http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14164614&source=most_commented

1. I’m glad the sex offender list exists online

2. I wish that sex offender list would more clearly explain offenses so that impatient readers or those with low literacy can figure out that not all sex offenders are the same. When I learned that an acquaintance of mine was on the list, I took the time to plow through the legal jargon (and I’m not a lawyer, so this was difficult) to find out that his crime was having sex with someone two or three years younger than him. Because the offense was from the early-to-mid 80s, I have reason to believe this was trumped up because the sex was of the homosexual variety. I think he was 19 and with a 16 or 17 year old. Maybe not the BEST idea, but certainly not someone I’d cross the street to avoid. Not the same as a 50 year old assaulting a 7 year old kid.

3. If you live in a city, you learn that sex offenders are everywhere. Everywhere. Does this information help me in any way? Does it just make me paranoid?

4. Parents should watch their children more carefully, regardless of if there is a “predator” in the neighborhood or not.

5. Knowing that someone is a registered sex offender only means that s/he got caught. What about all those who have not been arrested for their crimes?

6. People are most vulnerable to those they know. Are parents and other family members screened as to how respectful they will be of children in their own families?