In Ohio Rep. Michael DeBose (D) and Sen. Kevin Coughlin (R) have proposed legislation that would require convicted sex offenders to affix easily identified bright green license plates to their cars.
Genius.
Telling children to avoid getting into cars with green plates is a fantastic way of protecting them because sex offenders have always been previously convicted, and it’s basically impossible to remove a number plate that’s been attached with screw technology. Better yet, if any kids do get abused, green plates will make ’street justice’ easier to administer.
You’re from Illinois!? My bad! Don’t try and talk your jaw’s kinda… off.
We can also look forward to the ’sex offender’ pool of cars at Ohio rental outlets with the green plates pre-installed. Low mileage, easy wipe down interiors…
(via Jalopnik)
These sort of laws are so ridiculous and set a scary legal precendent. They usually retroactively apply to people that have been convicted before the law was in place. Something I view as unconstitutional but try to tell that to the proponent’s of Megan’s law.
Why do sex offenders get branded for life and murderers can get out of jail and never have to report to anyone?
Vixen - You said it. Why is the public being compelled to believe the legal system’s perfect and repeat offenders are the only offenders? Sex crimes are most likely to be perpetrated by family members. Your kid’s safer with a stranger than with Aunt Bess, green plates or not.
It’s precisely because most acts of sexual child abuse come from family members and family friends that people are obsessed with making a fuss out of sex offenders as a “Them”. We love Michael Jackson molestation trials because we want to think that everyone who touches little kids is eccentric and easy to spot, someone who is very clearly not an “Us”.
Here’s a tidbit on the subject of sex offenders I just read: http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2007/03/other_than_that_how_was_the_flight
Furry - You’re suggesting I watch Court TV? I’m almost offended. As for the story about the guy on the plane. Is that really worth prison time? I mean if I did six months inside for every stranger I’ve come on while traveling…
You’re right of course. Dealing with the real threats isn’t nearly as easy as getting worked up about strangers.