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Originally Posted by The_Jazz
I think everyone needs to go back and read the initial post. The whole point was that the system failed by not notifying the proper authorities. NG has every right to be concerned, and she's well within her rights to make sure that she and her kids avoid this guy, regardless of the actual circumstances of his crime. If she starts handing out flyers about the fact that he's a registered sex offender without knowing the facts behind his conviction, that's something altogether different, but I don't see anything along those lines. She's talked to the authorities and some friends and neighbors, and she's again well within her rights to do so. Finding out exactly what he did seems like the next logical step (to me at least) towards figuring out if he's an actual threat or not, but that's her step to make.
There's no witch hunt in progress, although it could certainly turn into that if NG declines to do the responsible thing.
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I did what I thought was responsible-without provoking or directly going after anyone, I checked status, convictions, etc. I told my kids and one neighbor with kids that the bus stop was in front of a convicted sex offender's home (and the fact he apparently was convicted of 'exposure', which just ain't cool when there's a school bus stop and a daycare next to his house). His status clearly states he's a tier2, meaning all authorities (police, schools, etc) had to know of his residence, which they did not, but do now. Residents are not required to be notified. (I did not point the man out to my kids, only told them that a felon was next to their stop, so we had it moved and reiterated their need(and the rules) to always be aware.)
However.....I made a mistake in thinking that this other mother would be as 'discreet' and within guidelines. Saturday, an 'anonymous' mailing came with this man's rap sheet and mugshot in it and his address highlighted. What's truly bothering me is that, on our street, there are only maybe 3 or 4houses with kids, only one with an infant and I don't really know these people. For all I know, some could be his family and for all she knows as well. The majority of the homeowners here are older, some elderly and certainly are under little or no threat at all and don't have to be any more cautious than normal. By sending out these flyers, Lisa essentially broke the law and may well have caused the very witch hunt I was trying to avoid.
I always and will always hold to the notion that 'knowledge is power', but some people just don't know how to use it. *sigh*