2 Cents: What To Do w/Sex Offenders

In the North Idaho College Sentinel, columnist John Monnier suggests that violent sex offenders should be executed . Quoth: “Take a stand against the violent offenders because they should not be able to live among people who do not cause severe harm to others. They should be stopped with extreme prejudice. Nip it at the bud, and let God sort them out.” Of course, that’s not going to happen in a society that largely eschews the death penalty, even for the most violent criminals. But he does raise an interesting point. What do you do with your run-of-the-mill registered sex offenders? Most would say avoid them at all costs. Unless you can’t, of course. Mebbe you’re related to one. Mebbe a sex offender attends your church. Or community organization. Sex offenders are the modern-day lepers. Deservedly, they bear the modern-day scarlet letter for their — hopefully past — crime. Some of them have committed horrible crimes. Others maginal ones. You can find their photos, addresses, and a brief account of their crimes on the Web. I know two of them in our community, individuals who committed crimes decades ago. They remain crushed by their crimes. I know I should show compassion. But I remain uneasy around them. I wonder what the Good Samaritan would do?

Question: What would you do if a nonviolent registered sex offender wanted to join your church or community organization. Would you give him or her a second chance?