Considering the Labels We give for a Single Action in a person’s Life

Weekly Update #15

Dear Members and Advocates,

Earlier this month, I began our weekly update explaining why I was glad the Patriots won the Superbowl… because of their owner, Robert Kraft. I wrote about his dedication to criminal justice reform and how he and other celebrities created an alliance to lobby for changes to state probation and parole laws. I wrote that he is deserving of a Superbowl win because of his positive influence on our country. An example of good things happening to good people.

Oh boy! Who would have guessed that a couple of weeks later, Robert Kraft would be accused of getting a ‘rub and tug’ in a Florida massage parlor? Obviously not me – or I’d have chosen a different introduction to that Week’s Update. Or would I have? We spend so much of our effort arguing that people should not be judged by the single worst thing they did in life. It would be hypocritical of us to not address the Robert Kraft matter and explain why this should not erase the legacy of an otherwise inspiring human being.

First, it’s important to state that we don’t condone sexual offenses in any form. Granted, this would be much more difficult to write had Kraft kidnapped someone off the playground, but that is not the point. The concept that one misstep in an otherwise accomplished life erases all value in a human being is wrong. It undermines the entire concept of redemption. It’s what being on this registry does.

If Robert Kraft is proven guilty, let him receive an appropriate punishment, but then let him move forward from it so that he can continue his philanthropic efforts. I wish the same for all of us. Give us the opportunity for redemption and let us prove that our lives have value.

In other breaking news; Lobbyist Ron Book, the architect of the Sex Offender Residence Restriction and father of Senator Lauren Book, was arrested for DUI last night after crashing his Lamborghini. Details are still not in, but monitor our site for updates. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; In 2017, 10,874 people were killed in drunk driving crashes  – 220 of those were children 14 and younger! As public safety advocates, you can rest assured that the Florida Action Committee will stay on top of this development.

Sincerely,

The Florida Action Committee

March 7th “Coming Together to Better Support Families of Registrants”, Embassy Suites, Altamonte Springs, 7-9pm RSVP anita@floridaactioncommittee.org

Next Membership Call – also on March 7th at 8pm – Topic: Update on Legal Challenges

SOME HEADLINES FROM THIS WEEK

Former FDLE officer of the year kills self after he’s accused of child porn

The following article is being shared for two reasons: 1- Again, it goes to show that anyone, even a police officer recognized for his work rescuing children, can be a sex offender, and 2- The recognition that the quality of life as a sex offender is not worth living….

Florida Bill Prohibits persons convicted of certain sexual offenses from unsupervised work in specified locations.

Florida Representative Daniels introduced H.B. 985, which is called, “Protecting the public security”. The Bill would prohibit persons required to register as sex offenders from unsupervised work in certain locations, such as, “any dwelling unit, premises, school,…

RI: Concrete thrown through window at Rhode Island sex offender’s home

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Police say someone threw a piece of concrete through the window of a registered sex offender’s home in Providence, Rhode Island. The vandalism occurred at the home of XXX at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. XXXX was convicted of multiple child rapes…

Housing Bans Leave Registrants Homeless in Miami

This is an interesting piece from The Crime Report. The article highlights the homelessness problems caused by the Lauren Book Child Safety Ordinance in Miami-Dade County. It bans individuals convicted of certain sex crimes, including those involving minors, from…