex Offender Laws Working?

US sex offender laws may do harm than good, according to a recent report from Human Rights Watch. Strict notification laws and residency requirements don’t reflect the reality of the risks children face, may not protect victims, and violate the basic human rights of former offenders.

Sarah Tofte is a researcher at Human Rights Watch; Linda runs a support group for families of registered sex offenders. Elizabeth J. Letourneau, Ph.D. works with juvenile sex offenders. She's Associate Professor at the Family Services Research Center of the Medical University of South Carolina.

Weigh in: What do you think about current sex offender laws? Are they working? We’d like to hear from people associated with both victims and offenders.

Read HRW’s report "No Easy Answers: Sex Offender Laws in the United States"

Visit Linda’s blog, "There IS Life After Sexual Abuse"

Visit the Sex Offender Support and Education Network (SOSEN)

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Comments from listeners:
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Many of the comments from that show are interesting unfortunately those comments are littered with new vigilante comments attacking former sex offenders and advocates who also commented. To understand why "new vigilante comments" are vigilantism please see our definition of "vigilantism." With that said, the comments:

[1]
Posted by: equal justice December 20, 2007 - 11:55AM
Florida
It is pretty obvious that the current laws are not working and common sense tells us that they actually place children in MORE danger, rather than less. We NEED to listen to the experts. We MUST stop creating laws just to "look tough" on sex offenders and appease a public that has been misled for years about the facts regarding sex offense.

Until we truly place our childrens saftey FIRST and not REVENGE, we will never make a dent in this ongoing problem

[2]
Posted by: Geoffrey Birky December 20, 2007 - 01:16PM
Denton, MD
Current sex offender laws actually harm children by branding many of them as "sex offenders", often for normal childhood sexual experimentation, underage romantic relationships, or pranks. What few people realize is that "sex offenses" are not the same as "sexual abuse." There are a lot of statutory sex offenses (illegal because of age, not because of coercion of abuse) and offenses that are indecent rather than abusive. Yet, for these acts, kids are being placed on registries, imprisoned, tracked, banned from their homes, schools, and jobs, and sometimes placed in abusive "treatment" ...

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[3]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 01:29PM
Georgia
These laws do not work, read more of my thoughts from my blog, here:

http://sexoffenderissues.blogspot.com/2007/04/my-thoughts-sex-offender-law-issues.html


[4]
Posted by: hjs December 20, 2007 - 01:34PM
11211
like the "war" of drugs another failure of an over reaching government pandering to get votes

[5]
Posted by: equal justice December 20, 2007 - 01:38PM
Florida
In Florida we have many dead, moved out of state, deported, offenders on our registry, just to inflate the registry and get more Federal money.

Many States and the AWA stipulates that the employer be listed on the registry. Many, many are losing their jobs because employers do not wish to be listed on the registry.

[6]
Posted by: sue December 20, 2007 - 01:42PM
new jersey
How many of these men were abused themselves?

[7]
Posted by: Anonymous December 20, 2007 - 01:44PM
NJ
Abuse IS totally out of control today.

Look at the Boy Scouts, and how they attempted to purge themselves of all "Gay" leaders.

This kind of abuse is quite common, not only among girls abused by fathers/family members, but

also boys at the tender age.

Maybe in about 10-20 years, we wont have as many mid aged victims that were never reported, or were ACTIVELY REPRESSED.


[8]
Posted by: tom sheckler December 20, 2007 - 01:45PM
bklyn
Georgia Court Overturns Sex Offender Law

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: November 21, 2007

Filed at 2:09 p.m. ET


ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia's top court overturned a state law Wednesday that banned registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of schools, churches and other areas where children congregate.

[9]
Posted by: ruth December 20, 2007 - 01:45PM
Hillside, New Jersey
Overly restrictive residency laws are a real problem, like Miami's law requiring sex offenders to live 2500 feet from any school, playground or day care center which is rapidly creating a colony of homeless sex offenders who are being told by their parole officers which bridge they may live under. There simply is nowhere else in Miami Dade County (other than the middle of the Everglades) where they can live. Check out a story in the Miami New Times by Isaiah Thompson, "Sex Offenders Set Up Camp" published December 13th. Sex offenders are a mixed group, of course, but many committed their offenses years ago and have lived productive lives since then; many have families who care for them, but they are not allowed to live with them. (Disclosure: Isaiah Thompson is my son.)

[10]
Posted by: Laurie December 20, 2007 - 01:45PM
New York
Hi,

I'm wondering if your guests think that the program "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" (which seems to be on cable at least twice a day) contributes (negatively or positively) to public thinking about sex offenders and/or related public policy.

Thanks

[11]
Posted by: Anonymous December 20, 2007 - 01:46PM
NJ
SUE:

Regarding perps who were also victim of this?

I'd say LARGE amounts!

I know of one personally.

And interestingly enough, I too, was abused when young, and surpressed memory for over 40 years.


[12]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 01:47PM
Georgia
I have also been attacked by these vigilantes who call me pro-pedophile or pro-sex offender, just because I have a blog about these issues.

These people are "terrorists" IMO, and are not helping anything but making things worse.

Go to Corrupted-Justice, here, to see who PJ and the vigilantes they have linked on the bottom of their page, are really like.

http://www.corrupted-justice.com/

I have also had to move from my fathers home, which I've lived with my whole life, and have had to move 8 times within 1 1/2 years, due to churches, schools or day cares ...

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[13]
Posted by: tom sheckler December 20, 2007 - 01:49PM
bklyn
Georgia Justices Overturn a Curb on Sex Offenders

By BRENDA GOODMAN

Published: November 22, 2007

ATLANTA, Nov. 21 — The Georgia Supreme Court unanimously struck down a state law Wednesday that limited where registered sex offenders could live, ruling that the statute was so restrictive it unconstitutionally deprived the offenders of their property rights.

This article includes a map showing there is almost no place in dekalb county where an offender can live.

[14]
Posted by: mike December 20, 2007 - 01:51PM
I cant see why a man that is 22 having a consensual relationship with a 15 year old can be a risk when that guy is 40 years old, even if he has 20 psychiatrists saying hes not a risk. They tricked a lot of people in the beginning to being a registered sex offender because if someone took a plea in 1995 the judge or district attorney did not say anything about being on the registry. Then in 1997 most got a letter in the mail saying that they had to register or go back to jail. That to me is cheating by the state. Nowadays the judge has to tell the person to register BEFORE they take a plea. ...

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[15]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 01:55PM
Georgia
Read about the Georgia sex offender law being shot down from the Southern Center for Human Rights, here:

http://www.schr.org/aboutthecenter/pressreleases/HB1059_litigation/HB1059_litigation.html

[16]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 01:58PM
Georgia
The registries need to be taken offline, like they were before, the public cannot handle the online registries.

Youths who are not adults, need to NOT be charged as adults for these crimes, and not be on the registry and their lives ruined forever.

Repeal the laws, fix them, so they do NOT violate the United States Constitution....


[17]
Posted by: Anonymous December 20, 2007 - 02:00PM
NJ
And don't forget about YESTERDAY's teaching momemnt.

Britany's sister (Jamey-Lynn) a wholesome sweet 16, mother to be.

And her 19 year old BOYFRIEND.

Now in SOME states, that is a sex offense.

in some states they have a romeo exemption if the

male is within a few years of her

(he better hope it's a three year difference, and not only TWO years!)

Ahem...

comments from the pro-profilers here?

MHHHH

[18]
Posted by: julie December 20, 2007 - 02:06PM
long island
The public's outrage against sex offenders is appropriate. while girls who are raped as children don't tend to go on to become offenders themselves, they do sometimes go on to kill themselves, or become suicidal, and/or to suffer throughout their lifetimes. So the likelihood of perpetrator recidivism isn't relevant. Anyone who rapes a child once should be put away forever.

[19]
Posted by: LindaWa December 20, 2007 - 02:06PM
OK
Residency Restrictions should be limited to the few who are known to be a danger. U.S. Department of Justice says 3.5% recidivists rate and the registry should reflect only those who are a risk and certainly one who crime is 10/20 years old should be removed since the contract with the court has been fulfilled. In short, abolish residency restrictions and put the registry into the hands of the police only.

[20]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 02:20PM
Georgia
Julie,

You are assuming everyone labeled a "sex offender" is a "child molester" which is incorrect.

[21]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 02:21PM
Georgia
Bureau of Justice study quoted by Linda is here:

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/crimoff.htm#recidivism

[22]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 02:46PM
Austell
No, Z, there are also those who are guilty of sexual battery and assault and rape.

But if you take a plea bargain you don't plead UP you plead DOWN.

Of course, as a man convicted of child molestation who took a plea you would know this.

[23]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 02:56PM
Georgia
And speaking of vigilantes, here they come....

Stitches,

You are correct, there is sexual battery and assault and rape, why are you distorting what I say, as usual???

For people who don't know all of my case, seeing "child molestation" they assume the worse.

Like I've told you MANY times, I did not touch, have sex with or rape ANY child, period, yet you continue to assume I did.

Get a life, quit stalking and harassing me and others.

You see folks, this is one of the vigilantes I was talking about...

He and others pick and chose what they report to people and distort the truth...

Again, check out Corrupted Justice, they are ex-PJ staff, and will show you what the REAL PJ and these vigilantes are ALL about...

I'm sure I can expect more BS on your blog, which I'm sure will be all lies, like usual...


[24]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 02:56PM
Georgia
Also Stitches, I was not talking to you, now was I...

[25]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 02:58PM
Georgia
Just Google STITCHES77 and see the BS this person is spewing...

[26]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 03:06PM
Austell
Why are you calling me a vigilante? I'm a blogger just like you.

You said you took a plea deal. You were convicted of child molestation. What I'm saying is that if your story is true that a little girl looked INTO your bedroom and saw you nude and you then took a plea deal you would not be on the Georgia SOR for child molestation it would be something far less. So stop lying and accusing ME of lying. If it's not true go accuse Georgia of lying.

I'm not stalking or harassing. I'm uncovering your lies. If you want to be an activist you need to be honest otherwise it will come ...

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[27]
Posted by: Stella December 20, 2007 - 03:06PM
Austell
Wow what a shock (insert sarcasm)! All the people whining about sex offender registries and complaining about laws regarding sexual child abuse/torture are either Registered Sex Offenders themselves (like Zman and the commenting ilk) or their partners/families.


So, riddle yourself this average reader...would child molesters, like the ones responding here, complain and whine about child abuse laws if they weren't successful? They WANT them to be unsuccessful. They want laws that have loopholes and that offer them the easiest access to children with the least amount of accountability and consequences. That's the reality.



[28]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 03:07PM
Austell
Do you need to be speaking to me for me to respond to your statements Z?

That's a new one on me. Nevertheless I WAS addressing YOU.

[29]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 03:19PM
Georgia
Once again, you distort the truth, that is NOT what occurred.

You could kill every single sex offender right this second, and more would follow. So how is anything about these laws working?

You are just people who "get off" on doing what you do. That is the MO of PJ and others like them.

When will people ever realize no matter how tough on crime, all the zero tolerance, all the registries in the world will not prevent a murderer from murdering, a thief from stealing, a dealer from dealing, a user from using, a rapist from raping....accusations on any sex crime, ...

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[30]
Posted by: Violet Leaves December 20, 2007 - 03:19PM
Austell
Sex Offenders and their sympathizers certainly want sympathy because the sex offender *paid his dues* to society, and now has to be on this *list* which makes life hard on *them*.

Lets look at this from the victims side first, because the victim is an innocent person, who was brought into being a victim because of the sex offenders' actions. Now this victim has repercussions from being a abused. They suffer for life and are forced to become something they were not meant to be: Victims just to start with.

Because of the sex offender's actions, the victim suffers for life in ...

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[31]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 03:30PM
Georgia
Just check out my blog and you can see the insanity of these laws for yourself folks, don't listen to these idiots, they distort everything and provide disinformation.

http://sexoffenderissues.blogspot.com/

I think my not reoffending in almost 20 years speaks for itself, and my blog as well. I was also a victim of sexual abuse, so I know both sides of the story.

[32]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 03:35PM
Austell
You didn't REOFFEND in 20 years??? I thought you said you never offended?

THIS isn't what happened either. Tell the truth Zman.

http://thumbsnap.com/v/9L45tNdj.png

[33]
Posted by: Violet Leaves December 20, 2007 - 03:38PM
Austell
Zman

You say you were a victim well shame on you for not breaking the cycle.

There is no excuse!

[34]
Posted by: LindaWa December 20, 2007 - 03:40PM
OK
I wish you people would take your "personal" feud else where.

The broadcast was thoughtful, intelligent and informative. Thank you Leonard

[35]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 03:42PM
Georgia
http://sexoffenderissues.blogspot.com/search/label/%2BIntroduction

I am NOT pro-pedophile or pro-sex offender but pro-Constitution. I am totally against any form of abuse to any animal or human being. Anybody who commits any crime should be punished. But, once that person has done the time they were convicted under, via contract, and is off parole and/or probation, they should be able to get on with their lives without all the rules and regulations. No other criminal has to live by such draconian laws, so why sex offenders? If we must do this for sex offenders, then I think, to be fair, all criminals must be under similar rules and regulations.

[36]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 03:42PM
Georgia

When an ex-offender is forced to move from his/her home, thus having to sell it, cannot find another home within the law due to the residency "buffer" zones, get fired from their jobs due to being on the registry, cannot find a new job due to being on the registry, their husband/wife lose their jobs due to a significant other being on the registry, their children lose their friends and are harassed and bullied in school due to a family member being on the registry, thus destroying the children's lives, ex-offenders are forced into homelessness and to live under bridges, harassed ...

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[37]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 03:45PM
Georgia
Thanks you, this proves what I said...

http://thumbsnap.com/v/9L45tNdj.png

It was a MISTAKE, and I did not molest, rape or have sex with ANY child.

I say I offended, because I did, it was a mistake, which I am sorry for, and admit it was wrong, and I paid my debt (based on the contract), and my lawyer told me to plea, I was young and stupid. If I had to do it over, I would NEVER PLEA, period...

[38]
Posted by: Violet Leaves December 20, 2007 - 03:45PM
Austell
Linda I am a listener I guess you only want people who agree with you to be your audience?

I do not have to agree and not agreeing doesn't make me the bad guy.

Children and abused adults who are these people's victim s deserve to be heard and spoken for.

I am that voice for now. I deserve to be heard.


[39]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 03:48PM
Georgia
Violet,

I did break the cycle. I got help, forgave the person who did that do me, and moved on and became a survivor, unlike many other sexual abuse people.

Everyone is entitled to how they react to a situation, I chose to believe in God and forgive and forget, well, I will never forget, but I will NOT remain a victim my whole life, sorry.

You can either remain a victim forever, or move on, get help, like you and many others really need.

I don't think this is a place to attack each other.

I'd love to hear how you and Stitches would help eliminate the sexual abuse problems in this world, which have been around since day 1.

[40]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 03:49PM
Austell
Oh no, it is far less than what you need. What you need is to not get off with a slap on the wrist and registration. Child molesters should get 25 years to life. I think you just can't be satisfied. Would you rather have 25 to life?

Draconian laws? I don't think you really believe that, you're just repeating garbage you have stored in your files to use for comments. Yeah, yeah, I've seen how you guys do that. See it's like this, if you think these laws are draconian just wait till you see what's next. You need to stop whining and admit that you got far less than what you deserved. ...

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[41]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 03:56PM
Georgia
See, more lies and threats. I did not molest a child, get that through your thick skull.

No more comments from me, this is getting out of hand, like usual...

Peace & God Bless

[42]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 03:57PM
Austell
Zman you aren't making sense. You have claimed it was the little girls fault for looking into your bedroom window and spying on you. And now you say you made a mistake that you offended against her.

STOP LYING. A little girl passing by did not look into your bedroom window........you get charged with child molestation..........you take a plea bargain and plead DOWN to child molestation. Surely even as a pathological liar you can see that your story doesn't fly.

What's interesting is that Equal Justice Cheryl Griffith says the same thing happened to her son and that's why he's listed as a violent sexual predator.

[43]
Posted by: Linda December 20, 2007 - 03:59PM
I am the Linda that was on the show. As I mentioned on the show, I a being attacked and harrassed by a vigilante group. Plese ignore these people. They are not worth our time. All they spew is hate and violence, no solutions. They have no lives. They follow me whereever I go. See what these laws are doing? They are making my point for me

[44]
Posted by: Concerned December 20, 2007 - 04:02PM
Indiana
The point of the broadcast was to point out that Megan's Law - community notification - does not work. The recidivism rate has not significantly decreased (actually in some cases it has increased) in the 12 years since the inception of Megan's Law. Its feel good legislation that has done nothing to prevent sexually based crimes. A study by Moore (2006) found that over 90% of those convicted of commiting sexual crimes against children and teens were first time offenders. So while we claim to be so concerned about protecting children, why are we not focusing more on stopping those first-time ...

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[45]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 04:02PM
Austell
Zman, you don't want to know how we would eliminate sexual abuse....."that has been around since day 1" That's just one of the arguments the blame gamers use. "You can't stop murder, you can't stop theft and you can't stop sexual abuse"

Now you see that argument doesn't sit well with people who have been abused or have a loved one who was murdered or who was robbed. Everyone knows that there will always be some evil sicko who comes along and hurts someone else. But you use this argument in a way that says to people "don't put us in prison, don't put us on a register because YOU CAN'T stop us!!!!!!!!"


[46]
Posted by: Violet Leaves December 20, 2007 - 04:06PM
Austell
Zman

No one is arguing here. We just do not agree with what your complaining about.

Being a survivor is more than living to be 50 yrs old.

On your description of a *victim*...you would offend a child in some way or another and you would end up on the SOR. Or... maybe you would be dead, a drug addict, a prostitute..destitute..destructive.

I don't fit that description Zman.

I have a voice and a will and a right to speak my mind about such matters and with this voice I will

speak. With my fingers I will type and I will say the truth and I will ...

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[47]
Posted by: Victim & Supporter December 20, 2007 - 04:20PM
Indiana
After reading comments by Stitches77 & Violet Leaves, I'm a little frustrated. I was a victim of repeated sexual abuse when I was young by a family friend. I am now over 40 years old and it has been almost 20 years since I suffered because of the abuse. I've forgiven the man who abused me and understand the pain he felt for commiting his crime, which could have been worse than mine. Yah, I was a little mixed up as a kid but was that because of the abuse or bad parenting - who knows? What pains me is the direction these laws are going in - because they will not prevent another case like mine. THEY are a disgusting example of how the government works to manipulate the vote. Being on the registry, bound by residency restrictions, etc would not have prevented my abuser from touching me, not in a million years.

[48]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 04:23PM
Austell
I don't know why Linda keeps claiming she's being attacked and harassed. We're doing the same thing she's doing which is speaking our minds.

And of course anyone is free to correct me if I'm mistaken but I searched this entire website over and no where do I see where it says that the only people who can leave comments are people "who got back into bed with ______ after he groomed and molested their daughter"

I have just as much right to say what I think about this issue as she does.

The Lopate Show responds: Personal attacks will not be tolerated. Please review our comments guidelines.

[49]
Posted by: Violet Leaves December 20, 2007 - 05:01PM
Austell
Victim & Supporter

If the person who molested you was caught before you... you bet it (the Laws) would had stopped him from molesting you or the victim after you.

And by chance if the Law is that ineffective then lets lock up sex offenders for life! Make them live it out as their victims do.


[50]
Posted by: Stella December 20, 2007 - 05:01PM
Austell
The above claim (I'll paraphrase) of a supposed survivor who claims they were sexually abused but forgive their abuser and understand the abusers pain was greater than the abuse they, as a victim, suffered and they can't be sure if their screwed up childhood was a result of sexual abuse or bad parenting...


This is typical pedo propaganda. These are the stories that abusers use to try to mitigate the effects of sexual abuse. See, ya all don't think that sexual abuse is harmful and if it is, you don't care. The suffering of the child is inconsequential to child molesters ...

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[51]
Posted by: ZMan December 20, 2007 - 05:02PM
Georgia
Moderator, can you remove the other names they posted in their blogs as well?

You see what we have to live with? Constant harassment from people who don't help solve the problem, but make it worse.

[52]
Posted by: Stella December 20, 2007 - 05:15PM
Austell
Zman, there is no cure for pedophilia, remember that. The problem, as you put it, will be solved when pedophiles are kept away from children. Society has an obligation to protect the innocent. Child abusers and child molesters are far from innocent.

[53]
Posted by: Concrete Sailor December 20, 2007 - 05:46PM
For those of you defending registries:

Do you argue that laws stop crime? If so, you're exactly the kind of voter the politicians love - mindless.

The DOJ's report shows the recidivism rate to be at 5.2% , far lower than any other category of crime with the exception of murder. (Murderers who are caught don't usually get an opportunity to repeat their crime.) If you disagree with this statistic, perhaps you should take that issue up with the DOJ.

Violet Leaves: you say that anyone who harms a child should be locked away forever, even after a single incident. ...

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[54]
Posted by: equal justice December 20, 2007 - 06:35PM
Florida
PLEASE STOP telling our precious children that they will never heal, never be whole again, and will suffer their entire life. That is just cruel. Just because YOU didnt, does not mean THEY won't. Take your hate and put it where it belongs (if you can't get over it). Put it on the person who abused YOU. You are destroying the lives of over one and a half MILLION people, a MILLION of whom are innocent of any crime, with your hate and hysteria and are left with laws that do NOTHING to protect your children.

[55]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 07:07PM
Austell
To the confused sex offender supporter she's making a statement that the registry or restrictions would not have stopped her abusers in a million years. But how can she possibly say that? The chances are that the person did it before her and if this persons parents had known who they were and kept her away from them it very well could have prevented it. So what if it were her uncle, or cousin or step father or father for that matter....he should not have been around children.


This person making those outrageous statements is someone who supports 'not telling' if you are ...

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[56]
Posted by: Tracey G December 20, 2007 - 07:10PM
It does seem funny that the only people complaining about the registry are the people who are on the registry, and their families, who, of course, believe they're all innocent. Well, not funny, it actually makes sense. Because everyone in prison is innocent as well.


Basically, we will never know how many children the registry has saved. I live 3 doors down from a sex offender who raped children the ages of my children. Because I keep track of who lives in my neighborhood, I will never let my children go near that house. Even though there is a swing set, trampoline and a cute puppy there, even though no children live there.


Quite chilling, no?

[57]
Posted by: Violet Leaves December 20, 2007 - 07:31PM
Austell
Concrete Sailor

Our legal system is set up to convict guilty people not innocent.

To get locked away *forever* .. hrm well that would have to include some criminal evidence.

A *single incident* is one too many incidents for a sex offender.

Their victim doesn't get another chance at life.

The Lopate Show responds: Personal attacks will not be tolerated. Please review our comments guidelines.

[58]
Posted by: Terry December 20, 2007 - 07:44PM
Florida
Good show. Thanks for getting this info out there. These laws are not working and in some cases make things worse for all.

Not a popular subject to address either. But maybe little by little the public will hear the truth.

[59]
Posted by: Stella December 20, 2007 - 08:04PM
Austell
Equal Justice, what kind of equal justice is there if a child molester can offend without a solid measure put in place to prevent another victim? You violate children all over again -- by suggesting the molester is the victim. Nobody believes that, except people on the RSO registry and the real irony is, that the SO's and their families wouldn't be complaining so much if the SO registry didn't make their lives more difficult (and miserable). See, child molesters and rapists can't go back to their old way of life, the life you advocate for perhaps. That's what caused a child to suffer to begin with. Left to their own devices isn't safe for society.

Also, remember, survivors heal in spite the world of odds and suffering inflicted upon them that no human should ever have to experience. They survive in spite of it, not because of it. Got it???

[60]
Posted by: Concerned December 20, 2007 - 08:11PM
Indiana
Tracy G - correct me if I'm wrong but Sarah Toft does not have a family member who happens to be an RSO does she? And what about Jacob Wetterling's mother who now says the laws go too far. Her son was the victim. I'm not sure if she has an RSO in the family either. To Violet Leaves - how many people, including Genarlow Wilson, have been released from prison because years later they were found to be innocent? The legal system doesn't always work and does convict innocent people.


Many disagree with the laws. I don't think anybody supports child molestation - that is not ...

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[61]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 08:26PM
Austell
PS Genarlow Wilson wasn't found to be "innocent." You don't seem to understand the decision, do you?

[62]
Posted by: Violet Leaves December 20, 2007 - 08:35PM
Austell
Concerned

I am sure there are a few innocent people in prison.

I have no idea about the stats but I am positive that the guilty out weigh the not guilty.

We have the Laws to protect our children and they do work and they do protect children.

Sex crimes happen because the offender perpetrates a crime.

Once a crime is committed the offender should in sexual cases pay with his life in prison or the death penalty.

Freedom to roam the streets afterwards and to have a family and *start all over* should not be considered.

Yes life changes ...

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[63]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 08:36PM
Austell
I also wonder why the concreete sailor would complain that there is "no doubt Anti's are Christians"


I find that to be the strangest comment here. Is that a bigot speaking? Is that bias speaking? Do you understand that people wanting their children protected from those who use them for selfish sexual kicks crosses all lines. Religion isn't the issue, political affiliation isn't the issue, race certainly isn't the issue. The issue is about good and evil. You might can cure a mentally disturbed individual, but you can't cure evil. There is no cure for dumbass either.

[64]
Posted by: Jacey December 20, 2007 - 08:46PM
"Its about protecting children which these laws do not do"

No. All it's about, to people like Linda and her husband, is about stopping people from finding out what he did to Lindas daughter.


[65]
Posted by: Jacey December 20, 2007 - 08:55PM
"PLEASE STOP telling our precious children that they will never heal, never be whole again, and will suffer their entire life."

It's interesting that you're saying the exact same things that pedophile activists say "It's all societies fault..." NO, Cheryl it's all the abusers fault, they're the only ones who're responsible.

Sexual abuse can effect people for the rest of their lives, trying to invalidate victims feelings of being used and abused is completely insensitive, but so typical of someone who makes excuses for sexual abusers.

[66]
Posted by: Brad December 20, 2007 - 08:58PM
NY
Wow... what did I walk into here?

Anyway. I just wanted to say, I think there is one issue with these laws that isn't really being brought up. Every time Sex Offender laws are brought up, there is a ton of emotional arguments over what the victim went through. And when it comes to child molesters and rapists, I can't disagree with this.

I'm sure when the Sex Offender laws first came to be, they only included such people who deserved it, but not anymore. I know a guy who is a registered offender now, because he met a girl at a college party who threw herself at him ...

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[67]
Posted by: Concerned December 20, 2007 - 09:03PM
Indiana
Violet Leaves - the laws making sexual assault a crime are good laws. Megan's Law - community notification, residency restrictions do more harm than good. This is what the fight is about. Sexual abuse against anyone is wrong and people who commit such crimes should be punished. But the research shows that Megan's Law does nothing to prevent new sexual crimes from occuring. The recidivsm rate has not changed since the establishment of these laws. It only shames and blames and that wasn't the original intent of the law (which was to reduce recidivsm - which it hasn't).

[68]
Posted by: Violet Leaves December 20, 2007 - 09:12PM
Austell
Concerned

Did you *just now* figure out what this fight is about?

I really hate repeating myself, read my posts again.

[69]
Posted by: Black Widow December 20, 2007 - 09:15PM
Zman and the others....why do you defend yourself to a group of cyber thugs who lie and spread lies because their own pathectic lives are such a mess? Why waste your steam arguing with people who have the attitude that it is their way or no way?

[70]
Posted by: Jacey December 20, 2007 - 09:17PM
Austell, Georgia
"Concerned" Stop lying, we've been all through your groups for months now and you're all a bunch of broken record; What it comes down to is that you don't want people to find out what these people have done in their past.

Anyone which has a sexual attraction to children and has acted on that attraction before, is a threat to every child which that person comes into contact with and people have a right to know this before they let them into their house/school or anywhere near their children.

[71]
Posted by: Jacey December 20, 2007 - 09:32PM
Austell, Georgia
"Black Widow" says:

"why do you defend yourself to a group of cyber thugs who lie and spread lies because their own pathectic lives are such a mess?"

Why do people like you make excuses for people who abuse kids? You work to enable sexual abusers, because you don't want someone to take responsibility for their own actions.

[72]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 09:52PM
Austell
I wonder why they keep going to their file section to pull out quotes to use. Like "these laws do more harm than good. And research shows...." When the research doesn't show that at all.


Example the Minnesota recidivism report that they are all linking to that shows a recent a decrease in recidivism. They didn't read the entire report obviously. They should read the CONCLUSION in which they state clearly that they don't know if the decrease was due to the increased restrictions, GPS monitoring, or community notification among other things. In other words.......the very ...

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[73]
Posted by: Jacey December 20, 2007 - 10:03PM
Austell, Georgia
I notice Sarah Tofte mentions that each year 13% of new sex offenses are committed by people who have committed previous sexual offense. Sex offenders make up roughly .2% of the U.S population, but are accounting for 13% of all new sex offenses, per year.

[74]
Posted by: Simon December 20, 2007 - 10:14PM
Queens
Good segment, Leonard. Seems I walked into a war zone though. Is it just me or does it look like there is a group of Sex Offender advocates that jump on these kind of pages, and then a group of anti-offender advocates who come running in to counter them? No matter, good points on both sides hidden amongst all the personal bickering that I'd rather not know the history of.

I do agree a lot of the offender appear to only want a change in the laws in their favor, with no real input as to what would be better ways to avoid child abuse.

But I can't ignore that the whole sex ...

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[75]
Posted by: Simon December 20, 2007 - 10:14PM
Queens
Also, I would like to hear more about treatment attempts with sex offenders. I have heard the common claim that they can't be cured, but I have also read a story about a treatment program at one prison that appeared to lower rearrest rates. A true pedophile might not be curable, but what about people who offend because of other psychological issues, like an underdeveloped sense of age-appropriate relationships? If there are treatment options that have some success, even a small percentage, then why aren't we developing a program to help people with those desires seek help before they offend? Why not run TV ads like the depression awareness ones urging people to seek help?

This issue isn't as simple as some think. And honestly, I think some calm, thought out dialog, even between the waring groups here, is needed.

[76]
Posted by: kiokwus Roarforfreedom December 20, 2007 - 10:16PM
WV
With all the arguments here, the focus has been lost. The registries slowly but surely have been found to be unconstitutional in one form or another. They have been abused by the very same who swore to uphold the "laws of the land" and the "Constitution" Instead, these registries are a sure step to re-election or a higher office within the judicial system. From the original intent, Megan's Law, has been lost in the haze of feel-good, knee-jerk legislation to such a point, those who are to enforce these laws do not know what they are to enforce and do not have the funds or man power to do so if they did.

[77]
Posted by: kiokwus Roarforfreedom December 20, 2007 - 10:17PM
WV
Subsequent laws, The Wetterling Act, was to insure all states have a sex offender registry though Jacob Wetterling has never been found nor is there any evidence of a sexual crime. The AWA, Adam Walsh Act, where Adam has never been found except his head, focused on sexual predators with no evidence of any sexual crime.

Registries, residency restrictions, zoning ordinances, being forced to move again an again, loss of employment, forced to live away from the family, many times in a car, has not stopped any sexual crime. For any of the advocates who believe RSO's should never have a ...

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[78]
Posted by: Black Widow December 20, 2007 - 10:17PM
Jacey said:

"Why do people like you make excuses for people who abuse kids? You work to enable sexual abusers, because you don't want someone to take responsibility for their own actions."

People such as myself do not work to enable those who have ACTUALLY molested kids. People such as myself work to help others fight those who are self-righteous, arrogant, and harassing and help them deal with cyber terrorists such as your group.

What is sad is that you help victims stay victims. Locked in a cage to forever live as a victim.

[79]
Posted by: Bill December 20, 2007 - 10:25PM
Washington
Well after reading some of these comments I find it funny how little most of you know about what now days makes you a sex offender. A few of the recent cases I have come across are as follows. A 13 year girl gets pregnant by 12 year old boyfriend. She is now a RSO. A teenage girl moons the opposing schools team bus, she is now a RSO. A guy urinating in an alley, he is now a RSO. A 16 year old guy who impregnated is 14 year old girlfriend, who by the way later married and 2 more children with is a RSO. A 14 year old boy who took playboy magazine to school is now a RSO. Are you people getting the picture yet, I wonder how many of your parents or grandparents would be RSO's under todays standards. Oh and by the way, I am not an RSO, just someone who has alittle common sense.

[80]
Posted by: kiokwus Roarforfreedom December 20, 2007 - 10:27PM
WV
Society must stop the hate. We see more of it everyday in the media or by those elected to govern us. The fact that the majority of "sex offender laws" do nothing short than forget who they are protecting, do more harm to the innocent, subject millions to hate and harassment or worse, gives an idea just how wrong these laws are. If they are to protect "the innocents, the children", why have the innocents and children of RSO's been forgotten? Does this fit into the scheme of how the registries and restictions are to work?

More needs to be done, a meeting of the minds of those concerned, to ever get a fair and just system for both the victims and those who offend. Otherwise, push to far, to much, and fear the results of being cornered with no place or hope left.

[81]
Posted by: Black Widow December 20, 2007 - 10:31PM
That is absolutely right, Bill. And it is sad that those such as Stitches77 and Violet Leaves actually think those examples are sex offenders and deserve jail time.

But then again Violet Leaves also said:

"“Sex Offenders”/Pedophiles have the highest rate of recidivisim in the nation. This lie is often spouted out of the lieing mouths of the likes of many in the news media, especially the GREAT SATAN-John Walsh. Look Johnny Boy… I’m sorry that your son got kidnapped and killed (just where were you when it came to protecting your son you _________), but the FACTS are that “...

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[82]
Posted by: Jacey December 20, 2007 - 10:31PM
Austell, Georgia
"The registries slowly but surely have been found to be unconstitutional in one form or another."

People who are criminals in prison don't have any constitutional rights, only human rights; As for the constitutional rights of people who abuse kids, they should count themselves lucky they've been let back into society at all.

"To give guidance and counseling to those who have committed a sex crime and seek help,"

It's like you don't even consider justice; There's no justice if people who abuse kids are given a day in counseling and are set free again, sexual abuse victims have to live with what happened to them for the rest of their lives; Child molesters should have to pay more so.

[83]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 10:32PM
Austell
Oh Michael Michael Michael. The only focus that has been lost is not constitutionality it is this.....Children deserve to not be abused. People who offend against children are not sympathetic victimized creatures.


Children are the innocent.

Children are our concern.

Children are the focus.

Children, Michael.

Children.

That includes daughters.

Both of them.

[84]
Posted by: Black Widow December 20, 2007 - 10:32PM
More laws are never going to help. Education and services will.

[85]
Posted by: David H December 20, 2007 - 10:36PM
Rochester, NY
I want to give some clarification to the statistic that Sarah gave on 87% of sex crimes being committed by someone not previously convicted of a sex crime. The population under study were actually those released from prison in 1994. 87% of sex crimes committed by these former prisoners were committed by someone not previously convicted of a sex crime. Figures for the general population would be much higher. The vast majority of sex crimes are committed by someone not on a sex offender registry. This study may be downloaded from http://theparson.net/so/DOJ_Report_on_Sex_Offender_Recidivism.pdf

[86]
Posted by: ChesterC December 20, 2007 - 10:37PM
Austell Georgia
Forgive me if I don't give a damn about a sex offender's rights. What about my children's rights? What about mine?


As a parent I have a legal and moral obligation to protect my children's emotional and physical well-being....I have the right to know if Z is moving next door to me for God's sake. Yes, I absolutely believe my rights as a law-abiding, tax-paying parent trump your rights as a *sex offender*.


As far as "all antis being Christian", this is hilarious. There was an infamous sex offender who recently claimed that "all antis are Pagans" LMAO. Hey Linda, wasn't that one of your pals? Bigotry is an ugly thing and certainly not a point of view I would think a *sex offender* could afford to adopt.


I am agnostic.

[87]
Posted by: ChesterC December 20, 2007 - 10:39PM
Austell Georgia
Uh DavidH, you might want to read through this sentence and amend LOL!


"87% of sex crimes committed by these former prisoners were committed by someone not previously convicted of a sex crime."

[88]
Posted by: Jacey December 20, 2007 - 10:42PM
Austell, Georgia
"People such as myself do not work to enable those who have ACTUALLY molested kids."

Which is why you work with groups which want to do away with sex offender laws. What next you'll be signing up to BoyChat and GirlChat, claiming that people blogging against them is "harassment" and "cyber terrorism?" Take some responsibility!

"What is sad is that you help victims stay victims. Locked in a cage to forever live as a victim."

No, what is sad is that you're so disconnected from how sexual abuse victims feel that you fail to see that the only person who locks a victim ...

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[89]
Posted by: Stella December 20, 2007 - 10:49PM
Austell
LOL.

I see all thes RSO's and their family and friends sticking up for the girls that are on RSO for mooning their classmates. How sensitive the child abusers are, eh? (How many of those are actually on there?)

MORE IMPORTANTLY, that doesn't make it a failed/flawed system. It doesn't negate a child molesters proper place on the RSO. And truth be told, if our society has to place pranksters on the RSO, isn't that the fault of the child molesters to begin with? We wouldn't even have to have this registry if there weren't predators trying to rape our children to begin with.

...

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[90]
Posted by: Jacey December 20, 2007 - 10:51PM
Austell, Georgia
Black Widow said:

"Look Johnny Boy… I’m sorry that your son got kidnapped and killed (just where were you when it came to protecting your son you ______),"

So typical, blaming and attacking the parents of sexual abuse victims, blaming everyone aside from the person who committed the abuse. Stop making excuses Black Widow!!

[91]
Posted by: Jacey December 20, 2007 - 10:54PM
Austell, Georgia
"Who do you direct this to? Anyone we know? Makes it kinda hard when you throw out a generic common name..... huh?"

No Michael, you know exactly who we're talking about and that's all that matters.

[92]
Posted by: kiokwus Roarforfreedom December 20, 2007 - 10:59PM
WV
Jacey.... Be so kind as to let everyone know. Or do you intend to keep secret since you cannot answer it?


[93]
Posted by: Black Widow December 20, 2007 - 11:03PM
Jacey said:

"So typical, blaming and attacking the parents of sexual abuse victims, blaming everyone aside from the person who committed the abuse. Stop making excuses Black Widow!!"

EXCUSE me? That quote was taken directly off Violet Leaves blog. Does she also believe this BS? Quoting hogwas like that on blogs only hurts your cause.

I dont blame victims for anything but REMAINING a victim.

[94]
Posted by: Simon December 20, 2007 - 11:06PM
Queens
So I decided to check back and see if a worthwhile discussion might have started, I guess not. The segment was on the effectiveness of sex offender laws, and their effect on non-offending family members and dumb kids who run afoul with the laws but aren't really predators. But apparently the discussion can't move past establishing how bad child sexual abuse is (something I figured would be a given.)

So I'm gathering that there's a group of sex offenders, and a group of people who're sworn to fight said group of sex offenders. And the two of them go around to internet forums ...

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[95]
Posted by: Black Widow December 20, 2007 - 11:06PM
How little you know about me, Jacey

But the bottom line is that new laws will not stop this vicious cycle. Only education will.

And education does not include harassing SO's, their families or anyone else assocciated with them.

[96]
Posted by: Jacey December 20, 2007 - 11:12PM
Austell, Georgia
"I dont blame victims for anything but REMAINING a victim."

Black Widow, when are you going to learn that no one chose to be a victim, people can't just forget a traumatic experience or years of sexual abuse that happened to them, overnight. Who are you to tell people how they should feel about sexual abuse or blame them for "remaining" a victim?

[97]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 20, 2007 - 11:13PM
Austell
Yeah Reverend Hess pulled that quote out of the "I like to look at naked babies being abused and not have to pay the consequences" file located 2 doors down on the next hall to the left. Known as the Hall of Shame for Blame Gamers. Otherwise known as "Sosen's comments for future use file."


He messed up the sentence Chester because he doesn't understand what it is he's saying. He got several different things confused with the fake statistic eadvocate has been spreading around. In other words he's trying to claim a conviction rate can be determined by subtracting a ...

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[98]
Posted by: kiokwus Roarforfreedom December 20, 2007 - 11:19PM
WV
Simon... you make a very good point. It is not about which group can out insult the other, or who is in the wrong, it is about those affected by the SO laws. Far too many innocents are affected by the actions of another. There is no quick an easy solution to this problem, education for both sides is the key to understanding and finding away to end these crimes. There can never be a hundred percent end to this or any other subject, but there can be a drastic reduction.

For those who have committed a sex offense, but have not been "found out", but seek help, need to be able to get that help without fear of arrest. This also goes for the victim. They do not need to be badgered to the point that they feel as though they are the criminals. Compassion and education is paramount, as a first step to ending sexual crimes.

[99]
Posted by: Jacey December 20, 2007 - 11:35PM
Austell, Georgia
Black Widow said:

"How little you know about me, Jacey"

I know that you don't like people knowing who rapists, child molesters and sexual abusers are and that you think that people who were abused so badly that they struggle to deal with the abuse they suffered as children are "choosing to remain victims." I know that you've got problems empathizing with people who were sexually abused.

[100]
Posted by: a mom December 21, 2007 - 12:04AM
anywhere usa
wow What a thoughtful insightful program. Thank You Leonard for an open and honest dialog about a sociatal problem. I see by your comments section that Linda was not kidding about being harrassed by vigilantes. I am almost afraid to leave a comment.

I am a mom of 2 children. One of my children sexual abused the other. My family has been through hell and back to get through this. My one child was removed from the home for a while but is now back with us after therapy for all of us. My son is now labled a sex offender. My daughter(victim)LOVES her brother and wants him in her life. My daughter is now being harrassed and taunted at school because of this. The registry has made an already horrible situation a million times worse. Will our nightmare ever end?

[101]
Posted by: Jacey December 21, 2007 - 12:08AM
Austell, Georgia
"Quoting hogwas like that on blogs only hurts your cause."

By showing the twisted things pedophiles and people like Shirley Lowery are saying, makes us look bad? Only a pedophile or a blame gamer would say it makes anyone look bad aside from the person who said it.

[102]
Posted by: a mom December 21, 2007 - 12:33AM
anywhere usa
I really wish these vigilante people would just stop this nonsense. This is a place for an open, honest dialog. There are real people that are trying to find solutions that work for society. What does someone in my situation do. I love both of my children. Now my daughter is being harrassed because her brother is labled a sex offender. My son has been evaluated at low risk.

My heart is broken

[103]
Posted by: Jacey December 21, 2007 - 01:21AM
Austell, Georgia
"Far too many innocents are affected by the actions of another."

You molested a child, your crimes are nothing like the teenagers which had consensual sex and are on the registry, you're just using them.

"For those who have committed a sex offense, but have not been "found out", but seek help, need to be able to get that help without fear of arrest."

No! People who molest kids have to pay! Any psychological counselors which is aware their patients is abusing should be required by law to report it, if it hadn't been for that Linda's husband would still be abusing her daughter.

"Compassion and education is paramount, as a first step to ending sexual crimes."

What ever happened to justice? Child molesters need to pay for the lives they ruin, anything else isn't fair on their victims.

[104]
Posted by: Jacey December 21, 2007 - 01:27AM
Austell, Georgia
"I really wish these vigilante people would just stop this nonsense."

Vigilante people? for leaving comments on a public radio website... right.

"There are real people that are trying to find solutions that work for society."

Not people like you, all you want is your son's and husbands names off the sex offender registry. As much as your groups like to state that you're concerned with stopping sexual violence, anyone only needs to take a peak at what you say when you think no ones looking to realize that you're people who blame victims, society and everyone else except the abuser.

[105]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 21, 2007 - 01:41AM
Austell
Well mom, you should seek help for your daughter. You've said that she was the aggressor towards your son, and I'm sure you also realize that she was very very young when she first started being sexually abused, which of course led to her acting out that way with your son after you adopted her. And of course as the good mother you are you had taught your son about appropriate behavior but he was overcome by his adopted sister coming onto him that way and he just couldn't help himself. Why, that should be easy for anyone to understand.

[106]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 21, 2007 - 02:01AM
Austell
a mom said "I really wish these vigilante people would just stop this nonsense"


So I would just like to point out to you that on page one at the top where you can't miss it it says quite clearly


"What do you think about current sex offender laws? Are they working? We'd like to hear from people associated with both victims and offenders."


Why do you believe this space belongs to sex offender apologists? Why does my willingness to spend my own time and my own resources to make the world a safer place make me a vigilante? If the fact that I make my ideas known means that I'm a vigilante then what are you? Or Linda? By the same token CJ BLack Widow's goal in life is to wreak havoc upon Perverted Justice. Does that not make her a vigilante?



[107]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 21, 2007 - 02:17AM
Austell
Michael said "It is not about which group can out insult the other, or who is in the wrong, it is about those affected by the SO laws. Far too many innocents are affected by the actions of another."

Sorry pal, you're still clueless. It is about what's best for children and what's best for society. Society is better off with safe and happy children. Children are better off not having dirty old men using, abusing and exploiting them.

The mods here on this site made an interesting observation in one of my previous comments here in which I called someone _____. They apparently ...

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[108]
Posted by: anon December 21, 2007 - 03:06AM
CA
Stitches77 notes: as being criminals in general sex offenders DO INDEED have THE highest rates of recidivism when measuring all crimes."

However, as the Department of Justice reports: "Of the 9,691 male sex offenders released from prisons in 15 States in 1994, 5.3% were rearrested for a new sex crime within 3 years of release.

Of released sex offenders who allegedly committed another sex crime, 40% perpetrated the new offense *within a year or less from their prison discharge*." Thus, the period of greatest concern is not "5-10 years out" as noted.

Further, "In ...

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[109]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 21, 2007 - 03:43AM
Austell
Well, no anon you are mistaken. Here is what you said.


"Of released sex offenders who allegedly committed another sex crime, 40% perpetrated the new offense *within a year or less from their prison discharge*." Thus, the period of greatest concern is not "5-10 years out" as noted."


The DOJ didn't watch these men for 5- 10 years. In this particular study, they watched them for THREE. Therefore the period of greatest concern is indeed 5-10 years out as previously stated AND continuing on through out their lives.



That is why the ...

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[110]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 21, 2007 - 03:50AM
Austell
Oh 'scuse me ... thieves have the highest rate. Sex offenders have a 47% recidivism rate. My bad

[111]
Posted by: Jacey December 21, 2007 - 04:03AM
Austell, Georgia
"The DOJ didn't watch these men for 5- 10 years. In this particular study, they watched them for THREE. Therefore the period of greatest concern is indeed 5-10 years out as previously stated AND continuing on through out their lives."

It reminds me of Karl Hansons 2002 meta-analysis on Sexual Offenders, where he noted:

"Although the observed sexual recidivism rates are only 10% to 15% after 5 years, the rates continue to increase gradually with extended follow-up periods."


[112]
Posted by: Jacey December 21, 2007 - 04:08AM
Austell, Georgia
Anon, Child molesters like Zman, should never be allowed the opportunity to re-offend at all, we need one strike laws which wouldn't give them a second chance to.

[113]
Posted by: Mike Oconner December 21, 2007 - 04:31AM
These laws have gone too far. It's a shame people have allowed themselves to become literally "brainwashed" and live in a "plastic" world. Like most of our society, "if it doesn't touch me, I don't care". Well, they better start caring, at some point, I'm certain a child in their family or husband, wife, etc., will end up on the registry for some petty offense. It's got to the point of where they've literally made a mockery of what the registry was initially intended for, and have abused the use of such. In a way, it's funny what these registries even stand for today. It's a joke. I myself ...

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[114]
Posted by: Jacey December 21, 2007 - 05:22AM
Austell, Georgia
"I myself am more afraid of a drunk driver hitting and killing me than I am of a sexual offender. IMHO, a drunk driver poses more of a public safety risk to society than some sex offender;"

Well you can stop your child from riding in a car with someone who is drunk, it's clear to see when someones intoxicated and knowing who the drunks are isn't going to make you any safer. However, what you can't see is when someone has a sexual interest in children, which is what the sex offender registry helps identify.

"What we have is an ineffective registry system that gets an F-, and seriously question the sanity of politicians who have enacted and allow this to get out of hand."

I don't understand why you think it's insane for politicians or anyone to want to know who child molesters are.

[115]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 21, 2007 - 05:48AM
Austell
I imagine Mike would be more afraid of a drunk driver than a sex offender. He's a grown man.


Considering that 0.02% of America's population are registered sex offenders I seriously doubt anyone except a sex offender will agree with Mike's conclusions.

[116]
Posted by: David H December 21, 2007 - 08:10AM
Rochester, NY
Posted by: ChesterC December 20, 2007 - 10:39PM

Austell Georgia

"Uh DavidH, you might want to read through this sentence and amend LOL!

'87% of sex crimes committed by these former prisoners were committed by someone not previously convicted of a sex crime.'"

ChesterC, the sentence was correct. To further clarify, most people in prison are there for crimes others than sex crimes, eg. robbery, murder, drug trafficking, etc. It is these other prisoners that commit 87% of sex crimes within 3 years of release.

I repeat my point: The vast majority of sex ...

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[117]
Posted by: Violet Leaves December 21, 2007 - 08:11AM
Austell
We need to expand Megans Law so that RSO's should not be able to access the internet as well as the other restrictions that already apply.

So many sex offenders are registered on and regular posters at pedophile message boards.

They network, and make friends with people such as themselves which serves no one but their sexual perversions.

Pedophile message boards are full of sex offenders who are actively going to therapy and tell each other not to go to therapy and how bad the therapy is and how terrible the laws are. They are full of active abusers too.

How many times we have witnessed these sex offenders talking of child porn and supporting the use of it.


[118]
Posted by: Stitches77 December 21, 2007 - 08:30AM
Austell
"87% of new sex crimes are committed by someone that is not a previous sex offender."

Are you sure you want to stand by that statement "Reverend"?

I'm quite sure we can put that into context for you if you'd like.

Oh lookie here! There it is already.

absolutezerounited.blogspot.com/

[119]
Posted by: an observer December 21, 2007 - 09:36AM
usa

What is wrong with you people? Did you not listen to the show? Now you are saying that HRW is wrong. That the goverments stats on this subject are wrong. That YOU, a bunch of vigilante nutcases are right. My Lord people get a life You seem RABID, OBSESSED, NOT CREDIBLE


I am NOT an sex offender, do not have a sex offender in my family. What I do have is a brain. GREAT SHOW LEONARD! THANK YOU These laws have gone to far

[120]
Posted by: Stella December 21, 2007 - 10:14AM
Austell
Roar said, "It is not about which group can out insult the other, or who is in the wrong, it is about those affected by the SO laws."


Actually it IS about who is right and wrong and what is right and wrong, it's fundamental. When somebody murders a child, we don't sit there and say, "It's not about whether that murderer was right or wrong."


Do we need to visit to "Captain Obvious" here?


Child molesters and child rapists are wrong. The child is innocent. The abuser is wrong.


Part of the problem is that child abusers and ...
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[121]
Posted by: Stella December 21, 2007 - 10:15AM
Austell
con't from previous message:

----------------------------------


Your motivation is abundantly clear. What kind of monster believes that sexual abuse should go unchecked and unpunished? We need not look very far, those monsters are amongst us, right here on this thread.


Captain Obvious says, "We cannot count on these monsters to protect our kids."

[122]
Posted by: Concerned December 21, 2007 - 10:19AM
Indiana
Stiches77 wrote: "Although the observed sexual recidivism rates are only 10% to 15% after 5 years, the rates continue to increase gradually with extended follow-up periods."

Harris and Hanson wrote: "When the whole sample was examined, it was found that within the first five years of release, 14% had a new charge or conviction for a sexual offence. This percentage represents an overall average for a mixed group of sexual offenders. In the following five years (between years 5 and 10) an additional six percent (6%) of sexual offenders failed and in the five years following ...
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[123]
Posted by: Concerned December 21, 2007 - 10:25AM
Indiana
These studies Adkins, Huff, & Stageberg, 2000; Fitch, 2006; Levenson & D’Amora, 2007; Schram & Malloy, 1995; Walker, Maddan, Vasquez, VanHouten, & Ervin-McLarty, 2005; Zevitz, 2006; Wakefield, 2006 each found no SIGNIFICANT differences between the recidivism rates of those sex offenders required to register and those who were not (comparison groups varied by year arrested & thus being subject to Megan's Law and were comparable on type of offense as well as other demographic characteristics).

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Posted by: Keith December 21, 2007 - 10:50AM
For 8 years I was considered a sex offender. I got to see what it is like to be one...and I can assure you that the stigma and outright shaming can cost an offender and his family everthing. Because my case was a "frame job", it should have been disposed of years ago. Because the of the Stingma, it took 8 years, 4 lawyers, and 250 thousand dollars. The prevelant attitude was: "he's a sex offender, we can do anything we want to him and nobody will care". I saw this attitude and corrupt pandering from everyone to our elected officials on down to my employers. This anything ranged from ...
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[125]
Posted by: Stella December 21, 2007 - 11:10AM

Isn't it funny how every Registered Sex Offender is innocent? Just like how everybody in prison is innocent? (Uh, huh. Sure.)

You know there's an easy way to stay off the SOR - don't rape/molest little kids! What a novel idea!!!

This thread is closed.