Posted by
Frigglesnitz on Saturday, September 30, 2006 5:07:35 PM
Few subjects arouse more anger and differing opinions than that of child molesters.
Many years ago these subjects were not discussed; it was too shameful. "Decent" people, out of misplaced embarrassment, seemingly refused to acknowledge that the behavior even existed, let alone attempted to do anything about it.
At some point, and it must have followed closely on the heels of the "Women's Lib" movement, the subject became one that began popping up here and there in newspapers (buried on the back of pages generally overlooked by average readers), and there began to be a faint cry in the wilderness.
Children were being abused more often than anyone could possibly have imagined, usually by some close relative or friend of the family. This still occurs so frequently that when it happens, other friends and family pretend surprise, even while some of them likely had a nagging little hunch that something was just not quite right somewhere.
Later, newspapers began giving a little more space and attention to this astonishing behavior -- probably because some newspaper editor freedom of speech freaks were finally brave enough to do so.
Children began talking. That's when everything hit the fan. They had been stilled and stifled by fear, having been sworn to secrecy by their abusers. Alternatively, some children began turning up dead or missing. DNA began to be a damning factor.
Anger replaced the misplaced embarrassment.
Laws were passed making it somewhat of a nuisance to be convicted of child molesting. Later, more stringent laws were passed when it appeared incontrovertible that these convicts were actually dangerous, even if their prey were the youngest, least capable of fighting back.
Later, even more stringent laws were made. Some judges seemingly have no idea who makes the laws; they seem to believe lawmaking is their bailiwick and judge accordingly. Lawyers should be taught first of all that they do not make laws. Judges do not make laws. Legislators -- the people -- make laws.
The nation is inching ever so slowly to the point of convincing legislators that child predators are forever child predators. There is no rehabilitation for a child predator. While it may be true that one in a million may, like recovering alcoholics, simply refrain from acting upon his instincts, we, the people, cannot take that chance. As Mr. Prelutsky asked, "[H]ow many chances should anyone have to brutalize a three-year-old?"
The answer to his question is simple: none.
Laws must be put in place to detain these creatures for the remainder of their unnatural lives. Judges must be put in place who will sentence according to the laws.
Personally, I care not where these cons are put. The fact is that the public should be free from the need to concern themselves about these cretins. The public should be satisfied that, once convicted, these criminals will not be free to commit further atrocities.
I am part of the "public." I am not satisfied.