Letter Of The Day

By CHARLENE PIPER, Mason City

I just wanted to say that I disagree with the fact that a town wants to ban certain people.

I feel that we need to protect our children. However, I know that not all people on the sex offender registry are on there because of crimes that included kids. So are we to treat them all the same? If we ban them, should we ban all criminals? Drug dealers, speeders and drunk drivers hurt our children every day, so all crimes affect our children.

I feel that people are blowing this out of proportion. We don’t have an island that we can put people on, so we need to find ways to live our lives and protect our children without infringing on someone else’s rights. If they have done what the courts have asked of them, are on the register and following all the rules, we shouldn’t single them out. If we do, what group will be next?

I am definitely in favor of pedophiles or anyone that hurts children being prosecuted to fullest extent of the law and feel that there should be consequences for their actions. But it is for the court to decide what consequences they receive.

They are still human and therefore have the right to live where they choose. I have been on the side of the victim and on the side of a person who is registered.

We are all equal. We all deserve justice. So please, look at yourself and see if you should cast a stone. As Jesus said, “If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7 New International Version)

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