Let's protect our children (03/23/07)

To the editor:

Why is it when people say we have to look out for the welfare of our children, they don't care? The justice system is more lenient toward (sexual) predators than any other criminal. Now why is that?

You (media) will put the faces of dealers and killers on the front page, but a child molester on the second or third page with no pictures, then drop it until the animal gets a slap on the hand.

Why? Oh, that's right, we got to protect the victim's identity. I can understand that to a degree, but why the predator, though? Why should you protect this animal who violated a child (don't tell me it's too graphic; the people must know the truth)? He doesn't deserve compassion of any kind.

All these animals destroy a child's life to a degree that's unimaginable ... an endless life of suffering, pain and mistrust.

But stealing, drugs and killing are more important than a child whose life is just beginning?

I know, there are laws like predators must sign in as sex offenders when released. Do you as the media report these people when they are released or move to the county? Or are you waiting for the big one, like what happened in Florida? Besides, they are in jail, right? Wrong, because they are being protected in jail. Why? They should be branded (wrist band in pink) to identify them to the rest of the general population in prison or jail.

The parents need to be leading this parade, with the media, etc., following suit. Ultimately, it is up to the state itself to push for heavier punishment. For instance, upgrade to a class A felony - nothing less. We do owe it to these innocent babies.

Personally, I am in jail (sentenced to the Indiana Department of Correction) for driving while intoxicated. I did the crime, I must do the time - even though the majority of sex offenders will be released way before me (18 months).

Respectfully,

Reuben Hernandez

Jay County Jail

Look closely

To the editor:

I truly hope that although the sorrow of many over losing their loved ones hurts deeply, the good people of the United States of America must not be falsely led astray by some to abandon our course in Iraq.

Also, I hope that these same people will not be led astray by those calling for our troops to come home. Many of those candidates who are using this topic are harboring a much greater slaughter in their bosom.

I haven't studied all the presidential candidates, but so far only Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson are against abortion, stem cell research and gay marriages. Someone asked me about gay couples not being able to get health benefits. I do support voting for them to have benefits, even though I do not believe civil ceremonies or marriages (between same-sex couples) should be legalized. They are human and should be able to get benefits just the same as the rest of us do. How about it Senators and Representatives?

Let us conservative people across the U.S. to remember to keep these family values in place and not to be fooled by someone who "just wants to bring the troops home." It is not un-Christlike to try to free those people from the brutalities of the terrorists over there. Remember the Jews. We waited two years, until the enemy struck at Pearl Harbor before we entered the war. Perhaps we could have spared the unnecessary and horrific slaughter of those people.

We must continue to fight the war over there, and continue to fight for the right issues, right here. Surely there are more candidates out there with these military and moral standards here in our home state and in the U.S. that the public can stand up and vote for.

Sue McBride

Portland[[In-content Ad]]