OFFENDERS: Not all deserve stigma

In answer to your question, Michael J. Murphy, “who in her sphere of influence has been a child molester,” I would say this is “none of your business.” Having been a victim, for some people, forgiveness can be a way to move forward with their lives. Will it be forgotten? NO. Has it ruined my life? NO.

Whether you believe it or not, there are sex offenders out there who have offended only once and have to live with the stigma of being labeled for the rest of their lives. I am not defending sex offenders. I merely stated the facts as researched.

Example: You, at the age of 18, make love to your 16-year-old girlfriend. For some reason, you break up with her which prompts her to call it rape. You go to jail and get labeled for the rest of your life. Should we tattoo your forehead or tie tin cans around your tail for all to see? For the rest of your life?

I stand by my belief that low risk, non re-offending individuals should be taken off the registry after a certain time has lapsed. Yes, they should be given a second chance. We are all sinners and I quote John 8:7... “He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.” If you don’t like my God-speak, could you be one of those atheist-coming-out-of-the-closet people? Go back in your closet!

As for challenging me to write an article about victims of the numerous sex offenders within our state and because you elect to give a couch-potato analysis, I challenge you to go for it. Let’s see how much psycho-babble you can come up with. I’m looking forward to reading it.

JOANN LOKKEN

Coeur d’Alene