Fear Mongering Tactic

Kudos to our media committee for getting this point in the Daytona Beach News Journal

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I just recently read the opinion article that was posted on May 8 concerning the subject of sex offenders — registered citizens. I was set back by several of Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly’s comments but especially his final comment on “safer Florida” and “accountable for their criminal deviant behavior.” His commentary is laced with ignorance, paranoia, fear mongering, lack of background and lack of education on the subject for a person in such a responsible position. Sex offenders are probably held more accountable than murderers, armed carjackers, home invaders, drunk drivers, robbers, etc. — you name it. The facts are that registered citizens have the lowest recidivism rate of all offenders and the vast majority of offenses are committed by individuals known to the victim or who are not even on the registry. It seems to be a habit of some who attain power to want to fashion laws to their liking and then complain when called on it. Changing a law to fit a past offense is called ex post facto, and is a violation of the Constitution. These fiefdom tyrants hate to be called on it, as was done in Hillsborough County. We would have a safer Florida if some of these law enforcement elements would stop going after easy targets and get the real threats off the street. That of course requires risk!

Charles Munsey Jr., Port St. John