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December 10, 2003
You Wouldn't Read This in the Strib

Joe Soucheray writes an excellent article about the odd way we handle sexual predators, both specifically in Minnesota and in general:

Ever since Rodriguez was arrested for his possible involvement in Sjodin's disappearance, we have all learned a great deal about Level 3 sex offenders. That's what Rodriguez is. When you reach his level, it means you are likely to commit another sex crime. Imagine that.

No other criminals get their own levels. There are no Level 1 ticket scalpers as opposed to Level 3 ticket scalpers. There are no Level 3 bank robbers, or Level 1 purse snatchers. And yet, when it comes to sex offenders, we give them levels.

We do attach levels to criminal actions; there are different classes of felonies, for example, although I couldn't tell you what the thresholds are. Felons themselves are not given levels, as Soucheray states, except sex offenders. Why do we do this? Because it makes it easier for them to be released back into our community, that's why. There's Bob. He groped young girls on their way home from school, but it's OK that he's working at Abercrombie and Fitch because he's just a Level 1 sex offender. Yes indeed, I feel much safer now.

My solution is simpler. I wouldn't have any levels, and the people who dreamed up levels in the first place would have to seek legitimate employment. If you commit a violent sexual act against another, you go to jail for life. End of story. I don't want to hear about troubled childhoods because the guy was thrown out at second base in an unfair play when he was in second grade.

I don't want to support an entire industry made up of unwise do-gooders who obviously aren't doing any good. Rape is rape. Knifepoint is knifepoint. Accept no excuses. Go away for life.

Joe tells it like it is in the Pioneer Press, in an article we wouldn't see in the hard-left Star Tribune. Read the whole thing, and not just because he agrees with me. Read it because it's the truth.

Sphere It Digg! View blog reactions
Posted by Ed Morrissey at December 10, 2003 10:27 PM

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