My intent was to present a motion to have the panel recommend to the County Leg rescission of the law. The meeting just never reached a level that it would have been remotely appropriate. There are many good people and depts., but like David said not enough professionals who work hands on with sex offenders. (No pun intended!) In order for the panel to move forward we have to get out from under the law. Any new legislation has to be effective for the entire county since any newly convicted offenders will have to live outside the 2000 radius. I spoke with Jeff after one of the County Leg meetings he is a very nice man. He doesn't seem to realize that his views and ours don't differ a single bit, its just a matter of geography.
I would encourage everyone to go to David's weblog, http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/ethicalesq/, and read it. It is very informative regarding the sex offender law facing our county.
Rene, I hope you do not literally mean that Jeff Parry's "views and ours don't differ a single bit." That would mean you agree that no one on the sex offender registry should be allowed to reside in any neighborhood, and that having one living nearby should be the constant preoccupation of every adult who cares about children (or property values).
I did not go far enough with my thoughts. No one wants a sex offender residing in their neighborhood, that is human nature, I am not ashamed to adimit it. In that respect our views are the same, the difference is Jeff got what he wanted, I did not. I realize that my perfect world does not exist, sex offenders exist and they live in our communities. We need to deal with them in our communities, not push them into the ocean. Yes, there are probably those on the sex offender registry that should NOT ever be allowed to live in society, just as there are those who commit other crimes that should never see the light of day either. They have comitted horrible crimes, they have spent time in jail, although not enough time. If the laws say they did the time and "paid" for their crime then they can't be reconvicted by society when they get out. They need to work, they need to be able to avail themselves to services and hopefully never offend again. To be honest with you I don't want murderers, burglars, drug addicts/dealers living in my neighborhood either, but as I said my perfect world doesn't exist. By the way, I don't like dirty people either
Thanks for a thoughtful reply, Rene. The phrase "don't want" is a slippery one. When it means "my preference in a perfect world," it's rather benign. When it means "and I will take away the rights of others (and assign them to permanent underclass status) to achieve my preference" it becomes much more problematic.
I hope your difference of degree with Jeff also extents to the palpable chronic fear that he carries with him. Excessive fear hurts children and adults, can turn neighbors into vigilantes, and lowers the quality of life for everyone.
You read way too much into the phrase "don't want". I mean don't want as in "my preference in a perfect world". I would never take away the rights of others. I don't want it to snow, I don't want that candy bar, I don't want criminals living next to me. I can't speak to the "chronic fear" you mention as I do not feel I have that level of expertise. Perhaps he does not present his fear in his day to day life. I will agree it is unhealthy for all, regardless of the subject. About 10-12 years ago (before I was on the Town Board) there was a couple who opposed a cell tower being erected near their home. Without going into the merits, it was clear to see that their fear consumed them. It consumed their lives and those of their family.
Unfortunately we live in a fear generated society. Starting from our media outlets and flamed by our government. I am not an expert in these areas, but I do share in Rene's sentiment. And in a perfect world we wouldn't even be having this discussion.
Rene, I'm afraid that I worded my Comment poorly. I was trying to distinguish what I correctly believed was your approach -- that of a preference in a perfect world -- with those who want to deny the rights of others. That's why I then said "I hope your difference in degree with Jeff extends" to the fear issue. Sorry for the confusion, but thanks for your added clarification. Believe me, I did not want to cause you any agita.
With all the Italo-Americans in Duanesbug and Schenectady County, it is hard to believe you haven't been accused of a little agita-creation yourself, Rene. For a fuller explanation, see "what is agita" at my weblog -- http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/ethicalesq/what-is-agita/
I just did my civic duty and spent 90 minutes at the Schenectady Mayoral Debate at Proctor's. While my overall reaction does not rise to the level of aggravation normally needed to constitute agita (sleepiness beat out irritation by a nose), I must say that I was quite disappointed that moderator Carl Strock failed to ask the question I submitted to the candidates on whether they would call for the rescinding of the County sex offender residency law and/or enforce it.
For all you non-Italians, a definition: heartburn, acid indigestion, an upset stomach or, by extension, a general feeling of upset. The word is Italian-American slang derived from the Italian "agitare" meaning "to agitate."
I've seen it spelled either way....agida or agita. It's pronounced, "ah-jih-ta".
In heath care as a nurse we are 'taught' universal precautions....what are they?...you assume EVERYONE has an infection etc that you can catch and possibly pass on...we as a society have an infection too....there are no rubber gloves to protect us from it.....what is it?---I call it social mental health disease.....hollywood, adult book stores, the web, my space, strip clubs, credit cards.....etc etc......the only thing remotely close to a 'social rubber glove' is discernment and reason.....what is our plumb line and foundation????
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
In heath care as a nurse we are 'taught' universal precautions....what are they?...you assume EVERYONE has an infection etc that you can catch and possibly pass on...we as a society have an infection too....there are no rubber gloves to protect us from it.....what is it?---I call it social mental health disease.....hollywood, adult book stores, the web, my space, strip clubs, credit cards.....etc etc......the only thing remotely close to a 'social rubber glove' is discernment and reason.....what is our plumb line and foundation????
Okay senders....now that one made crystal clear sense and excellent point!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
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