What is more innocent and idyllic than a public park? The idea of one, however, has taken a dark turn. Instead of existing for the sake of fun and perhaps a bit of fresh air, small “pocket” parks have opened up across the country in order to drive out sex offenders, according to the Denver Post.
Jessica’s Law states that sex offenders cannot live within 2,000 feet of a school or public park, according to the Post. And thanks to the rising number of sex offenders living in the Harbor Gateway here in Los Angeles — where parents say that they routinely see paroled convicts wearing GPS ankle bracelets — neighborhoods have been opening up small parks wherever they can. Full Article – Daily Trojan Online
Articles sympathetic to our cause are very encouraging and I hope everyone takes the time to add constructive, informative comments that will enlighten others.
Here is the comment I posted to the article:
A group that goes completely forgotten, yet deeply affected in these matters is the children of registered sex offenders.
When these pocket parks and measures such as Jessica’s Law are enacted, some families are forced to move or split up and at no small cost.
Many registered sex offender’s crimes are 30+ years old and they have been faithfully registering while leading productive lives. Until the Megan’s Law became public they were anonymous, law abiding citizens who had served their time and moved on to build careers, families, etc. But that all changed when their names and addresses were published for all to see. No thought was given to the kids of the registrants who would face public humiliation and start paying for the sins of their fathers.
Imagine the 5 year old girl who has no friends in kindergarten. Parents of her classmates told their children to stay away from the girl with the bad daddy. She has no birthday parties or play dates. She is alone in the sand box, very sad, unable to understand why she has no friends.
Despite his 30 year old conviction, her father developed a successful career as a professional in a service industry. But he lost his job when the Meagan’s Law site launched and has had trouble finding work since.
Their income half what is was, the mother now does the work of a single mom, ferrying the kids to and from school while trying to stay anonymous herself in other areas of life. She uses her maiden name in her career and limits personal relationships.
The father is forbidden from school functions, even though his crime did not involve a child and was non-violent. He cannot attend the Christmas show and see his little girl sing, or join in the PTA conference. The little girl asks him regularly why he never takes her to school, or why he did not come and see her in the play. He struggles to answer in ways that will make her feel better.
What damage is being done to these forgotten children? What good does it do to force them to pay for the sins of their parents? What will be the final cost when we expect these children to grow up and be productive members of our society?
No, no, I disagree with the article! I think we should just continue to push and push someone to their breaking point! We have people online, pictures posted, addresses posted?, names and acts posted for all to see? Now, we are banning people from living in certain areas, prohibiting them from visiting parks/libraries, beaches and who knows where else (Lancaster Movie Theaters)? GPS monitoring? Im truly surprised someone hasnt broke loose yet! Why not next ban Sex Offenders from river beds/innocent kids riding bikes, movie theaters or malls? Hey, what about the mall bathroom? Maybe if we surgically implant something in a sex offender, the bathroom alarm will beep? Or, why not ban sex offenders from public restrooms? Lancaster has banned them from parks, schools, pools and movie theaters?
This was honestly a very well written article! I was disturbed by one of the responses/comments, but this is clearly posted by someone who has no knowledge of the situation. IF you recall the old adage, Wait until you walk in my shoes!” As I continue to read the actions of government and city leaders, I can only wonder whats going on in their heads? The city of Lancaster and Simi Valley are good examples. I can only wonder? Anyone with any educational background or intellectual capital realize that they simply lock up people, treat them like animals, most are highly uneducated and then release them into the population with GPS monitoring, parole agents and the realization that they might be the most hated individuals on the planet! What would you do? Could you get a job? Relationship? People need to wake up and smell the roses! These laws are getting worst and worst! Why? The statistics state otherwise? Why? Im not sure where this country is headed, but the actions of California arent moving it in the right direction!