Today Show Asks Whether Registrants Should Be Allowed to Win the Lottery

Often, we like to share stupid statements contained in reputable news sources, because it shows how ignorant even the most highly regarded news sources can be.

Today, NBC’s Today Show posed the question of whether registered sex offenders should be allowed to keep lottery winnings. They conclude with the statement, “Victim’s groups say putting millions into the hand of a child predator is like giving them a loaded gun because the money gives them the means to seek out other victims.”

Really? Why doesn’t Today create an uproar when someone with a DUI or drug offense wins the lottery? The number of people injured or killed by DUI offenders is exponentially greater than from sex offenders as is the recidivism rate. Clearly putting money into the hands of a drunk or addict gives them the means to go out and buy more drugs and alcohol. How about violent felons? Wouldn’t money literally give them the means to get a loaded gun in their hands?

If there’s a move to restrict sex offenders from winning lotteries or keeping the proceeds, shouldn’t that apply to every crime? And why are politicians getting involved in this argument?

“Florida state Sen. Darren Soto (D) wants to change the state law that allows convicted sex offenders to keep lottery winnings with no strings attached. “My bill would provide that the winnings would be frozen to up to a year for a sexual predator so that the victims could have an opportunity to seek compensation and justice,” Soto said.”

Soto apparently wants to jump on the bandwagon by jumping on sex offenders. More like stomp on them just as everyone else has, because it’s so easy to do. Senator Soto; if you’re so concerned about seeking compensation and justice, why not act on behalf of ALL victims?