Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 18, 1991 TAG: 9104180591
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Molesters of children don't get prison because children can't vote and they don't pay taxes! The offender is considered sick instead of the sickening and evil person he is, because children carry no political power. We allow the molester to roam the streets for another victim because the jail is full of people who don't pay fines, who bounce checks, evade taxes and gamble on baseball games. I knew a man who was a thief. He stole a child's innocence, laughter and childhood. I knew a man who was a murderer. He took the life of a sweet, loving child and left a stranger in her place.
On March 26, justice was served. He received 10 days in jail, to be served on weekends. This was only after the child's mother called the media when she found out the commonwealth's attorney was going to accept a plea bargain that required only counseling! When the judge asked why they were reducing the charge to a misdemeanor, the reply was: "To save the child from having to confront the accused."
Wake up, America: You and I know the law doesn't require the victim to confront the offender. This is the same country that will protect and defend any foreign country in danger, but will not protect our own children. If you think this is not your problem, remember he is still out there on the streets. Will his next victim be someone you love? DIANE JACKSON ROANOKE
by CNB