WHERE WILL IT END?

Idle Comment

Every state in the Union has laws harassing convicted sex offenders by
maintaining Internet registries which include offenders' addresses and
photos.

Apparently publishing that database has been so successful - crimes by
sexual predators are nearly at zero across the nation - it is being
followed by the creation of Internet registries to publicize the names
of people convicted of making and selling methamphetamine. Four states
have approved the registry; six more are considering it.

The argument is that meth offenders are as dangerous to the public as
sex offenders, and should be tracked. That's true, if for no other
reason than to help meth users find a nearby dealer and provide real
estate brokers and landlords a ready source of clients.

Studies have shown that offenders who abuse drugs have high rearrest
rates, similar to sex offenders, so a meth user can log on to the
Internet and hope they're back in business. Convicted meth offenders
are notorious for having plenty of cash on hand, and thus are prime
sources as house buyers and renters.

Another argument is that citizens need to know who has been convicted
of manufacturing meth so they can protect themselves, either by moving
away from communities which tolerate meth offenders, or by blowing up
buildings suspected of housing meth labs.

All seriousness aside, it is difficult to argue that these registries
do not violate laws banning double jeopardy and the addition of
another registry raises the possibility that other registries will
follow which will compromise the rights of a larger range of offenders.

Registering people who have served their sentences may soon become
commonplace.

One of the weakest arguments put forth by proponents of either the
registries for sex offenders or meth offenders is that they might
return to crime after they're released from prison.

The same goes for speeders, drunk drivers, muggers, robbers and
politicians.

Is it possible that setting up the registries is simply a way to cover
up for the failures of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system?