The ACLU is at it again!

[RGR]

I picked this up from a friend on another board:

Federal Judge Strikes Down Rule Keeping Iowa Sex Offenders Away From Schools

By David Pitt AP Feb 9, 2004

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A federal judge on Monday struck down an Iowa law that prohibited convicted sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of schools and day-care centers.

The Iowa Civil Liberties Union had challenged the constitutionality of the law, claiming it effectively banished offenders from most cities and towns.

Judge Robert Pratt ruled that the 2002 law "unconstitutionally infringes" upon the rights of sex offenders. He issued an order prohibiting the state from enforcing the law, making permanent a temporary restraining order issued last summer.

"There is no evidence that sex offenders reoffend by living within any magic number of feet from a school," attorney Philip Mears wrote in arguments to Pratt.

Assistant Attorney General Gordon Allen argued that the law was sound public policy and designed to protect the state's most vulnerable citizens - children.

"While some may find the means chosen excessive ... there is nevertheless a rational basis for the legislative choice," Allen said.

Lawmakers reacted to the ruling by saying they are determined to keep sex offenders away from children.

"They committed a crime. We're trying to keep them away from our kids if possible," said Sen. Jerry Behn. "I'd like to have something on the books."

[Guest shadow2b]

-Judge Robert Pratt ruled that the 2002 law "unconstitutionally infringes" upon the rights of sex offenders.

-SHOCKINGsimply shocking!!LETS HANG THA JUDGE

[Guest LadyC]

what was that judge thinking? it's a sad day when the 'constitutional rights' of a sex offender outweigh the constitutional right to public safety, particularly children.

oh wait, do we actually HAVE any constitutional rights to public safety? i should go study the constitution.

[Guest tygra]

That's crazy!! And sick!

[RGR]

Of course, in the Christian/conservative community, the ACLU has no standing anyway, but don't they realize that in taking on stuff like this, they are going to lose the support they do have? I agree with Gary, let's hang them!

[papasangel]

You want something really shocking? A sex offender has MORE rights than his victims. Yep and I am talking from practical experience. A man who raped my two daughters literally walked away. He pled down to committing an assult on a female which gives him a record yes but does not get him listed on the sex offenders registry. That animal took two innocent girls, used them and got away with it. What appens to the girls? We love them and tell them that what happened didn't matter. They are still special in our eyes and God's eyes. And that justice WILL be served when that jerk comes before God.

One of the problems with the system is that too much time lapses from when an offense is filed to when its adjudicated. Meanwhile victims have to live with nightmares, depression and a host of other problems. One thing that I would love to see come about is automatic castration of repeat offenders not necessarily under anesthetic. The other is that an offender not be allowed to plead down to a lessor offense for the convience of the perpetrator.

[Rick]

-Judge Robert Pratt ruled that the 2002 law "unconstitutionally infringes" upon the rights of sex offenders.

-SHOCKINGsimply shocking!!LETS HANG THA JUDGE

It's a terrible shame that so many children are becoming victims of predators. Where I live we have had 6 cases that have become public in the past 2 weeks. It disgusts me to hear of some pervert exposing himself to children, or sexually abusing some innocent child. And it's not only limited to men, One case involved a female school teacher abusing a male student.

Then to hear that some judge failed to protect the public from a convicted sex offender because he can see where it would be an infringement upon their rights? What about the rights of the ones who have been assaulted or abused? Is this judge aware that they most certainly will face a lifetime of torment from the memories of a single assault. That it will affect their lives in such a way that many will not be able to function normally in society, and will have a lifelong fear to live with? And that is if they survived the incident. Which some don't.

I for one am fed up with the leniency criminals are being given. Its a disgrace to the law abiding citizen to see liberalism replace morality, and tolerance replace common sense. As a christian you strive to do what is right, while living in a society where anything goes. Where you have those that use their positions of authority and leadership, do more harm to society than good. But in the case of someone harming a child, No precaution to protect the safety of a child should be overlooked. If the laws protect the criminal, then they should be changed. If the elected officials will not enforce the laws that protect the innocent, then they should be changed as well.

Rick

[papasangel]

Well correct me if I am wrong here but most Judges are elected aren't they? Hmm something to remember come election time..... Also if an offender gets off and recommits the crime maybe the Judge should share what that victim goes through (might make them think at least) in the form of accompanying that victim to therapy and or a major fine.

As to the perp I still say castration is a justifiable sentence.

[RGR]

Well correct me if I am wrong here but most Judges are elected aren't they? Hmm something to remember come election time..... Also if an offender gets off and recommits the crime maybe the Judge should share what that victim goes through (might make them think at least) in the form of accompanying that victim to therapy and or a major fine.

As to the perp I still say castration is a justifiable sentence.

Nope. Most judges are appointed (well, at the national level anyway) for a lifetime term.

BTW, I think a 16-gauge shotgun aimed at a particular section would do the job quite nicely!

[papasangel]

Myself I opt fopr a more personal approach Ronald. Have you ever seen the movie the Ladies club? I did and believe me I could see myself being a part of the club. These ladies track down repeat offenders and "ahem a surgeon (who is a lady) removes the offending appendages. Under anesthetic of course. Me I say lets save some money on the anesthetic.

Forgive me but this is a very touchy subject becaause it hits close to home.