Cry me a river, people

I'm on a tear today. Well, actually, it's just that there've been a few things in the news today that have sent me over the edge. This one, in particular:

Sex Offenders Fear Reaction To Gage Case Could Keep Them Imprisoned

POSTED: 9:40 am CDT May 17, 2005
UPDATED: 9:51 am CDT May 17, 2005

CHEROKEE, Iowa -- Sex offenders in state custody living in Cherokee are afraid the public will target them over the slaying of a Cedar Rapids girl.

Jetseta Gage, 10, was taken from her Cedar Rapids home on March 24. Her body was found the next day.

Convicted sex offender Roger Bentley is charged with her murder and kidnapping.

Jason Smith is administrator of the Civil Commitment Unit for Sexual Offenders. He said sexual offenders in the Cherokee unit worry that their prison time will be increased because of a public backlash calling for tougher punishments for offenders.

The Iowa civil commitment program is six years old. It keeps sex offenders who are judged likely to reoffend in custody until the determination is made they are no longer a risk.

The program is designed to prepare to release a patient to supervised care.

The unit is operated by the Department of Human Services. It's located in the 103-year-old Cherokee Mental Health Institute, which is encircled by a high-wire fence topped with razor wire.

Razor wire = good.
Releasing sex offenders = bad.

People that prey on little children should never EVER be allowed to rejoin society. This isn't about forgiveness, folks... this is about protecting the rest of us from someone who's dangerous. How many studies do they have to do to prove to the criminal justice system that sex offenders ARE ALWAYS A RISK?

I would think that those guys there in the Cherokee facility would be more than happy to remain there forever. At least there, they get three squares and a place to sleep, and they're safe. Don't get me started on the notion that it's somehow a wise use of taxpayer money to keep these people all comfy and happy...