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Miami Forces Sex Offenders to Live Under the Bridge

By Jeralyn, Section Crime Policy
Posted on Wed May 20, 2009 at 07:32:38 PM EST
Tags: sex offenders (all tags)
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Via NPR:

What began a few years ago as a stopgap solution has become de facto public policy. For sex offenders with few resources who want to stay in Miami, there's just one option: an encampment of tents and shacks on the Julia Tuttle Causeway.

...State prison officials and probation officers are not happy about the situation under the bridge. They believe it is leading sex offenders to stop registering with the state and go underground.

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    Miami Forces Sex Offenders to Live Under the Bridge | 25 comments (25 topical)

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    So! (none / 0) (#1)
    by maddog on Wed May 20, 2009 at 08:42:41 PM EST


    Here is lengthy article (none / 0) (#2)
    by CoralGables on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:37:34 PM EST
    from about a year and a half ago on this situation. Currently the ACLU has taken an interesting approach. They have taken the stance that the bridge residents have a legal right to be there undercutting the City of Miami Police Department that at one time attempted to evict them.

    Miami New Times

    ACLU

    Let's try that again (none / 0) (#3)
    by CoralGables on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:46:42 PM EST
    Miami New Times

    Parent
    Just read the article (none / 0) (#6)
    by sj on Thu May 21, 2009 at 10:18:11 AM EST
    I'm thinking that our society is clinically psychotic.

    Parent
    I heard part of that show (none / 0) (#4)
    by sj on Thu May 21, 2009 at 09:55:41 AM EST
    I was astounded that government officials are actually taking people there.

    When you factor in how easy it is to become a "sex offender", it's all truly frightening.

    Thinking this over... (none / 0) (#5)
    by kdog on Thu May 21, 2009 at 10:09:24 AM EST
    I'd think I'd rather live under a bridge than register and be told "can't live here, can't live there, forget about a job."

    Parent
    Actually, in this case (none / 0) (#7)
    by sj on Thu May 21, 2009 at 10:22:16 AM EST
    they're living under the bridge because they are registered and because they they are being
    told "can't live here, can't live there, forget about a job."

    Another consequence brougth to you by the zero tolerance, tough on crime/soft on intelligence and compassion crowd.


    Parent

    Gotcha now... (none / 0) (#8)
    by kdog on Thu May 21, 2009 at 10:46:36 AM EST
    I thought livin' on the streets was a way to dodge the scarlet letter.

    Parent
    Compassion to all humanity (none / 0) (#10)
    by sj on Thu May 21, 2009 at 11:25:37 AM EST
    You laugh.  I despair.

    Parent
    True... (none / 0) (#12)
    by kdog on Thu May 21, 2009 at 12:34:13 PM EST
    I care most for my family, my friends, and my community....then come random citizens of earth, with a record or without, then come the authoritarians bringing up the rear:)

    Parent
    In an individual's eyes... (none / 0) (#17)
    by kdog on Thu May 21, 2009 at 01:32:03 PM EST
    no, we aren't all equal.  But that is why it is so important for us all to be equal in the eyes of the law....and we ain't.  Sex offender lists have hardcore scum pedophiles on 'em, and some folks who don't belong.  And I'm sure some who are totally innocent.  

    Parent
    Indeed, (none / 0) (#20)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu May 21, 2009 at 02:20:02 PM EST
    the lists should be pared down to only those who belong on them.

    Parent
    I think that is impossible... (none / 0) (#27)
    by kdog on Fri May 22, 2009 at 09:36:55 AM EST
    as long as fallible human beings compile the lists and adminster justice.

    Parent
    Well, if human perfection is the minimum standard (none / 0) (#29)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri May 22, 2009 at 11:51:19 AM EST
    then our entire system of justice must be abolished.

    Parent
    Nah... (none / 0) (#30)
    by kdog on Fri May 22, 2009 at 11:56:38 AM EST
    we just have to be sure to err on the side of freedom and individual liberty since perfection is impossible...imperfectly free as opposed to imperfectly authoritarian if you will.

    Parent
    But these people are free and at liberty (none / 0) (#31)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri May 22, 2009 at 12:07:55 PM EST
    that's why so many of the rest of the people want the lists.

    I say we should continue to constantly strive to improve all aspects of our justice system, not just throw it under a bus because it may not be "perfect."

    But I can see where some abolishionists may disagree. :)

    Parent

    You know me... (none / 0) (#32)
    by kdog on Fri May 22, 2009 at 12:18:50 PM EST
    I see no place for registries and scarlet letters in the justice system.  If you do the time ya got a clean slate is my preference.

    And I can't call the restrictions on where you can live being "free".

    But my usual lines aside...I'm all for long sentences on hardcore child abusers of any nature, its the most heinous crime there is. Not the public urinators or flashers or 19-16 statuatory rape jobs...the real deal.  But once that sentence is up, ya gotta let 'em be as free as you or I...anything less is a road to bueracratic authoritarian hell.

    Parent

    Society needs to be larger than me (none / 0) (#24)
    by sj on Thu May 21, 2009 at 03:25:24 PM EST
    Using your standards, I will toss you and your family (up and down through all the living generations) under that bridge without a thought.  Because your people are not equal to my people in my eyes.  And maybe my neighbors' eyes.  So we could bring out the proverbial pitchforks and oppress you and yours by sending you to the hell that you think is fine for sex offenders.

    Society needs to have a larger scope than an individual.  You should be protected from me.  Just because you're small-minded, mean-spirited, and lack critical thinking skills doesn't mean you should be separated from the rest of polite society.

    For example.

    Parent

    Don't be silly (none / 0) (#28)
    by sj on Fri May 22, 2009 at 10:44:52 AM EST
    You are doing exactly what you say I can't do.  You are making personal compassion a weakness as I am making mean-spiritedness to be a weakness.  My point is that society should be better than either of us.  And it needs to find a better balance between protection and disinterest.  

    You, as an individual, are admittedly comfortable with the oppression of the sex offender.  

    I, as an individual, am uncomfortable with oppression towards anyone.

    That is not to say that I don't recognize that "society" needs to have a larger view than I have.  And a certainly a larger view than you have.  

    Because in this small specific instance the circumstances they are creating will have very undesirable side effects.  Offenders will stop registering.  The lack of any possibility of a stable life makes recividism even more likely.  Persons now registered as sex offenders for having sex as a teen-ager with a similarly aged boyfriend or girlfriend are now in an environment where a healthy lifestyle is not possible and are flagged for life.

    What do you think that does for society?  I know you don't give a hoot what it does to the individual, but I would think you would take the time to see the potential impact to the environment of you and your family.  This "solution" diminishes the personal safety of others, not enhances it.


    Parent

    Comment by Iamme deleted (none / 0) (#14)
    by Jeralyn on Thu May 21, 2009 at 01:05:09 PM EST
    for wishing harm to the offenders.

    Iamme has previously been limited to 4 comments a day. This is a criminal defense site, if you want a crime victims' site please find one to visit.

    Views degrading and denouncing rights of those accused of crime or convicted of crime are limited on this site, must not be repetitive chatter and must be politely expressed.

    my 3rd (none / 0) (#16)
    by Iamme on Thu May 21, 2009 at 01:24:46 PM EST
    I have had just as many posts come back at me with other posters.  I have had people use foul launguage directed at me.  I am begginning to wonder .... if I dont agree.... I have to follow the rules..... if I do then...it is ok.

    Respectfully
    Iamme

    Parent

    Foul language directed at you? (none / 0) (#25)
    by sj on Thu May 21, 2009 at 03:29:00 PM EST
    Not at this site.  

    I mean, I know you're trying to provoke it, and all.  And you've probably been successful at some other sites that you may be trolling, but you got no foul language directed at you here.

    Parent

    my bad (none / 0) (#15)
    by Iamme on Thu May 21, 2009 at 01:20:13 PM EST
    I didnt know this was a criminal rights site.  I thought it was an open discussion on the current events. I would think there would be many more bans and reduction of posts for other users as well.  I have read many many things about what people want to do to Bush and Chenney on this site and most folks here consider them criminals.  So where is the equality that you speak of in their bans and reductions?  

    please read our about page and comment rules (none / 0) (#18)
    by Jeralyn on Thu May 21, 2009 at 01:40:02 PM EST
    About page

    Comment Rules

    Personal attacks, insults and name-calling are not allowed in comments by anyone against anyone, regardless of point of view. I don't read them all, but if I see one, or if someone notifies me by e-mail, I delete it.

    Parent

    my 4th for the day (none / 0) (#19)
    by Iamme on Thu May 21, 2009 at 01:40:53 PM EST
    I have enjoyed the spirited debate with many of you here.  Some of you are as passionate about your beliefs as I am mine.  While we may not agree all the time I certainly respect the passion with which you hold in your values.  That is what makes America great.  If we only had more passion like that in our government then I think we would all be better off.

    Apparrently, some here do not think my views fit this website.  Limited to 4 posts for doing what some others do just the same.  Very ironic for the tone of the site.  So this will probably be my last post as someone will delete it and give you the posted rules.  For those that do get to read it kdog, we dont agree on most but I enjoy your passion on the issues.  Military you are clearly passionate  please take a breath as I dont want your blood pressure to go through the roof.

    The irony is - a website devoted to criminal rights to defend those that break the rules - has rules and kicks people out and limits their activity just as society does to those that you are defending.  But society is wrong to have these these rules but the website about the very topic seems to adhere to those same societal limitations.  There was no physical harm to anyone in the intent of this message so maybe I can get off with a reduced sentence.  Conondrum.

    Miami Forces Sex Offenders to Live Under the Bridge | 25 comments (25 topical)

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