I applaud the members of the Lewiston City Council for tabling their decision on a sex offender restriction zone to give the matter more thought.
This is the kind of issue for somebody who has no stake in the matter that seems obvious. Disallowing sex offenders to live within 750 feet of a school or daycare appears, on the surface, to be a smart move but, upon closer inspection, has no basis in history or science. Full Article
Glad to see not only an op-ed on our behalf, but one from a fellow RC *and* former city council member. Hopefully all of ME, not just Lewiston, listens. The simple fact the city council is considering it instead of shooting from the hip is reason for hope.
Probably should have a few more stats in the editorial. Maybe someone can add some to the comment section?
The public just can’t get past the “yuck and ick” factor when they here the word “sex offender.” They immediately recoil in disgust, shun, marginalize and want to know where they live based on irrational fear and deep-seated emotional paranoia thanks to the media and lawmakers.
How can the public be re-educated on this subject when they act like children themselves?
They had better do an about face soon and learn to live with acceptable risks in life because the registry is not future proof and it won’t stand the test of time.