Hey guys!
Topics like these are ones that I really have a problem with and I end up taking both sides. On one hand, I think that if someone actually harrasses or abuses a kid or anything sexually related, ya go ahead and lock him up for life. Yes, I know as Christians we are supposed to forgive and all, but man, doing something like that to a kid is just horrible. And yes, if we are going to let him out, then it is a good idea to have people knowing about it to keep an eye on him from re-offending (just think: how much more carefully would you watch your child's swimming instructor if you knew that he was a pedophile! And unless you knew that you might not pick up that Mr. Instructor is gettin a handful when he helps johnie with his back float).

But then on the other hand, I realize that things aren't always like they seem. A wrongful conviction (which isn't that hard these days) can seriously ruin a guy's life! Plus, it could've just been something really stupid that you would never do again. Quite the price to pay (a ruined life) for something so small. Plus, if I think about it, everyone here is just a regretable action away from being one of those people with the ruined life. And really, some of the requirements of registered sex offenders is almost unreasonable (not being able to live in a certain city).

But I guess all in all that I'd have to support the system. The system *is* in place to help protect the kids, and I can see how it would. Of course there are the exceptions (wrongful convictions, or people who have honestly changed) where being registered is detrimental to their recovery. But at this point it doesn't seem to be a fool proof route, and with the alternative being to remove the registration sysemt (where dangerous offenders could place themselves into tempting, or worse, situations), I think it is best to have it the way it is.

This means that for some sex offenders their recovery will be hindered. But it also means that dangerous sex offenders will be more likely kept at bay. I guess I think that if it keeps the dangerous ones away at the expense of some others, its still better for the kids (and I dissagree with the whole "if 1000 criminals are set free just so 1 innocent man avoids wrongful convictions than it was worth while" - honestly, take one for the team and keep the streets safer).

Well, thats my opinion (which is completely uneducated), but as how I see it, it is the safest for the kids, so I'm fine with it. I guess that means that I could end up having a really screwed up life, but if it keeps other dangerous sex offenders under control, I guess it is a price I'll have to pay. But then again; be safe, don't be alone with a kid, don't do questionable things, and hey, this should never be a problem!

Graces of God,
Deliverance