The Observation Deck

And I think you were just trying to pick a fight. And for the record, I don't think there was an ounce of sincerity in "fixing" any problem in your post, just trying to create one.

Great day for mowing the lawn and the Tribe isn't losing so far!

I am going back out! I just spent the morning out back with a dozen kids. Nothing like coming in for a Sunday attack! But that is why the kids are so refreshing!

Charyn Compeau wrote:Justine:

You brought this here. What does Jim say? "If you confess it you possess it"?

You want them gone from here - but really, that isnt a viable option is it? And yes, my very first questions was sincere - you responded with the 'island' so I went with it.

Charyn

Charyn

Here you are twisting my words! "If you confess it you possess it" is an Amyay saying not mine.

This is an incredibly important subject. It is worthy of serious discussion and as I learned in the the arena of public discourse is that all is on the table till it is taken off.

What do we do? Can we construct virtual islands where they can serve their time, without the fear of law abiding people. This is where I have a problem with rights. Those that have served their time I guess have the lives back within the jurisdiction of the courts. But when they move into an area and cause fear and changes of law abiding people's rights, I have to side with the law abiders.

This is a hot button subject, as we can see.

This is why I am curious, it seems like the past twenty years has seen an insane amount of crimes against human rights. Rape, child molestation, even slavery and of course war. Is this just getting more coverage and it was always there. Or is it growing at an incredible rate?

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Jim -

Opps sorry - I didnt know (or forgot?) that! Apologies. And your final point is a critical one.

Remember I pulled to FBI data on crime because I thought it had increased only to find out it really has not? It was virtually flat complared to prior years! Perception is reality as they say.....

So on that note-

Justine you write:

And I think you were just trying to pick a fight. And for the record, I don't think there was an ounce of sincerity in "fixing" any problem in your post, just trying to create one.

I am sorry you feel that way. I truly wanted to examine the issue you brought up because I think it is far to important to ignore and far too important to simply shout at.

But your perception is your reality and if you perceive what I wrote as an attack, I cannot change that anymore than I can change the direction of the wind - or your attack on my sincerity.

There is a difference between challenging (attacking?) someones *ideas* and challenging (attacking?) the *person*.

But thats OK - I broke in my flame retardant suit a long time ago.

Charyn

Charyn Compeau wrote:
I am sorry you feel that way. I truly wanted to examine the issue you brought up because I think it is far to important to ignore and far too important to simply shout at.

But thats OK - I broke in my flame retardant suit a long time ago.

Charyn

Charyn


One last little poke, just had to.


Gary, can I get a Kumbaya?


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Well my "solution" is to not allow child rapists and serial rapists out of jail, and make room for them by not keeping the non-violent offenders, as was in my original statement. In fact the whole original statement was about not worrying if strippers in a club were six feet away as much as worrying about tougher laws for pedophiles! I did not create a post asking for ideas on housing sex offenders, but commented that housing several together is a nightmare waiting to happen! And how many want that house on their street?

You can hide behind semantics, but unless you really wanted to vehemently defend child molesters, you were picking a fight. And yes, there is a difference between attacking a person, and attacking issues. From what I read, your goal is to attack, not dialogue, not come up with real solutions. When I post, I do it with my opinion. I don't try to pretend it is anything other than it is. If I play games I do with children, not with adults. Words are as transparent as people.

And I would rather you hate me for who I am, then love me for who I am not, or who I would pretend to be.

Can you please point out where I attacked you?

Thanks,
Charyn

Jim -

I am told I am insincere, posting with the intent to attack, lack a desire for dialog, and by my post am vehemently defending child molesters.

And I am the one taking a shot?

Puhh-leeease.

Anyone who has been here has to have figured out by now that I wont take these shots lying down.

So if, out of frustration, I became human for just a moment with my flame suit comment, I apologize. It certainly wasn't directed at you - but actually at my frustration with the fact I am being maligned by someone who doesn't know me, my background, my faith, my beliefs, etc.

For the record -

(1)I had no intention to attack anyone - but I did want to explore and push the issue - challenge the thoughts and look at this VERY important problem society (not just Lakewood) faces.

(2)I have no love for someone that would hurt a child and anyone who knows a damn thing about my past could attest to my deep and powerful disdain for rapists.

Always,
Charyn

Since the topic is open. Here's my two cents...

I'm big on the three strikes and you're out rule. Felonies only, and when I say "out" I don't mean life in prison, I mean "out" permanently.

The problem with the justice system as it stands today is that jail is neither a deterrent or a path of rehabilitation. I want more work camps (one's that actually teach job skills) for those that will eventually get a second chance, and the death penalty for those that have used up all their chances.

Commit a violent crime once and I'll listen to your sob story about childhood woe and bad upbringing, do it again and you should spend a long time in prison, do it a third time and you've demonstrated to me an active choice to completely disregard the laws of society. And at that point, I don't think society should have to continue paying for you to take up space.

I actually agree with not holding non-violent criminals in jail for extended periods. However, their should be extensive criteria for their release. And the other problem is on drawing the line in the sand to determine what qualifies as "non-violent". For instance, I'm pretty much done with seeing a drunk driver kill someone after they've already been arrested for DUI twelve previous times.

Being drunk is non-violent, getting behind the wheel of a car in that state is potentially just as violent as any crime using a handgun.

Anyway just my two cents.

Bret has some interesting points. He is correct that for many criminals prison is not a deterrent. As bizarre as it may seem to many of us, for some folks incarceration is an expected part of life.

However, I'm pretty sure that education and job training are already available in many prisons.

I think Bret is a little too loose with the death penalty....although I'm not totally opposed to it, I don't think it should be taken lightly.

However, when it comes to sexual crimes against kids, I actually think three strikes is too lenient. I've seen enough "Dateline" to realize that a child molester cannot be deterred or rehabilitated. Those guys will never change, and need to be permanently separated from society.

Mark Crnolatas wrote:What dinner?

The editor of the Lakewood Observer print edition is taking editors and columnists to dinner, in a show of appreciation for the hard work they have done.

This summer we will be having LO Appreciation gatherings at, Around the Corner, The WestEnd, LaPita Express, Mahalls, Johnny Malloys, and other spots. Watch for the announcements.

Another rumor to put to rest. Yes I was asked and agreed to appear in the Dunk Tank at Around the Corner. the money will be used to buy food for various local charities. So if you really want to get even, stop and dunk me. But I doubt that you can because you throw like a girl!!!! (just getting ready)


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Now they are saying the 6-foot barrier proposed law would apply even when the strippers are fully clothed and EVEN on their days off! LOL

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindeal ... xml&coll=2

Justine Cooper wrote:Forget MTV have you seen Victoria Secret commercials???

My favorite Victoria Secret commercial (is it possible to single out a favorite?) is the one features Bob Dylan. It's on my iPod.

Oh, and violent criminals should never get out of prison. Jerks that molest children should never get out of prison either. Throw them in dark, cold, damp prisons and forget about them. Or maybe stone them in the center of town then throw them in prison.

Joe

I hope the hard copy paper party wasn't a secret! Well not any more! A deck party this summer would be a blast though!!

I disagree with why the ban on strip clubs is in process, because of one man's guilt. I am sure it is not the easiest way to make money for some women (well maybe it is) but for some it may be the only way. And it is consenting between both parties. Unlike molesting! I just don't know why more time isn't spent on serious crimes and punishments.

As for the dunking tank, I will buy as many tickets as I can hold. I may not throw that well but my four year old does!!!