Discussion » Questions » Politics » Should the government keep lists like the terrorist watchlist and the sex offender list?

Should the government keep lists like the terrorist watchlist and the sex offender list?

Hello,

Yeah, that.

excon

Posted - June 28, 2016

Responses


  • 3934

    I think we need to be careful about defining terms.

    For example, the terrorist watch list consists of people who MIGHT be terrorists (or they might not be). The sex offender list consists of people how have been CONVICTED of sexual criminal offenses.

    I do not necessarily object to the government keeping either kind of list. I do, however, have great qualms about the government denying anyone their civil rights simply because they appear on such a list.

    Some impositions seem reasonable (e.g. not allowing convicted felons to purchase firearms). Other seem draconian and arbitrary (e.g. not allowing some people to board airplanes simply because they appear on a list). Unfortunately, the government tends to "mission creep" towards draconian and arbitrary whenever such restrictions are imposed.

      June 28, 2016 7:31 PM MDT
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  • 17601

    The terrorist list, yes. 

    The sex offender list is not a bad concept.  Some of the states have gone wacko about it though and some of the convictions are for nothing and the guys end up on the sex offender watchlist forever.  It's the Scarlet Letter and it has proven to be harmful but I don't know the percentage of harmful to helpful. 

      June 28, 2016 8:47 PM MDT
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  • 22891

    definitely

      July 3, 2016 8:53 PM MDT
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  • 46117

    Yes, they should doTHAT. 

      It is not perfect, mind you, these watch lists; and innocent men do get caught in the cross-fire.

    It is small potatoes compared to the life of a child getting caught in the crossfire.

    The innocent party can still plead his case and most likely WIN.   The pedophiles need to be dealt with.   Whatever works? DO IT.   If you think I am being nuts?  Think of a child you love being raped or worse because some pervert wanted to get his cookies off.

    I do not know how the terrorist list works.  I am putting a tad of good faith here that the government is so scared, they are not trying to misuse it, but they may be erring right now on the side of overusing it.  Again, caution is the route to take as long as it is not being extended to harassing a certain nationality or something nonsensical like that.   There should be a damned good reason why someone is on that list.

    As far as pedophiles?  They are winning this battle. They have no reason to live besides hunting kids to molest.  That is their life.   They need to be exterminated from the earth.   I hate them like poison.  I know that is not the answer, but they are beyond vermin.  Our so-called "system" does not work in regards to these creeps.

      July 3, 2016 8:54 PM MDT
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