That poor little girl .... all of those poor little girls, and boys too--they don't stand a chance against convicted sex offenders who are released, over and over again. Is it not sad that the worth and safety of a child is not as valued as a criminal's rights? The net result appears to be that protecting vulnerable souls is less meaningful than protecting the freedom of sex offenders. Despite all the laws on the books, they're still being released, and innocent young people are still having the life snuffed out of them -- all so that a remorseless sociopath missing a conscience can enjoy sexually brutalizing and murdering them. That's the very definition of "sick."
I am with you and with all who think the system is not working, and that something has to be done so sexual offenders get stiffer penalties and are monitored more when released.
In Gardner's case, it has been said on the news that in order to protect the young victim from testifying a deal was reached so that he plead guilty to certain charges and given a lighter sentence.
Watching this is sickening.
But, I understand the principle behind giving people a second chance, though we all know sexual offenders are never cured. And, though it has been said that only a minority of them re-offend, the attacks become more vicious and more calculated when they do re-offend.
I also understand the principle of punishment should fit the crime and many believe that nothing warrants a death penalty or life in prison other than murder.
I am also aware of cases in which a "victim" makes up a story and accuses an innocent person of a sexual offense, and either recants later on, or is later found to have lied to get someone in trouble.
All these contribute to the problem.
Judges and juries have a difficult job. They do what they think is right to the best of their abilities, but they are only human.
They can't read minds or instantly know who is telling the truth by merely looking at them, or know whether a guilty person will or will not re-offend.
So, where lies the answer to the problem?
If sexual offenders were to take personal responsibility and stop themselves when they felt the urge to hurt someone, the world would be a nicer place.
But, we know better.
So, while politicians argue as to how to solve the problem, for now, the only weapon we have at our disposal is being cautious and avoid situations that would put us in harms way.
IMO
