Transcript
Efrain Morales, Jr. CT Approx. 670 words One-Time Rights + Electronic (COPYRIGHT 2016, By: Efrain Morales, Jr.) "Blown out of Proportion" By: Efrain Morales, Jr. Many citizens of free-world society are of the sentiment that sex offenders are crazed deviants who create new victims upon release from prison, even though Federal Bureau of Justice statistics prove otherwise. The overstated premise being "hidden crimes." This postulation is rarely challenged even by lucid-minded, law-abiding citizens. And so it is that, in the case of the low recidivism crime category of sex offenders, baseless opinion and excessive punishment is the disproportionate scale metted out. When looked at fairly hidden crimes exist in all other crime categories as well. In the case of murderers, cold cases. Throughout history segments of society, that may have been at odds with each other over one thing or another, come together when they have a common fear, hatred, or prejudice. Take, for instance, 9/11: Solidarity came at the expense of friendly homeland Muslims, who were targeted soon thereafter--the topic of my published Journal Inquirer newspaper article: "Indicting a Faith for the Sins of a Few" (9/16/2010, pg.16). Interesting also that, although there is a registry to track sex offenders, there isn't one for those who are eventually released for murder, arson, or gangs and drug-dealers that corrupt and poison the future of America. Instead the heavy-handed gavel is reserved for the especially-loathed modern day lepers, that bear the stigma of shame for life. These are cornered into taking plea deals, or plead guilty in court even when--in some instances-- they are innocent. This is by design in the scheme of the law. For instance, once the defendant is told that there is but one "accept or reject" offer, and an outrageous outcome should the defendant chose to take it to trial, the defendant will feel compelled to "accept" the offer--even if excessive. Then the judge will ask the defendant if he/she was under any compulsion to "accept" such an offer. The defendant, in not detecting the subtle scheme at work answers in the negative, believing that that's just how the system works. In many cases a defendant who wishes to plead not guilty--for lack of state's evidence against him/her--is told that with sex charges all that's required for a conviction is a mere credible allegation. And who wouldn't believe a minor in court? Moreover, a defendant is told that the state will prosecute even if a victim chooses not to press charges. In this way a defendant sees it as a no-win situation, and so pleads guilty or under the alpha doctrine. So as judicial tactics brand more for the registry, lawmakers propose further marginalization of an already downtrodden category of people--as eloquently laid out in an article by blogger of Free Range Kids, Lenore Skenazy, titled: "Ban 'Sex Offenders' from the Skies." She states therein that "There are almost 850,000 Americans on the sex offender registry, up from 750,000 just a few years ago (par.5)...Why make another expensive and pointless law aimed at a group already marginalized? (par.12). Interestingly, it's believed that sexual deviance is a mental illness. If so, then why are mentally ill people dealt such harsh sentences in courts rather than rehabilitation alternatives that can serve a two fold purpose: the mentally ill and society interest?--the topic of my May 7, 2014 article: "Warehousing the Mentally Ill'": (pg.20). Much hasn't changed since 2014, even though the many dysfunctions were widely reported. On Decision 2014 Heather Somers--20l4 (R) candidate for Lt. Gov.--said that "In Connecticut there is a mental health crisis" (NBC: 7/27/'14). Why? Two reasons. On the same program David Walker--2014 (R) candidate for Lt. Gov.--said that "CT is one of only two states that doesn't have an ethics committee" (NBC: 7/27/'14). And on both Fox 61 News (11/18/'14) and PBS Newshour (5/1/'14) it was reported that rehabilitation alternatives are deprioritized in Connecticut. It's no wonder why former Senator Jim Webb said on Meet The Press that, "We have a criminal justice system that's embarrassing" (10/5/'14). The daunting truth is obvious, but only when we--as a society--take a long hard look within self. Until then what's been blown out of proportion will remain relatively obscured.
