Some Readers Take Hard Line For Dealing With Sex Offenders

Washington lawmakers want to cut off funds for a sex offender treatment program at Monroe. Several readers want to cut off something else.

Meanwhile, a certified sex offender treatment provider says the difficulties at the Twin Rivers sex offender treatment facility reflect shortcomings of that program, not of treatment in general.

John W. Colson, responding to Tuesday’s “Bagpipes” column, said the study that found Twin Rivers ineffective also found closely supervised outpatient programs have a better record.

“The recent legislative budget cut to eliminate Twin Rivers is not leaving the communities of this state unprotected or without resources,” he said.

A sampling of other responses:

Christy Hamilton, Spokane: “We have never acknowledged how much it costs to treat victims of sex offenders. If two people a year receive services and do not re-violate, we have more than paid for that program.”

Jean Repp, Spokane: “If we castrate the first 12, we will stop all of this.”

Nicki Serquinia, Spokane: “All sex offenders, from rapists to pedophiles, should be locked away for life without possibility of parole.”

Diane Munger, Spokane: “For those who claim the privilege of abusing men, women and children with their weapon, remove the weapon.”

Defining the limits of free speech

And about conservative talk show host G. Gordon Liddy, readers had these comments:

Larry Allen, Oldtown, Idaho: “Yes, Mr. Liddy spoke about protecting yourself with lethal force if necessary in the event you are attacked by federal agents. But why do most of the media reports leave out the fact he only suggested this in the case that you are attacked without provocation?”

Shirley Horlen, Spokane: “Of all the changes I’ve seen take place in my 62 years, this is one of the most disgusting and frightening - to see and hear such disrespect and violent thinking coming into our homes via TV, radio and newspapers.”

Sam Cathcart, Spokane: “When rap music advocates the random killing of police officials, it is claimed by liberals to be free speech, protected by the First Amendment, but when G. Gordon Liddy suggests defending yourself and family against rogue ATF (federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) agents, the liberals call for banning him from the airways.”

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