Reply #61: Not just in the US

[Nihil]

Police in the UK are also encountering a "lack of cooperation" from
the public while investigating the murder of a paedophile in Redcar.
The man had been convicted, served some of his sentence and released
early (due to good behaviour) back into the community. It appears
that the community did not appreciate his presence very much.
A few people from the area stated that they were ashamed that almost
no-one was coming forward with information but the majority appear to
view it as "good riddance" and "understand the feelings of the people
involved". "Well, the police don't do anything about it do they?"

(Sorry no link - heard this on the radio on the way in this morning.)

Mixed feelings on this: I have no particular problem with child
abusers getting rough justice (leading to death or not) but am very
concerned about vigilante action that might involve an innocent party,
mistaken identity, victim of malicious gossip or whatever.

My choice would be not to beat the creature up but to move him to a
place that is both safe for him (or her) and for the people with whom
him would come into contact - i.e., not just those living next to him
but also those who he would meet at the shops, on the way into town, etc..

I would not be surprised to find someone flaming me on this but the
only people who are *entitled* to do so are those with young children
(i.e., potential victims) who are completely and honestly prepared to
have a known abuser living next to them. If you have no children, you
are unlikely to feel the same abhorrence and protective emotions.
If you are not prepared to tolerate such a person near you, you should
not be so hypocritical to force your pseudo-morality upon others.

Nihil