Profiting off the Sex Offender Industry

Appalling! The prison system and the sex offender industry are exploited for profit destroying good peoples lives for financial gain. It is time to put a stop to the madness.
Oncefallen.com

Fear as a Tool: The Children are Suffering

I am in no way trying to downplay the seriousness of crimes committed against children. They are deplorable acts that must be prevented and punished. That much goes without saying. But we need to draw a very realistic line here in regards to sex offenses. It is unfortunate that lawmakers and politicians see this as the perfect avenue to exploit in regards to their own personal agendas often times involving re-election. Destroying decent people’s lives for votes or financial gain is appalling and disgraceful.

Fear is an extremely powerful tool. Notably among the American populace fear breeds anger and anger breeds hate. It is easy to become blinded by ignorance when one allows their hate to consume them. I know…I’ve been there. But hate will not help our children or our society as a whole become impenetrable to the harsh realities of life. Life is hard and there are many evils in the world. But continually stacking law after law upon a broken system is only going to lead to disaster. It is not going to strengthen it so we need to stop hiding behind the fraudulent ruse that we are protecting our children or our communities. We are endangering them even further.

Case in point: If you were to see a child wandering about alone in a mall would you think twice about approaching them and inquiring as to their parent or guardian’s whereabouts? Be honest with yourself. This is not the time to deceive yourself or anyone else. I, for one, fully admit that I would not approach the child or make contact with them in any way. Instead I would contact the nearest authority figure or a nearby store manager and inform them of the situation. In this day in age fearing for my civil rights and liberties are very much justified. It seems accusations are enough to convict. The media has proven that time and again. 

By instilling fear in the general populace in regards to interacting with children we are ourselves opening a dangerous door that allows the minority of real monsters in the world the perfect opportunity to attack. The children are suffering because of our ignorance and our unwillingness to admit the system is critically flawed. In those critical few moments when I would have sought help from another source in handling the matter the child is left defenseless and vulnerable. These are the ideal conditions for a true predator, knowing that a populace is too afraid to protect each other.

Stacking more and more absurd, hysteria-induced laws that tend to hurt decent people over true criminals is not the answer. By doing so we place ourselves and our children at an even greater risk and so the vicious cycle continues. Flooding the system with purported sex offenders of varying degrees and risk but treating them all as if they are the same provides the perfect hiding place for true evil. We are only hurting ourselves and yet we continue this self-destructive pattern.

We watch in silence as the children of those that carry the Scarlet letter but who pose little or no risk to us are forced to suffer unjustly. What about these children and their families? What about the children of a man who at one point in his life had broken the law because he was 20 and had consensual sexual relations with his then 16 year old girlfriend? Despite the fact he is of no threat to his children or anyone else they still must suffer the consequences. They are ostracized and treated like victims or pariahs. If they show support or love toward their father they are questioned or ridiculed. How can we possibly justify this? It happens more than any of us want to admit.

We, the people, need to demand a stop to these highly immoral, unethical, and downright unconstitutional practices that are hurting our nation. We can no longer allow fear and ignorance to rule our actions. We have to take a stand here and now or we risk losing everything the Constitution affords to us as a nation, as a people. Very quickly our civil rights are being eroded away. First a small, specific group was targeted and we allowed it under initially well-founded intentions. But then more laws were created and that small group grew even larger under the ruse that it was ‘for the children.’ Now it has grown out of control. We are considering putting children away for ‘sexting’ as a sex crime? Forcing them to register as sex offenders for the remainder of their lives? Where does it end? It is not longer ‘for the children’ or ‘in the interest of our communities.’ No, this has grown into a feral beast with an insatiable appetite for pure destruction. We need to stop it now before it consumes us all. It is beginning to turn back on its handler and feed upon those it was originally commissioned to protect.

Devaluing Women in the Name of the Law

The problem with news stories and talk shows that cover the topic of sex offenses and sex offender legislation is that the story is more often than not completely one-sided. There is a generalized grouping of sex offenders into one monstrous pile labeled as child molesters and rapists. The fact of the matter remains that many people labeled as sex offenders have not committed a crime that constitutes such a label. The recidivism rate is extremely low to non-existent. In many cases the only thing that was ‘violated’ or ‘offended’ was the state law. How is that a reason to force a person to register for life as a target and a pariah? It is not.

Why are the voices of everyone involved not heard or taken into consideration? Should the state be allowed to pursue charges and make decisions for the parties involved if the purported victim refuses to aid the prosecution’s case and in fact speaks out against it? I do not believe it should be up to the state, politicians, or prosecutor’s discretion to pursue charges if the proclaimed victims do not wish to do so. Of course there are certain situations involving threats and whatnot that may arise so legal safeguards must be implemented.

From a woman’s perspective I am personally sick to death of being told that my opinions and my voice do not matter. In my younger years I bore witness to a case where my opinion and my testimony was completely invalidated and rejected because it did not suit the case of the authorities. Instead they attempted to coerce me into believing I was a victim when I clearly was not. Confused and angered by the situation I got louder and angrier upon which efforts where made to pacify me. It failed then and it will fail now.

Am I not an equal? Was that not what my we fought for during the women’s suffrage movement? I am being victimized by a system that claims I am not equal when it suits their needs. Being ignored and pushed aside like a small child I am being discriminated against. Well to hell with that! I refuse to be silenced, patted on the head and told to run along, or disrespected in such a disgusting and vile manner.

I am infuriated that such methods are being utilized by the states, politicians, and lawmakers to push their agendas and accomplish their less-than-noble goals. But I am extremely disappointed that we, as women and a society, have allowed this to continue. We need to demand that our best interests and our rights be acknowledged and represented because no one else is going to do that for us as has become blatantly evident. I will not tolerate being used as a puppet.

Excuse me but who the hell is the state or the federal government to dictate to me what my opinion should be or whether my voice matters? They work for the public not the other way around. Draconian laws that are ineffective, outdated, and violate civil rights must be disassembled for the good of the nation and its people.

At sixteen I remember being far more mature than many of the young twenty-somethings that I knew. My parents had educated me well on the ramifications of sex. Sex education is key for both males and females especially during their teenage years. This will aid in allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their bodies and minds. Parents need to be more involved with their children and help ensure that they have a healthy outlook on themselves and life. Draconian laws and ideals that cause the subject of sex to become taboo are doing us a great disservice by keeping us in the dark ages. It is time to become enlightened. The world, our world will become a better place for it.

As human beings we have learned to adapt to a variety of situations allowing us to evolve as we have along the ages. It is how we have managed to survive this long as a species. No matter what your views on how we came to be it is imperative that we stop burying our heads in the sand. We cannot allow ourselves to be misled by those with less-than-noble intentions who are merely trying to push their own agendas by deceitful and unethical means. It is time to stand up and fight against the bullies that would have us remained pacified as puppets. Your voice does matter. Speak up and never let anyone take “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” away from you. Long live the Constitution of the United States of America!

Good People are Hurt by Current Sex Offender Laws

To those who lay claim that the current sex offender laws are just and necessary to protect us from the evil-doers in this world my reply is simply this…Seriously? As someone who has seen the effects these laws have on good, decent people I cannot stomach such remarks. As such I have decided to start my own crusade…the pursuit of truth, decency, and a call to action.

I have heard it said that those donning the label of a sexual offender who in their youthful vigor engaged in sexual relations with a girlfriend considered underage are exceptions to the rule. As are those convicted of urinating in public for whatever reason befell them at that moment in time and other non-threatening behavior. It is true, they are exceptions to the rule but unfortunately they are not in the minority any longer.

The labeling of sex offenders has gone too far. I became quite alarmed when I witnessed that there were more good people who had made simple, low-risk mistakes in their life labeled as sexual predators than actual sexual predators! What in God’s name are we doing to ourselves, to our communities, to our society, and to our children? Now we want to make ‘sexting’ a sexual offense! Seriously?

So let me get this straight…branding someone with a Scarlet letter despite the seriousness of their crime of the risk factor of a repeat offense and allowing them to be targeted for round up like cattle at the discretion of the police is not considered discrimination? Seriously?

So let me get this straight…placing these so called offender’s names, faces, and addresses on a public forum for public scrutiny singled out as a particular group does not violate their rights under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14^th Amendment and subject them to undue dangers? Seriously?

You are telling me that privacy rights are not being violated here. Seriously? It is a clear example of defamation of character especially for those that have served their designated time within the jail or prison system. It is so difficult for me to stomach let alone comprehend how the court system and the public can truly justify such actions even under the ruse of ‘protecting the children.’ Why are we not focusing on punishing and eliminating the truly monstrous threats that are quite obvious rather than lumping all of those individuals charged with a sexual offense into one chaotic group regardless of risk factor or threat?

The Adam Walsh Act proclaims to categorize individuals and place them into tiers but it falls far far too short of such an action. It gives us a false sense of hope and fairness. This is causing our children and communities to be put in greater harm. It provides us with a false sense of protection and safety. Not only are we doing a grave injustice to those labeled as sex offenders who are not even remotely close to posing a danger to anyone but to our children and communities as well. It is time to wake up and open our eyes to the absurd reality that is engulfing us before it is too late.

I am a huge supporter of protecting our children, our communities, our society, and our country but we have the ability to do so without violating the civil rights guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United States. These draconian and ineffective laws must be reformed immediately. Where does it end? Where do we draw the line? Too many good people are suffering unjustly due to corruption and ineffectual practices.

As it is I am extremely hesitant to lend aid to a child that I see may be in need. In fact I tend to avoid children altogether if at all possible. I am not a sex offender and am, in fact, a woman. I should be able to act upon my nurturing nature and seek to protect a child that I see may be in harm’s way. But I refuse to do so if it in anyway threatens my freedom. So who is truly suffering?

The Need to Reform Sex Offender Laws

The Sex Offender Registry is an extremely flawed system that is ineffective and poses a danger to both the public and those it deems ‘offenders.’ The state of Michigan requires individuals convicted of felony sexual offenses to register between the 1^st and 15^th of January, April, July, and October of each year. Those convicted of misdemeanor offenses and required to register must do so between January 1^st and 15^th of each year.

In Michigan I know a man who has consistently performed the duties required of him by the law of this state. He is in possession of paperwork and two witnesses who have accompanied him during this process. He has done everything required of him and worked extremely hard to build a life for himself around this terrible stigma.

One day completely out of the blue he is presented with a publication that blatantly proclaims that he is one of a large group of offenders that are non-compliant with the law, what is termed as an ‘absconder.’ Understandably overcome with panic and gut-wrenching fear this man pushes past the humiliation and investigates further. The publication lays claim that their source is the Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry website. This publication goes one dangerous step further and states a ‘big reward’ is being offered for the information and capture of these purportedly dangerous criminals professed to be on the lamb. Now he is not only confused but terrified as well.

You see like so many other Americans this man in his youth had been involved in a relationship with his teenage girlfriend. Despite the fact that the sexual relationship was consensual and no one was even remotely interested in pressing charges the state chose to pursue the case of its own volition. It is a common story, a travesty that hides behind absurd and draconian laws. Laws that refuse to acknowledge the voice of all parties involved.

Now this man in his more mature years continues to carry the burden of a label that demonizes him. It is a label that haunts his every movement despite the fact that he has had no run-ins with the law before or since this incident in his life. The Scarlet letter has been seared into his flesh and despite all that he does he continues to be viewed as a monster, a pariah for the remainder of his life. The majority of people unfamiliar with his circumstances do not question the label. He wears the stigma of a sex offender and so he is automatically assumed to be a monster.

This publication claims that there is now a bounty on his head and he is fearful not only for his life but for those close to him as well. His job and the jobs of those closest to him are at risk. His life and the lives of those closest to him are at risk. Despite his pleas his friends and family refuse to leave his side. He is not alone in this fight. He is one of the fortunate ones, they will stand together. It is a testament to his character and the true person that lies behind that Scarlet letter.

The possibility of some yahoo deciding to take up action against him based upon false information is now all too real. The promise of monetary compensation especially during these hard economic times places his life at risk. He is a target and there are those who look for any excuse to act out against another, their actions justified by the wanted sign seared on his flesh. That may not have been the publications intent but when placing up a wanted poster and stating ‘big reward’ it is not hard to imagine the consequences. The Equal Protection Clause of the 14^th Amendment is clearly being violated here. The problem lies with incompetent, amateur journalists not doing the proper and necessary research as well as erroneous and substandard record maintenance among other things.

This man takes immediate action accompanied by two witnesses and presents himself to the local police department to clarify the situation with the full intention of turning himself in if there was indeed a warrant that had been mistakenly issued. He is notified by the police department that he is currently compliant and that there are no issues. The Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry states otherwise. Tips are submitted stating that the information is incorrect and that the website status for this individual needs to be updated immediately. To date this has been done several times and upon completion of this article the website still has not been updated.

This man is not a sexual predator. He is not a monster or a threat to anyone. He was poor, young, and had received extremely incompetent representation when his case had come to light. He has all the makings of a victim but refuses to accept these terms. His friends and family continue to support him. He has struggled and worked diligently to create a life for himself built around this travesty in his life.

Unfortunately this is an all too common occurrence this day in age. The system continues to lump together truly dangerous felons with those who are of no threat; good, decent people who had made a mistake, paid their dues, and are trying to make something out of their lives only to be knocked down by a severely flawed system and ignorance. By hurting these good, decent people we are not protecting the children and our communities but rather harming them. The real monsters are left to prey on innocence while our focus is being diverted. This is an atrocious example of bait and switch.

This is predominantly why the Sex Offender Registry and many of its laws fail so miserably. The law enforcement community cannot keep up with the massive influx of registrants and are forced to divide their attention among them all. Instead of focusing primarily on the truly dangerous threats they are forced to spread themselves far too thin. This allows for the real monsters to run amok and wreak havoc inducing fear and panic. If we truly want to protect our children and communities, if we truly care for justice and our own safety then we must reform these laws now. The system is crumbling in on its own weight having been constructed very poorly. It is harming those it is suppose to be protecting.

The War is Here

There is a war raging, one that is being fought on several different battlefronts. There is one in particular that has caught my attention due to the fact that it has had a tremendous impact on my life. The battle I refer to is that of sex offender reform and it is rapidly gaining momentum.

We, as a nation, are fed and often times blindly accept the notion that we cannot fight the system. We constantly complain that our voices are not heard and that they do not matter. We are shunned, we are intimidated, and we are humiliated into silence and compliancy. Well, this is one woman who refuses to continue down that self-destructive path.

If there is even an ounce of truth in the belief that our voices do not matter or are not being considered by those elected to represent and serve us then we need to speak louder, HELL we need to yell it from the rooftops. Backing up our words with actions is imperative. We need to make our voices known and to demand that those who serve and represent us do so competently.

Draconian laws that single out groups and continue to punish them for a lifelong term after incarceration is cruel and unusual punishment any way you slice it. The Scarlet letter too many people have been forced to brandish upon their personhood is outrageous and appalling. The problem is that it is under the guise of protecting the children and our communities. The fact is it does not work as intended.

There is little to no distinction between a person convicted of a sex crime as a result of public urination, a young couple having engaged in consensual sex with one of the individuals involved  considered by law underage (typically under 18 years of age in America although there are exceptions), and a truly dangerous child molester. They are all typically lumped together under a single generalized category. This is absolutely unacceptable! It hurts not only our children and communities but good, decent people as well.

Sex offender laws are discrimination at its ugliest and most dangerous under the guise of protecting the innocent. I know many people would argue with me otherwise and I fully acknowledge that this is an emotionally charged issue on both fronts. But the amount of good people suffering at the hands of these draconian, outdated, and unconstitutional laws is far too great. This cannot be tolerated. And yes I said it…the majority of these laws are without a doubt, 100% unconstitutional.

We are protected by the constitution from cruel and unusual punishment. The Equal Protection Clause of the 14^th Amendment is being overpowered by the use of fear, intimidation, humiliation, and slander. Making a subject taboo and humiliating people into submission are the current methods being employed to pass such laws in clear violation of the document created by our founding fathers. Well I am pushing past the crap being force fed to me and I am voicing my outrage. My fear has turned into overwhelming anger. I am breaking my silence despite the consequences.

Adolf Hitler used ‘the children’ as a means to push his agenda and gain support for his devious and immoral cause. It appears to be an effective tactic. But in fact the children suffer along with the good, decent adults. I too want to protect our children and communities but I refuse to do so by sacrificing our civil rights and liberties as a nation.

Apathy is our enemy. We cannot allow ourselves to be herded blindly like cattle to the slaughterhouse. The time to stand up and fight is now before we lose any more of our freedoms. We need to set a precedence that clearly and boldly states that we will NOT be berated into submission, we will NOT be led astray by deceitful propaganda, and we WILL fight for our rights without hesitation.

We need to raise our fists in the air and state loudly and proudly “Don’t Tread on Me.” Make no mistake…we are at war. It is time to choose. Do you want to be a warrior of the people or a victim of the state? I am throwing down the gauntlet. I am picking up my sword. I will defend my liberty. I will fight.