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Arky51's Blog

by Arky51 from St. Petersburg

Last Post 4 days, 14 hours Ago


I have been hearing a reporter giving a tease about a story that is planned to air on Fox13.

His question, loud and clear, is:
How is it that Sex Offenders on Probation are allowed to live in tents at a Campground for the Homeless?  How can that be their Address when they are supposed to be under Supervision by State Corrections Authorities, and the Sheriff's Department?

I am already of the opinion that a person with a Fifty Intelligence Quotient could spell it out where anyone could understand.  But, I will proceed, nonetheless;

  1. Nobody: not the Lawmakers, not the Psychologists, and certainly not the Public, is willing to see that there is a difference between the "average" Sexual Offender and the "Predatory" Sexual Offender.
  2. Nobody: not the Lawmakers, not the Psychologists, and certainly not the Public, is willing to allow these people to reintegrate into Society.
  3. Nobody: not the Lawmakers, not the Psychologists, and certainly not the Public, is willing to allow these people to work and be productive Citizens.
  4. Nobody: not the Lawmakers, not the Psychologists, and certainly not the Public, is willing to allow these people to live next door to them.

Actually, one does not even have to be a Sexual Offender to see this dynamic at work against them.  These sanctions are generally applied to most anyone who has ever been convicted of a Felony Offense.  People with a history of serious crime are no longer considered to be human beings, even if they have been going straight for years after they came out of Prison.

If you are not one who feels that way, and you don't happen to believe it is true, just call around to a half-dozen Employment Agencies and ask if they will place someone with a Felony Record.  I recently took such a poll for a friend who is on staff with an Employability Workshop, and I was stunned with the answers I received from the Agencies I contacted.

So, I ask you; if a Human Being is considered not a human being, and cannot find employment, and cannot pay for a place to live IF a place can be found, what are they going to do?  What can they do besides bum around and maybe panhandle for enough to but some food and beer, and live in a tent somewhere?

WAKE UP, PEOPLE!!  Don't you think they would be less likely to repeat their offenses if the were allowed to regain some of their Human Dignity, make an honest living, and go on toward a brighter future?  Evidently, that is what Congress believes in passing the Second Chance Act that was recently signed into Law by the President.

And the ones who repeated, in spite of the second chance given, would naturally labeled as such, and be given harsher punishment.

Otherwise, what has happened to our concept of Human Rights and Human Dignity.  How can we possibly cry out about other Nations violating the Human Rights of their Citizens when 0.9% of American Citizens are CURRENTLY incarcerated?  That's approximately 27 MILLION in a Nation of 300 Million . . . IN JAIL RIGHT NOW!

Does that make you proud to be an American??

ORL

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Member Comments Total Comments: 32
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PegasusWing read my blog view my photos
May 12, 2008 | 1:10 PM

Those under 18 who commit a felony have their records sealed, so that their youthful stupidity does not ruin their lives.
Adults who commit a felony, are adults and should understand the consequences of their choice.
Most adults, if ever tempted, consider the consequences and choose not to commit a felony.
There are small businesses who will give a felon a break, but they will be difficult to find.
I really have to say that I would have more compassion for the victim of the felon than for the felon himself.
People also understand that prisons are not a nice place to live; however, I understand that an American prison is better accomodations that some foreign prisons.

Once when offered a job working with felons under 18 who have raped and assaulted and robbed others, I refused the job and told those offering me the position that I would rather work with the victims.

Truth is, too many parents do not know how to parent.
Children need love, healthy diets, exercise, gentleness, encouragement, goals, self confidence, desire to please, good values, strong moral code of ethics.
How do we get this across?
Values are not "cheesey".

Arky51 read my blog view my photos
May 12, 2008 | 4:13 PM

PegasusWing, That's good that you would prefer to work with the victims. KODOs!

And, you are 100% right about some other points you have made: American prisons are not as bad as foreign, and Morals and Ethics have taken a serious nose-dive all over the World.

It's just that I happen to know that some of the older offenders, and not only the sexual offenders, were themselves victims who never got correction, counseling, or treatment.

We would all be walking or riding a bus if our Driving Priveledges were permanently taken away at the first Traffic Citation. Sure, that's different . . . but the same principle applies. There are many who never exceed the speed limit again after the first citation.

Again, don't you think they would be less likely to repeat their offenses if the were allowed to regain some of their Human Dignity, make an honest living, and go on toward a brighter future? They've done the time, or they wouldn't be on the streets again.

Rideintodarkness read my blog
May 12, 2008 | 5:31 PM

Too many times rehabilitation has failed and I as an employer have the duty to protect my clients from any wrong doings by an employee. I also have the duty to protect my business from clients that would sue me because of the wrong doings of an employee. That being said NO I would never hire a convicted felon. I just cant take the chance on losing everythng I have worked for honestly by giving someone a job that was at one time less then honest. In todays world and economy We as employers have a large pool of laborors to choose from and yes I would skip over a better qualified felon and hire a less experienced "honest" person.

Arky51 read my blog view my photos
May 12, 2008 | 5:43 PM

There are only two things Americans, in general, think about anymore:

WIIFM = What's In It For Me?
and
NIMBY = Not In My Back Yard!

Those "Pervs" (who are now above forty-five years of age) were still in the Victim Stage of their Mental Disorder.  They had been mentally, physically, and sexually abused as children, and seemed okay until something in mid-life triggered their acting out.

Most of those under forty are similar, but still much more a product of the Culture that has arisen since the Sixties.

Arky51 read my blog view my photos
May 12, 2008 | 5:48 PM

So then, Rideintodarkness, are you saying that you don't believe in Redemption and Mercy?  . . . that people don't change? . . . can't change?

But, I'd bet you expect to go to Heaven.

Rideintodarkness read my blog
May 12, 2008 | 6:02 PM

Dont believe in Heaven or Hell, Sure people can change but I wont take that chance with what I have accomplished in my life through hard, honest work. It would only take hiring the one person who didnt change to ruin all of that. Are you telling me you would open up your home to a convicted, time served sex offender? Possibly subjecting your family to whatever he might do just on the chance that he/she was rehabilitated.

Arky51 read my blog view my photos
May 12, 2008 | 6:16 PM

Never had one lived in my house, but have had one visit. He's been out 20 years and never reoffended.
.

Rideintodarkness read my blog
May 12, 2008 | 6:24 PM

Do you think these teachers that were convicted of having sex with their students should be allowed back in the classroom

Rideintodarkness read my blog
May 12, 2008 | 6:26 PM

I see a huge difference between living and visiting. I am pretty sure a dishonest person would wait until they were comfortable in their surroundings before reoffending

Rideintodarkness read my blog
May 12, 2008 | 6:28 PM

never reoffended or never caught? That is a question only he could answer.

Rideintodarkness read my blog
May 12, 2008 | 6:30 PM

Would you be happy to find out that your bank just hired a manager that had a fraud or embezzlement conviction?

Rideintodarkness read my blog
May 12, 2008 | 6:32 PM

I wouldn't want a convicted thief giving my parent home health care

Rideintodarkness read my blog
May 12, 2008 | 6:35 PM

It all falls to would you touch an iron hoping it wont be hot or do you just leave it alone and assume it is hot

Arky51 read my blog view my photos
May 12, 2008 | 6:46 PM

Like the Pharisees, you justify your sanctimonious self-righteousness. You are, indeed, the typical Secular Humanist Modern American. You truly are Riding into Darkness. Good luck to you.

Rideintodarkness read my blog
May 12, 2008 | 7:01 PM

You never answered any of my questions? Why is that? Is it because you yourself would never do any of the things that you are wanting others to do? Or is it because you realize that what I have said has a ring of realism to it. Like pegasus said. Adults commit these crimes knowing there are consequences yet they do them anyway. Why should I as a law abiding citizen put my livlihood in jeopardy to give someone a chance that ruined his own life without any help from me.

Rideintodarkness read my blog
May 12, 2008 | 7:04 PM

And it has nothing to do with being sanctimonious or self rightous. And as far as Riding Into The Dark. Not at all. As long as I keep myself and my employees busy with good hard work I can only see bright skies ahead

Arky51 read my blog view my photos
May 12, 2008 | 7:42 PM

I thought your questions were rhetorical.

Those Teachers, especially the females, make my blood boil. But, it makes me even more angry that people no different from yourself give them a pass because they are too pretty to go to jail.

Never reoffended or never caught? Never reoffended, I truly believe.

Someone convicted of fraud or embezzlement, I would give a job where he/she would not be responsible for money.

You don't love your Parents enough to care for them yourself? That's the original Social Security Plan.

And, if you moisten your finger before you touch an iron, you're not likely to get burned.

Bottom line . . . . I don't think you love anything but some elusive definition of success, and I don't think you actually care for anybody, not even yourself. You have your success, but you are as empty as a freshly molded Plastic Jug.

crone61 read my blog
May 13, 2008 | 12:35 AM

Back in the '80s, Florida had an employer insentive for anyone hiring a convicted felon. I think it was a cash award plus a tax break of some kind, but I don't remember the particualrs and have no idea if it is still in place.

While sex offenders of any definition are not the largest group of repeat offenders, they are the ones that strike the most fear into our hearts and minds, and with good reason. A thief can only take things and temporarily rob you of your sense of safety. Victims of sexual abuse are robbed forever of their sense of personal safety and many are also relieved of their sense of self; victimized not only by the offender, but the court systems and public as well (mainly in adult victim's cases).

Sexual crimes are in a class of their own and my personal belief is that no other crime leaves the same caliber of torment in its wake.

I bought a house next door to a child molester - having two teens - and have never had a problem working with a convicted person as long as I'm informed. Forewarned is forearmed. Certainly a one time offender deserves a chance to make a good life for themselves, but a repeat offender makes it harder to be understanding and helpful.

Rideintodarkness read my blog
May 13, 2008 | 3:17 AM

My questions were rhetorical ia a sense but each one covered a different scenario.
You didnt answer but a couple of questions.
Teachers, If you have ever read any of my comments concerning crime and punishment you would have known that I am all for harsh punishment regardless if you are male or female especially when it comes to crimes against children. You didnt answer this question.
I believe you when you say you believe he never reoffended but like I said only he can answer that.
Could you please explain to me what job there is in a bank that has nothing to do with money.
In some cases children cant be with their parents 24/7. We must work to support ourselves and our families or the parents might live out of state. either way you never answered the question.
Moistening your finger does work but if you leave on to long you will get burned which eludes to my 9:26 p.m. comment.
Bottom line is I dont think you own a business so you really have no way of understanding where I am coming from and for you to try and analyze me over a computer based on one topic and a few comments shows me that you are pretty shallow and being self-rightous.
Just a side note, I am happy with my Family, friends, career, and life itself so I myself dont think that I am empty

Arky51 read my blog view my photos
May 13, 2008 | 5:07 AM

crone61 says: "Certainly a one time offender deserves a chance to make a good life for themselves, but a repeat offender makes it harder to be understanding and helpful."

That is a sensible attitude. So many have bought into the psychobabbling drivel that there is no such thing as a one time offender, the which serves only the draconian aspect of our "Just-us" System.

Darkness, evidently you don't comprehend well what you read. "Shallow and being self-rightous," you say of me? You are the first person who has ever accused me of that. Most others say I go too deep and have a complexity they find difficult to understand. Whatever righteousness I have is not my own, but is conferred on me.

Enjoy your life to the fullest, dear man. It may likely be the only pleasure you will have in eternity.

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Arky51

Florida Native and Lifelong Resident. Country, but not redneck. Vietnam Vet (1970-71) not ashamed. Starting to grey around the edges and in my beard. Missing my dear Wife since 4/22/07. She went to be with Jesus. [I believe the Holy Bible (as originally written) is the inerrant Word of God. As much as it depends upon me, I will be at peace with all. Nevertheless, I will not compromise the tenets of Biblical Christianity. I know that many who say they are Christian do not care for or obey the teachings of Jesus.] . . . . [I believe the Constitution of the United States, including the first ten amendments (as originally written) and subsequent amendments passed by prescribed process, are the only legitimate law of this Nation UNDER GOD; that the tenets of our Constitution can be plainly understood by The Common Folk, as well as the erudite; and that those who would change those plain meanings by any craft or crook are Traitors to us all.]

Member Since: 10/20/2006