Death Penalty for Child Rapists?

Image via WikipediaThe rape of child is one of the most heinous crimes known.

In Louisiana the question has gone before the courts to decide whether the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment when it comes to the rape of a child. Some say simply putting them in jail will take of the problem - they are not accepted in jail and often killed not long after arriving. I have heard of child abusers being separated from the general population for this reason. But what about actually sentencing someone to death?

The argument is while death may fit the crime; will the possibility increase the brutality, to include death of the children who are raped? It is a gamble - without a doubt? We have an obligation to protect our children, but if these rapists know they will walk, they will look for victims.

Los Angeles is one of only six states who have laws in place that will send a child rapist to death row. The other five states include, Georgia, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. Others believe simply putting them in jail is punishment enough, that they will get what they deserve in time - why should they go peacefully and never have to deal with their actions when their victims will carry it with them forever.

There is no easy answer, it is agreed that child rape is so evil it is not possible to understand the rapists logic. We need to protect our children in every way possible.

So, death penalty, castration or prison? I think prison - the person who acts in this manner does not call for light sentencing.

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Ignoring Diabetes to stay thin

Diabetes is a common disease today, though some find it difficult to accept - this idea can have dire consequences.

The practice of skipping insulin shots, or using only partial doses had become widespread and been given a name, "Diabulimic,” categorizing it along with anorexia and bulimia.

The beginning signs of Type 1 diabetes will be sudden and dramatic weight loss. While this is a telltale sign, when insulin is prescribed, there is a tendency for weight gain, not only gaining back the weight originally lost, but additional pounds as well. For this reason many young women are making the choice to use only a minimum amount of insulin, enough to keep them “functioning.” The ease of this habit makes it harder to monitor, as diabetics give themselves shots and can adjust their dosage with no one’s knowledge. As the trend continues, doctors are forced to take notice and reach out to their patients, before they cause permanent damage to their body.

Because this is not an official disorder, Diabulimics are forming groups in cyber world, reaching out to each other, looking for answers, treatment and learning how to make their doctors and the medical world in general away that there is a problem. It seems, as with most illnesses and disorders, there is no real “light shed on it,” until someone dies or makes it famous.

A quote in the articles states, "This behavior is like playing Russian roulette with your health. It's almost like they're turning back the clock to a point in history when we didn't know that the consequences of diabetes were preventable."

The Effect of Bullying

Researchers have discovered a correlation between bullying and depression and anxiety in kids. In a study with identical twins, it was discovered that when one twin was bullied between the ages of 7 and 9, and the other was not, the bullied twin was more likely to keep problems to themselves, internalizing them leading to symptoms of depression – as opposed to acting out as some may expect.

Though the correlation is there between bullying and depression, there is still the question as to if it is solely bullying that is causing the internal issues? Family dynamics, living conditions or already existing mental health issues – often times attract bullies to them and can increase the risks of future depression.

While the discoveries of the effects of bulling are evident, the focus needs to go with stopping the bullying and helping those who have been bullied. This does not affect only one person.

A school in California has taken a unique approach to teaching kids empathy with the help of a baby. Will the help? It may be too soon to tell, but the fact that the effort is being made says a lot. We are tired of the tragedy that is all too often the result of bullying. The kids are tired of living in fear; parents are tired of sending their kids to school praying they will return home. The cycle continues and it needs to be broken. It is unfortunate, as I have said before, that change comes after tragedy.

Sex Offender wins Lottery

Many will debate that once a person is convicted of a serious crime, their rights should be limited, especially when it comes to one of the most heinous crimes – sex abuse.

When the news hit the airwaves that a Massachusetts man, considered one of the most dangerous sex offenders won the lottery you have to wonder where the justice is. Should a man, who has taken so much from his victims, from innocent children, be given the opportunity to live like a king? While it is not possible to know who will win a lottery, should there be a stipulation that if it does occur they must give a percentage to their victims.

For those who were his victims and victims in general it’s a slap in the face. Convicting a sex offender is difficult enough – as they seem to have more rights, knowing his life will be easier does not help much. Those who know him now say he is using the money to help his children and is not a “flight risk,” but who is willing to take the chance?

According to the article he had moved from Connecticut to Massachusetts, failing to notify Connecticut authorities he was moving out of state. Now, let’s review – this guy is a Level 3 sex offender and deemed most likely to re-offend, with all this information the power that be did not that he was gone. If he needs to update his residency every 90 days, and they didn’t hear from him – shouldn’t they have checked?

High-level sex offender wins $10 million lottery

Everyday the news tells us of sex offenders, both male and female and the young children and teens they prey on. The additional coverage may actually help bring the situation to light and reinforce the need to protect our children, protect their right – after all they are our future.

Who is right in this? Everyone will have an opinion – that is guaranteed, those who believe Sex offenders can be rehabilitated will say leave him alone and give him a chance; those who are his victims and sex abuse victims in general will say lock him up and he does not deserve the winnings.

Imagine how they feel having to struggle through life, while their abuser sits on “easy street.”

Justice?

A Beginning

What was, what is to come. I can’t imagine where I was a year ago, two years ago, 10 years ago. My life, life in itself was a crisis - not even sure I would make it through the next, but I did and here I am today. I am stronger and healthier with more hope and promise than I’ve ever had before. New Year’s is different now, I’ve felt the change coming on. I’ve never been one to the take age into account for anything, we are who we are no matter what. Though part of me still believes that and there is part of me that probably always will, I’m beginning and starting to feel old. I’m feeling like I’m part of a real world, the real world. I’m not hiding anymore in a fantasy world that doesn’t exist. In a world that I created for myself over the years. In that world I’m alone, I’m afraid. I exist merely to be a presence but not anything real. In my world, this world I created I kept myself where I could not possibly be available to anyone, let alone myself. In 7 months, 4 days, 15 hours and 25 mins I will be 40 years old. It’s a mile stone I guess you could say - it is a point in my life that I’m not sure I ever thought I’d see. I realized that I have a life, that I’m real and that I’m alive. This sudden realization that I am alive is amazing, the hard part is not being able to share it with anyone. At least no one here, they wouldn’t understand. It’s something that people who have not experienced true fear and pain in their lives, experienced abuse, being treated as nothing more than a being - not really a person, could understand. To feel really live is something that brings a new meaning to life. I can’t really explain it - but those who know, will know what I mean. A new year, new faith, new strength, a new heart to hear a new life and the promise of tomorrow.