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
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