A released sex offender is living in a riverbed because landlords don’t want him and a recent law prohibits him from living near schools, parks or beaches.
Once released from prison, a person has paid their debt
I’m no fan of rapists, child molesters or other criminals but let’s be smart about this. Once released from prison, a person has paid their debt. Yes, they certainly are at risk for committing more crimes. However, as a society, we need to create an environment that promotes rehabilitation, and not recidivism; that brings out the best, and not the worst. Relegating an ex-con to a riverbed is simply further punishment and serves no productive purpose.
In the long run its not serving society’s interests
This situation reminds me of the ludicrous results of zero tolerance policies in schools. Instead of protecting children, these policies often end up doing them harm. Zero tolerance is a closed-minded, simplistic solution to a complex problem. Banishing these ex-cons from our neighborhoods may give us a sense of security for now, but in the long run its not serving society’s interests.
With a firm hand but a big heart
We need to welcome ex-cons back into society with a firm hand but a big heart. We can’t condone recidivism but neither should we encourage it.
