DEAR AMY: I have a 6-year-old granddaughter whose parents are not together. In a couple of months, when she goes to visit her dad (my son), she may be in proximity to a man who was incarcerated for molestation. This man is the brother of my son’s girlfriend, and the two siblings live together in their parents’ home. I am very anxious about this.
I plan to tell my son that it would be best for his daughter’s safety and security if he would change the visitation location. I have spoken to my granddaughter (when she visits me) about speaking up strongly and loudly if anyone makes physical overtures toward her. However, I am concerned about whether I spoke appropriately and specifically enough. I usually spoke to her when giving her a bath and used the correct terminology for the body parts.
Where can I get some information and training on how to raise awareness and educate my granddaughter on protecting herself? — Anxious Grandma – Response
Ask Amy is an advice column in the LA Times I read for entertainment (it’s in the comics section). March 27th was no laughing matter! Here’s the link – http://www.is.gd/WrbAAt Basically, this hysterical, “Paula Revere” suggested a paranoid grandma report/inform all kinds of government agencies about a threat she felt against her 6yr old granddaughter. This is not my personal story, but all registrants can probably relate. Summary: the girl is going to visit her dad who has a girlfriend (not the mother) who has a brother who was incarcerated for molestation. Both brother and sister live in their parents’ house (not with the girl’s father). So, this so-called risk is three-persons-removed from the child. Including the parents, we’re talking about a total of 5 adults being there that Amy feels are “endangering” the child. Imagine how the unsuspecting brother would feel about some nut-job columnist telling some paranoid grandma, who doesn’t know him or the facts, that the authorities need to pay him a visit! This Amy even made a statement that having unintended contact with a child may affect legal status. Does that mean bumping someone in a crowded bus, or standing behind someone in the checkout line at the market, or handing a kid his Frisbee after it lands on your lawn, etc? Of course, she felt she had to use the “P” (predator) word, and sex offender, and pedophile. She said, “His daughter is not safe in any proximity to a sex offender”. That is the most jackass stupid thing I’ve ever heard! Any proximity? Since NO ONE knows the life history of EVERY human they encounter, the ONLY way to GUARANTEE child safety is to keep them under the covers, all alone, in a room with locked doors and boarded up windows. The good thing about keeping to myself is that, in this regard, people leave me alone. I go to the movies, market, post office, and even park my car in front of an elementary school (the only parking within 2 blocks) with no problems. If I wasn’t so busy building my home business, I might go to the park or beach. Even though I have it relatively easy, it still bothers me that the most UNinformed people are the ones who have the most influence. Free speech is a double-edge sword and there will always be those against us (and everyone else). Keep the faith and keep your inner peace while you fight the good fight. All is Well in the Kingdom of SWY.
I think “Amy” should not be giving out advice on something she is obviously not qualified to advise on. This just one more clear cut example of the mass hysteria crafted by politicians to take advantage of dead kids and exploit grieving parents for their personal gain. This “sex offender” myth has; in fact, been turned into a multi billion dollar business. I say their actions are un American and the states that support these laws are not really America anymore. Most jurists and legislators are to cowardly to stand up for anything that doesn’t translate into a paycheck and don’t fulfill their oaths of office anymore. And America calls this normal! Society is infected to the lowest levels. Even the street cops do all in their power to cheat people out of their birth right guaranteed by the constitution and bill of rights.