Pantagraph.com | News | Law would bar sex offenders from carnival work

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

1971 wrote on Jun 27, 2007 6:37 PM:

" I agree with Hooper's comment, that sex offenders should be working. The problem is what kind of jobs will the law allow them to work at. Where is the employers who will hire an sex offender? Once your name is on the list and the public has accesss some companies have the right not to hire. Is that fair to a qualified applicant to get turned down because of their past mistakes ? If no employers are willing to hire an sex offender does that make them elgible for disabililty? "

Shelley wrote on Apr 1, 2007 10:44 AM:

" To Steven: Name it what you will - colonies, sex offender zones, etc., they are concentration camps! And we all know what happened at those, in the Western U.S., Japan, and Europe during World War II, not to mention Bosnia in the 1990s. Another point - an amendment to the constitution can be adopted by a majority of the people but it must still pass the constitutional smell test. If it's not constitutional, it doesn't matter if 99.9% of the people voting on it approved it, it's not legaMF That's why we have the U.S. Constitution. It wouldn't pass by any court, no matter how conservative, because it goes against the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 14th amendments. But, Steven, I apologize if you were being facetious. When I read your post, I thought, "Surely this guy is just trying to see what people say." If you're not being sarcastic, sorry. If you were being serious, you should re-read the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. "

Shelley wrote on Apr 1, 2007 10:36 AM:

" In California, where I live, people convicted of 107 different "sex" offenses are required to register. Some are publicly pictured, some not. Most have not offended against children, but the state and its politicians have done a very poor job of educating the public about this, causing the public to think all those RSOs are child molesters. (Of course, that is the state's intent and we have 104K people listed!) It's called grandstanding, demonizing and politicizing. I would hardly call a frat guy who moons another frat group and someone complains in the same league as a serial child molester but the law does. So the registry is essentially useless, because it does not distinguish between the real threats and the psuedo threats. The state doesn't even do risk assessments. No help to the public whatsoever! "

Steven wrote on Mar 18, 2007 12:47 PM:

" I am in the process of creating an Amendment to the US Constitution that will allow for the formation of Sex Offender Colonies or, more properly, Sex Offender Residence and Employment Restriction Amendment. This will create zones thoughout the country, monitored federally, that will be the required residence and employment locations for all individuals who have to register as a sex offender, for the remainder of their registration period. "

Dumb Farmer wrote on Mar 18, 2007 6:22 AM:

" OSHA..Occupational Safety and Health Administration could shut down almost any carnival. NIDA..National Institute on Drug Abuse would have hay day at carnivals. Scatophaga stercorarium and taffy pulling machines...UUUUU..But that would ruin all the summer fun. And where would all the Political Blow hards be able to give us all those grand speeches "

Michael Schumann wrote on Mar 18, 2007 12:19 AM:

" "Actually we are talking about normal Vs abnormal human behavior" Wrong, we are not talking about any such thing. We are at best talking about the current fashion in human behavior in Late 20th and Early 21st Century American popular culture. What this society may deem as "Normal" makes you one sick puppy in many another. Most of what you believe to be "Abnormal" falls within the range of human behaviors which have been accepted in various human societies, in many places, including this one at other times in history. But those who share with you your contempt for intellectual pursuits have no way of knowing this. As it happens though, there is almost always an intense societal backlash against over restriction, just as comes with too wide a leeway. So keep your eyes open and I can almost assure you that you will soon be on the receiving end of some big (and unpleasant to you) surprises. "

to EX CARNIE wrote on Mar 17, 2007 9:50 PM:

" well put "

to Thought wrote on Mar 17, 2007 9:46 PM:

" does" feel good laws"seem to fit what you are searching for? "

EX CARNIE wrote on Mar 17, 2007 7:20 PM:

" I grew up in a carnival. My parents were carni’s. And I was a carnie for three years of my adult life. I cant tell you how many times I have been solicited by under age girls, to let them ride a ride free, or to be given a prize at the ring toss. A carnival, fair, or theme park is a pedophiles dream. There is always the chanch for improper touching of a child when loading or unloading a ride. While most of the carnis are decent people that travel with the show all season long there are a lot of transts who just work and travel once in awhile. Out of all the places we plated, there was only one city in Texas that made us come to the police station and have a background check done and have an ID card issued to work there during the gig. We lost about 15% of the workers. They came back the next week. BTW: The one I worked for played at the McLean County Fair. "

LNL wrote on Mar 17, 2007 7:01 PM:

" 1 Actually we are talking about normal Vs abnormal human behavior. 2 Other people’s humanity is based on their human or inhuman behavior. My morbid mind does not condone raping a child or anyone else. I contend you are the one with the morbid mind that would support child molesters. I am the one who says that we should monitor them so they cannot harm anyone else. Be that in a State hospital, Prison, or in their home with a device attached to monitor their movement. If they cannot stop their inhumane behavior, its up to us to stop them and protect our children. "

Michael Schumann wrote on Mar 17, 2007 5:48 PM:

" To To: MS: I do not go so far as supposing that those who scream so loud on these and other issues, are overcompensating for their own sins. I argue more that they are prone to see an excess in sin and error in others and a lapse in their abilities to self-assess. They do not concern themselves with real sin or error. Instead they focus on what they "suppose" or "believe", about past and future behaviors. Thus, they value punishments and deterrents over understanding and problem-solving. "

Thought wrote on Mar 17, 2007 4:47 PM:

" I have several thoughts on this article. First, how many sex crimes involving past sex offenders at carnivals are on the books? My guess would be very few if any. Second, by continuing to punish sex offenders following their sentence served, we are decreasing the deterrent nature of their punishment and the legitimacy of the legal system - which can actually lead to more crime. Third, we limit the ability to rehabilitate when we limit access to potential jobs. Why do we label people and sentence them to a continued life as a criminal? What about the 18 year old who has to register for the rest of his life because he got caught having sex with his 17 or 16 year old girl friend and charged with statutory rape? Some of these cases involve charges for things that do not pose a threat to children, but we lump them all into one category and assume the worst. "

to Michael Schumann wrote on Mar 17, 2007 4:29 PM:

" i some times wonder if those that scream the loudest about issues like this. Are in truth barely suppressing their own similar sick desires and that if they can barely contain their own. how can they expect some Else that has succumbed at least once. to behave in a crowded public area with adults and children and police all together. "

Michael Schumann wrote on Mar 17, 2007 2:52 PM:

" First, what we are talking about here is human behavior. That and the incredible human capacity to:1) Ignore other peoples humanity, and 2) Advance simple-minded emotional reactions as rational thought. Clearly, both of these issues have tremendous bearing on any question of "Justice" vs. "Injustice." Second, by posting the bit about "smoking in cars" you have proven yourself to be of the LNL School of failing to read posts before you comment. (You may even have "Outed" yourself.) Finally, I have no desire to "win over" anyone to whatever "trash" your morbid mind may conjured up. I am, as are others, saying, too much is too much. And yes, I "lose" every time someone degrades and debases another person out of sheer bias. So, although you will never understand it, do you. "

JUST ME wrote on Mar 17, 2007 9:21 AM:

" Can we honestly say everyone who is labeled a sexual predator is? I think NOT. If someone who is over the age of 18 has sex with someone who is let's say 16 or 17 then they are labeled for life. I am sure there are hundreds of people out there that this has happened to. The choice was theirs but no one will see it that way they just put you into one huge group and your life is ruined forever. Trying to stop actual predators is a good thing but we are to guick to judge everyong the same way, we need to analize the crime for each person then go from there. "

I'm right wrote on Mar 17, 2007 8:11 AM:

" Funny, I thought this article was about sex offenders. Sure, why not bring the "war" into it. Or you can stray even further from the topic and blame all the worlds' woes on state farm or Bush. You are not going "win over" anyone by defending this trash. Guess you don't mind chester the molester in direct contact with children. In your opinion it's probably okay to smoke in the car with your children. Find another "cause". You Lose. "

LNL. wrote on Mar 17, 2007 7:25 AM:

" WW1 WW2 and Veitnam were all started for the same reason by the Damorats. Did that make it right? This is not slander against illegals, it is the truth. We migrated and also fought to occupy the land. I suppose you will next tell us how we stole Mexico. Your socialist agenda is shining through again. What does this have to do with protecting our children? JN 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. Is your conscience clear? "

Michael Schumann wrote on Mar 17, 2007 7:11 AM:

" "I just don’t understand how you can sympathize with a child molester" - Well, if I were a so-called "Christian", I could call it compassion for a sinner. Since I am, however, a God-Less "Liberal Socialist", I just do it out of altruism and an abiding respect for human dignity. Like our buddy. I'm Right, I dislike the notion of preying on the weak. We would seem to disagree, however, as to what constitutes weakness and what "preying on" entails. Me, I don't like seeing a person knocked down once, then kicked and bashed. A person who then tries to stand but is knocked down, beaten, kicked, stomped on, yet again. A person who is then left marked, left homeless, left unemployed. The real kick in the pants is when the basher smugly says to his own victim, "I'll see you again later." "

Michael Schumann wrote on Mar 17, 2007 1:50 AM:

" To I'm right: Oh, I swear! I am loving this! "Scum that prey on the weak should be locked up, or at the very least, highly monitored/restricted." If ever there was a quote that defined "Two-faced" this is it!" And after al those lovely post sand letters about how "right" it is to invade Iraq or Iran. About how "right" it was to steal the country from the Natives. And again, how "right" it is to slander "illegals" while stuffing your grossly inflated butt into the booth at a fast-food restaurant. And the prospects for corporate America and for the Republicans? Oh, yeah! Thank You! - " And they arose against the two elders, for Daniel had convicted them of false witness by their own mouth:' "

YadaYada wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:26 PM:

" Keep your negative, stinkin' thinkin' legislatin' fingers off our Internet. It belongs to the people. Just as with telephone content, Internet content is a personal privacy issue. The unlimited right to use the Internet belongs to adults, with limited rights granted to kids. It is our latest and greatest medium for the open and free exchange of intellectual pursuits and endeavors. If you want to prevent kids from snooping in places where they don't belong, then get the appropriate restrictive, security software for your homes and schools. "

to Candy wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:06 PM:

" I grew up going to fairs and one thing i can assure you is. Don't trust carnies period. Oh I'm not saying they are all bad people. but they certainly are not all good people :-). Even in the 60's or parents taught us to not roam the carnivals on our own while we where young children "

I'm right wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:49 PM:

" Michael is that typical behavior? Freedom-fighting defendant of those poor accused sex offenders. Birds of a feather? Give it up. It's a losing battle. Scum that prey on the weak should be locked up, or at the very least, highly monitored/restricted. "

ooohhkayyy wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:17 PM:

" Sounds like someone has some issues. "

just a citizen wrote on Mar 16, 2007 7:35 PM:

" The law putting registered sex offenders' internet information on the internet registry is probably the most stupid thing I have ever heard of. Why on earth would the State of IL create a mass emailing list for pornographers of all stripes, from any country, right there???? Second of all, do any of these legislators actually use the internet? It takes mere seconds to create an email address or other internet identity. This is not going to protect children. If the lawmakers would have read the study about teenagers solicited on the internet, they would have seen the simple fact that most teens are solicited for sex by other teens - the EXTREME majority, as a matter of fact. The only thing that is going to protect your child on the internet is you. My children's computer is in my living room where I can see what's going on all the time. "

LNL. wrote on Mar 16, 2007 7:20 PM:

" The idea to kill was yours. I don’t see anyplace that says they want to kill anyone. I see where they want to keep track of them; I see where they want to regulate them to keep them from preying on some defenseless little child. Are you paranoid? Making things up in your mind? I want to know where they work, live and where they eat out. I just don’t understand how you can sympathize with a child molester. Where I propose to stop is when the child molester is not a threat to my child. "

To the Space Cadet wrote on Mar 16, 2007 7:00 PM:

" Who wrote "forgive Mikey". I neither need nor want forgiveness. Nor approval. Nor let, nor leave. Thanks you very much. MS "

Michael Schumann wrote on Mar 16, 2007 6:58 PM:

" To gamer_chickie; Where to you see that this law is meant to affect only people who harm kids? This sexual offender/predator net has swept up so many different types of people accused of so many different types of crimes that it has become a meaningless joke. Chances are better than even that if you went around as a biker-chickie who robbed liquor stores and who made the clerks drop their pants to aid your getaway, some idiot prosecutor would put YOU on the Registry. Where would your be even if you only had a "wardrobe malfunction" in a school zone? When hysteria takes the place of rationality, never be surprised by what might happen. "

Michael Schumann wrote on Mar 16, 2007 6:46 PM:

" How little some people try to understand complex issues. I said come right out and say you want to kill because that is where this pattern leads. First you target a group, Then you make laws to punish that group, and set penalties. Then unsatisfied, you set harder penalties. Next, you want to tag them for life on a list or registry. Then, still not content, limit where they can live. Oh, let's deny them any access to work. Just where do you propose to stop? Clearly, nothing can be done to suit you. I suggest you take your own pet and try this experiment. Take one pound of flesh, take another pound of flesh, keep going. Draw blood and draw another sacrifice of blood. Keep going and going, Just don't try to tell me that you did not kill Kitty or Rover at the end of it. "

To gamer_chickie wrote on Mar 16, 2007 6:01 PM:

" You have to forgive Mikey. He has been inducted into the liberal socialist frame of mind. Nothing that the Conservatives or the Government do is good. He knows everything about everything. Don’t believe me? Ask him. But I think he went over the brink when he said “Just come out and blatantly say that you want to legislate new law making it legal to kill anyone and everyone who you don't happen to trust or like. Nobody said anything about killing anyone just passing laws that will keep track of child molesters (predators) and keeping them away from our children. LNL. "

JD wrote on Mar 16, 2007 5:12 PM:

" The case is an Illinois case from a couple of years ago. I remembered the case by how ridiculous it was this could happen. worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45104 "

gamer_chickie wrote on Mar 16, 2007 4:58 PM:

" Dude, Michael...what are you on?? It sounds like you are defending predators who want to harm children. If you are not happy with more laws that try to stem such horrific crimes against children, what system would you have in its place? "

To JD wrote on Mar 16, 2007 4:53 PM:

" I don't believe that happened. Document your case with a link to the news story. "

Michael Schumann wrote on Mar 16, 2007 4:26 PM:

" Headline on this page. FBI: Extremists driving school buses. Hoo boy! It only gets better and better! Ran those pesky perverts off the buses, ran them damned illegals off of them too. And now looky what you have! Of course you don't need to worry about them, the FBI says so. But then why did they bring it up? "

what wrote on Mar 16, 2007 3:18 PM:

" No more carnivals............... "

Question... wrote on Mar 16, 2007 3:13 PM:

" What if those sex offenders have family that are in other countries? They could simply register with the ending as .ca (Canada) .au (Australia) .de (Germany) .uk (England) and .ch (China) then someone please tell me - how would those email addressed be enforced? "

What about... wrote on Mar 16, 2007 3:11 PM:

" Other crimes ? Shouldn't they be forced to register??? Let's make it all equal.. a crime is a crime and they should be registered!!! not ONLY sex offenders... "

CAN-SPAM Act of 2003? wrote on Mar 16, 2007 3:10 PM:

" Wouldn't the forcing of giving out email conflict the Federal CAN SPAM Act of 2003? Then that would be a "gold mine" for spammers who would spend time looking through EVERY sex offender list and collect the email database and send them spam.. even if the main purpose for email is to communicate with friends/family members.. OR to do reputable business.. "

JD wrote on Mar 16, 2007 2:18 PM:

" Sex offender laws are so broad, that many labeled sex offenders are more caught up in the situation, and not a threat sexually. Case in point, and individual (labeled as a sex offender) was convicted because he grabbed a child by the arm, after the child ran out in front of his car, and proceeded to chew the child out. The judge figured that since grabbing a child is a precursor to sex abuse, the man was guilty of that too. So should this person have their livelihood restricted because there is not common sense in the courts? "

Hooper wrote on Mar 16, 2007 1:54 PM:

" I think we all agree that sex offenders, if not incarcerated, should be working somewhere. Can someone tell me what jobs they can do? They can't work in schools, drive a cab, work in health care, or work in carnivals (if the bill passes). Are bills such as this really about public safety? Or is it just cheap way for politicians to get their name in print? "

IL.logic wrote on Mar 16, 2007 1:48 PM:

" A good idea, but ponder this; most carnivals, county fairs, and the state fair run a week to ten days. What about the other 50-51 weeks out of the year when the spotlight isn't shining on these scoundrels, living among us in our neighborhoods, on our streets? Still concerned? "

Michael Schumann wrote on Mar 16, 2007 1:38 PM:

" Now We have labeled you, (or just smeared you with our broad brush, Drugs, sex, gangs, domestic violence, many others) so now you can't do this, can't be here, can't live there Well, I guess it is about time for the Look-at-me-I'm-Doing-Something lawmakers who support crap like this to quit wasting paper. Just come out and blatantly say that you want to legislate new law making it legal to kill anyone and everyone who you don't happen to trust or like. One simple law, We suspect you, so you must die. Of course "Zero Tolerance" is only Good when you are attacking someone else. Lynch that one today, the rope will still be strong when they target you tomorrow. "

Oh no! wrote on Mar 16, 2007 1:31 PM:

" No more bearded galls. "

Now that's funny, Now... wrote on Mar 16, 2007 1:29 PM:

" A carnival road? Maybe even a carnival ride! "

Waffle of Juatice wrote on Mar 16, 2007 1:26 PM:

" If sex offenders cannot do it, then who are they going to get to do carnie work? "

Now... wrote on Mar 16, 2007 12:28 PM:

" that need to outlaw these fools from smoking while operating a carnival road. "

Candy wrote on Mar 16, 2007 12:00 PM:

" The one thing kids do not need is sex offenders working where the kids would be trusting them, such as a carnival, county fair or the State Fair. Sex offenders should never be aloud to work where they would come in daily contact with kids. I don't think they should even be aloud to be at a carnival or any kind of fair for any reason. They made the choice to be a sex offender now its time for them to pay the price, whatever it might be. Untill I read this today I would of given no thought of a sex offended working there, if they are bared from being around kids in the first place why was they ever hired to do these jobs. I would of never dream that sex offenders were working these jobs, thanks for opening my eyes to this. "

Online wrote on Mar 16, 2007 11:57 AM:

" First of all, with all the free email services available (Yahoo, Gmail, etc...) I don't think requiring sex offenders to register their email addresses is realistically enforceable. Secondly, I'm opposed to making their email addresses publicly available because it would most certainly lead to a never ending barrage of emailed harassment to people on the list, which would only lead sex offenders to use unreported email addresses... and now we're back to square one. "

i agree wrote on Mar 16, 2007 11:36 AM:

" i agree 100% that sex offenders should not be aloud to work at carnivals!! "

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