- Teens Living Together...With Mom and Dad
Thu, Aug 5, 2010 - A case in West Lafeyette, IN got me rilled up for two reasons. It is another example of a 20 year old having sex with a 15 year old - with parental consent - and now because she is pregnant, the man is charged as a sex offender. This charge in an of itself is wrong. But beyond that, the more interesting detail was that these two were living together, in his parents house! Shockingly this trend - while not mainstream - is definitely on the rise.
- Sex Offender on the Trail
Mon, Jun 21, 2010 - A campaign in Massachuttets hit a road bump recently when it was discovered that a former sex offender was serving as the treasurer of the campaign. Initially he was defended saying he served his time, and now he is a model citizen deserving a second chance. But the pressure mounted and sure enough he fired the guy. Sad really. These people really do need a second chance, and we increasingly live in a culture where that becomes less and less possible.
- Sex Offender Laws Getting Ridiculous
Thu, May 27, 2010 - There was another case this week of an 18 year old senior dating a 14 year old freshman and now having to register as a sex offender because of it. While I highly do not advise seniors dating freshman, this is hardly a legal issue that should scar anyone for life - regardless of what happens in the relationship.
- To Catch A High Schooler
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 - Lakeland is in the news again and I am afraid once again I am a bit ashamed of my hometown - and more specifically the Sheriff of my hometown. Two high school seniors were, well lets say "parking," with their two freshman girlfriends. And according to the Sheriff, this offense constitutes 15-20 years in prison and lifetime registry as sex offenders because the boys were 18 and the girls were 15. Once again the Sheriff of Lakeland shows absolutely no judgment whatsoever and the parents of the two girls are also not on my good list right about now either.
- No Penalty Equals No Arrest For Sex Offender
Thu, Mar 11, 2010 - A convicted sex offender is not suppose to live within a certain distance of a school in California. But he is doing so anyways. And no one is arresting him. Why? Because their is no real punishment for breaking that law. Once again proving that our laws towards and handling of sex offenders in this country is so inconsistent and ridiculous.
- San Diego Rape and Murder
Fri, Mar 5, 2010 - A young woman was abducted while jogging in a park and subsequently raped and murdered. People in San Diego are calling for the death penalty and proves this is why we should have stricter laws regarding sex offenders. Both those stances are wrong. This situation is a tragic, but shouldn't be used to establish precedent.
- Sex Offenders Revisited
Wed, Feb 10, 2010 - We did a show the other day on Sex Offenders under a bridge and I was amazed at the email and voicemail volume afterward. So I decided to revisit the topic to allow those not in markets we are live in to get their voice heard (most were not happy with me).
- It Isn't Just Trolls Under Bridges These Days
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 - There is a new leper colony of sorts under a bridge in Miami. But they aren't lepers, they are sex offenders. The draconian sex offender laws prohibit them from living in so many places, that the only place that is safe for them to live is under a bridge. This is wrong. We need to provide these people an opportunity to reacclimate to our society.
- High School Sex Offenders
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 - Here we go again. Another case of a 17-year old registered for life as a sex offender because he had consensual sex with his 15-year old girlfriend. I am not an advocate for teens having sex, but this is ridiculous. These people should not be in the same category of violent child rapists. But they are.
- Halloween's Not Good for Sex Offenders
Thu, Oct 22, 2009 - I have asked it before, but I am asking it again. Why are sex offenders the modern day scarlet letter? Why is their crime so beyond all the other crimes that we must continue to punish them after they have served their time.
- Sex Offenders in Church
Thu, Oct 8, 2009 - This week was another example of the controversy on sex offenders being allowed in church. Frankly, that's exactly where they should be. Sure, not serving with children. Not in leadership positions. But they should be encouraged to be there.
- De-Baptizing
Sat, Aug 22, 2009 - My listeners send me the most interesting news stories. Something that stuck me recently was the phenomenon of "de-baptizing." How do you leave something like the Church or a marriage or a career or what-have-you, well? Do you cut ties gracefully or do you burn bridges all out? Also, in this hour we talk about other assorted topics such as John Edwards' love child adoption saga, a church in Michigan winning the lottery, a shelter that turns away sex offenders, and whatever else you want to talk about tonight. Open mic night folks--let's begin the conversation, shall we?
- Sex Offender Law Shoot Down
Sat, Apr 4, 2009 - A Federal Judge must agree with me because this past week he shot down a law requiring registered sex offenders from living 1000-feet from where kids congregate as being unconstitutional. Finally! Do we not realize that if we let these people out of prisons, we owe it to them to reestablish themselves in society. How does it help anyone forcing them "underground." Join the conversation as we look at forgiveness and redemption for people who rarely get it.
- The Scarlett Letter: Halloween Version
Sun, Oct 26, 2008 - We've done the show before, but the topic came up again in a new way this week. I am convinced that the scarlet letter in our society is sex offense. We punish these criminals and then we release them, but unlike other felonies, we don't let them live their lives. This year in Maryland, law makers are requiring sex offenders to display a bright orange pumpkin with the phrase no candy here. Come on people. If we as a society think that sex offenders is that heinous of a crime, then we should lock them up for life. But if we let them out, let them live there lives. Join the discussion - one where I am sure I will get a berating.
- Should Sex Offenders Be Allowed to Serve in Church?
Sat, Jun 28, 2008 - I came across a law this week that was enacted in Georgia that forbids anyone convicted of a sex crime from serving in their local church. Give me a break. Now the government is telling the church who can and cannot serve in the church. Don't get me wrong, I don't want sex offenders serving in Children's ministry. But the church is a rehabilitation center more than it is a tea party. Join the conversation as we look at who should be serving at our churches.
- Sex Offender Mayor
Sat, Mar 29, 2008 - Did you see the case of the mayoral candidate in Texas who is a convicted sex offender...sort of. He pleaded guilty and worked out an parole agreement with the prosecutor so that he wasn't a felon and didn't serve jail time. But here is the kicker: he is running for mayor. Needless to say, it has been quite the controversy. So do you think you could live in a town with a sex offender as mayor? Join the conversation.
- Sorry, But You Got to Move
Sat, Jun 9, 2007 - Anthony Mann is a convicted sex offender. He served his time. He followed the law when looking to find a place to live and work after prison. He settled down, obeyed the law, but now is being told he needs to vacate his home and his business because two separate child day care centers are being constructed within 1,000 feet of his home. This is ridiculous folks. Where is forgiveness? Where is the fairness? If we are going to let them out of prison, then we need to give them a chance.
