I have written here previously that I have a fundamental problem with the concept of sex offender registries. In an ideal world,
after a criminal has done his/her time, he/she should be considered to have paid his/her debt to society and be free to live a
generally unencumbered life. And (again, in an ideal world) if a criminal is not “safe”, he/she shouldn’t be released back into the
general public.
In other words — you’re in jail, or you’re free. The wishy-washiness of an in-between state annoys me.
However, a couple of mornings ago, I was reminded just how important it is to qualify such views with the caveat, “in an ideal
world” or some other similar disclaimer.
You see, according to Connecticut’s sex offender list, we have one registered individual living down the street from us. Driving
by his house a couple of mornings ago, on my way to the gas station, I couldn’t help but notice the three teenaged girls from around
the neighborhood, standing in front of his house, waiting for their school bus.
That’s one of those moments that make you wonder about the principles you hold….