Maryland sex offenders got something in the mail this week: a scarlet letter in the form of a bright orange pumpkin:
That is the symbol on a sign they are required to post on their doors with a warning, in capital letters, to trick-or-treaters: "No candy at this residence." [...]
In addition to posting the sign, the offenders must stay at home, turn off outside lights and not answer the door, according to the letter obtained by The Washington Times.
"Because Halloween is a holiday in which large numbers of children interact with strangers, the concern among parents and other community members about sexual offenders in their neighborhoods is naturally intensified during this time of year," Patrick McGee, interim director of the state's Division of Parole and Probation, wrote in the Oct. 1 letter.
not only do i find this to be an invasion of privacy, but also just another way to keep those who have paid their dues from re-entering society. believe it or not, SOME people who come out of jail just want to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. but it is laws like this that keeps people from living a normal life again, which often causes repeat offenses because of one phrase: "what's the point?" what's the point in trying to live a normal life when the government isn't going to let you forget your crime anyway? the penal system is completely f-cked up on so many levels, and this is just one of them.
Just like the myths of poisoned candy, or razor bladed apples.
And as for recidivism? Well, I know of at least one well-publicized case where a violent sex offender killed a boy after being released from prison.
That's why you accompany your kids. By the time they're old enough to go out on their own, they're probably too old for door-to-door candy anyways.