MESSAGES OF HATE

Messages of Hate

May 3,2007: Phoenix, AZ    America seemingly has always had a need to hate. Throughout history there have been certain groups of people which have been singled out as targets of hate, anger, discrimination and even death.

Native Americans, Salem “Witches”, African Americans, Homosexuals, and now Sex Offenders.  While people cannot change their skin color or perhaps their sexual preference ALL have suffered or are suffering from the same irrational hate. A hate born of ignorance and fear. What does this say about us as a society? What is it about us that drives this need for hatred? More importantly, how does this hatred make for a better world?

I guess I could do as others do and jump on the “I hate sex offenders” bandwagon. I could agree with totally screwing them over in a variety of ways, over and over again even though their so called “debt to society” has already been paid. I could say, go ahead and abuse their human and civil rights, that, that’s okay because they gave up their rights when they offended against a child.

I could push for pink or green license plates and residency restrictions which may be colorful and semi-creative, but they really do nothing more than satisfy and feed our lust for revenge and of course, hatred. I could push for a plethora of registration requirements that carry heavy prison sentences if even one requirement, no matter how unconstitutional is missed. I could push to fill our prison system with the likes of them, fattening the wallets of corporate America even further, until the revolving door eventually opens again and they are inevitably released.

I could do these things. It sure would be a lot easier as well as more popular if I did. But I won’t, because hate and ignorance doesn’t solve anything, neither does revenge.

I am deeply saddened and disturbed whenever a child is harmed or killed by anyone, be it a parent or a stranger. However, instead of seeking out ways to exercise revenge, I choose to seek out ways to prevent such things from happening again. We should ALL look deeper and ask “What can we learn from this tragedy and what could we have done, or what can we do in the future to prevent it?”

Hate and vengeance is for the simple minded and it is a cop out. It is taking the easy way out. It is also the fast track to the inevitable next future disaster.

I’m choosing the hard way and in this case, I think it is worth it.

The sex offender “problem” isn’t as complicated as we are led to believe. Nor do registered sex offenders pose an imminent threat to those around them. In fact, if they are registered and have already been through “the system” they are much less likely to commit a sex crime than someone who is not on the sex offender registry. 95% less likely, in fact.

First and foremost, not all of registered sex offenders are child molesters or have child victims. That is a myth. A myth which is the single biggest obstacle in making effective changes that might actually save a child’s life. The John Couey’s of the world are a rarity. These types of crimes enrage us all so deeply and rightfully so, that we can’t see the forest through the trees. We are blinded. In our blind rage we pass knee jerk legislation that reflects that rage but in the long run does nothing to protect anyone.

I have covered in other articles and on my video blogs the litany of offenses that requires one to register as a sex offender. From prostitution, to consensual sex with someone under the age of 18, to children caught playing doctor. It literally runs the gamut. Laws make no distinction between forcible acts and consensual ones, between dangerous habitual offenders and one time, one crime offenders. To adult offenders whose victims were 6 years old or teenagers caught having consensual sex. All are treated in the same manner and all have to live out their lives under the child molester label (i.e. registered sex offender).

I am deeply disturbed by the fact that there is NO way for a child, juvenile, or young adult acting out in a dangerous way, which may show a propensity towards sexually offending to receive help. Especially when he or she has no prior criminal history. The only “help” currently given is prison. Which of course, equates to no help at all.  In fact, this may further exacerbate the potential problem if the juvenile is raped himself while in prison and is surrounded only by other criminals. It is no surprise that some do go on to re-offend. Like John Couey. He asked for help, pleaded for it, long before killing Jessica Lunsford, but he never got it. Instead he was caged like an animal that had misbehaved badly and then released with the expectation that somehow simply caging him was going to solve his problem. If anything, it only made matters worse. I strongly believe Jessica’s death could have and should have been prevented. Perhaps if Mr. Couey had gotten the help he had pleaded for a psychological evaluation would have sent red flags waiving. His past is rife with trauma, abuse, and self destruction. Not to mention repeated disregard for all law in general. Yes, Mr. Couey could have been stopped. Early intervention may even have helped and completely prevented many of his crimes, including the murder of little Jessica.

I’d much rather my taxpayer dollars be spent on helping the young children growing up in the way John Couey and others like him did. With the focus on early intervention and prevention. For there to be a way for families to seek help when there is a problem without fear of legal retribution and family annihilation as their only recourse. For now, that is all there is and it’s not working. It’s not good enough.

Sex offenders aren’t born sex offenders. They are created. They are a bi-product of society and the sooner we ALL start taking responsibility the better chance we all have of protecting our kids and having, NO MORE VICTIMS.

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