Legislators in Georgia are moving ahead with a proposal to impose one of the toughest sex offender laws in the nation. The bill which has already cleared the state House, no proceeds to the state Senate. If signed by the governor, the bill would mandate a 25 year minimum prison sentence for child rape, which is still far too lenient. The bill also addresses other violent criminal acts. Murderers, for example have to serve at least 20 years in prison before they could be considered for parole. How nice. Naturally, the proposal met with some vocal opposition, mostly from leftists who argued the costs of imposing such stiff penalties would result in less funds for schools. In the first place, 150 year of public education has proven beyond question that increases in educational spending do not equate with increased quality of education or improved academic performance. In the second place without order, education will be meaningless.
The debate over this bill highlights the foolishness and desperation of the left, who will go to any means to protect criminals. Complaints about costs and the impact on education are of secondary importance. There can be no civil society with predators on the prowl for fresh victims. If the left is so concerned about costs, why not call for prison reform. State correctional facilities needn’t become an economic black holes. Why not construct a vast pit with one entrance and one exit. High atop the walls of this pit can be stationed armed sentries with instructions to maintain order through a fresh application of lead and cool steal.
During the heated debate, critics pointed out that the bill could punish teens as harshly as adults. Teens convicted of rape, aggravated child molestation , for example would face a mandatory sentence of at least 25 years in prison, which is far too generous given the seriousness and long term consequences of such crimes. Currently teen offenders can be freed after serving only 10 years in prison. Is this justice? Other Democrats charged that such measures will do nothing to reduce sex crimes in the state. Are Democrats arguing the state shouldn’t even bother to punish criminals?
The fact of the matter is murders and rapists should never again see the light of day. Perhaps a rapist can be released early if they consent to castration, short of this penalty there can be no olive branch extended to predators. As most psychiatrist point out, sexual predators, especially those who prey on children, can’t be cured, as such they are a menace to be controlled and removed from society at large. The age of an assailant makes no difference. A 17-year-old rapist is just as dangerous as a 42-year-old rapist and should be treated accordingly. The fact that some leftists oppose strict penalties for such offenders boggles the mind. Of all the strategies and policies advocated by Democrats, coddling criminals is the least understood. One can understand class warfare as a means of winning votes, one can even understand undermining our national security to castigate the opposition, but who wins, other than the criminal, by advocating laws that allow child rapists to roam the streets? Such a strategy defies the very semblance of logic.
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/stories/0203legsex.html
