The morning coffee and public urination
If you are a parent in the United States, you have access to sex offender registries. You can then use these to know what sex offenders are in your neighbourhood, so that they can be harassed, kept away from schools and playgrounds, and you can make sure that your child does not play with their children.
The problem, however, is that they are more likely to have been convicted of consensual sex with their partner in high school, having oral sex (buggery) or public urination than rape, never mind child molestation. The Economist looks at the American approach, and finds it does little to protect children. Instead, it gives life sentences to those who have committed small crimes, or acts which are questionably criminal.
(by Jakes & Jones, apparently, for whom I have no link)
The UK has fancy new ID cards for us foreign nationals. It took twelve minutes to hack it. Boy, do I feel secure about this plan.
The UK is famous for its CCTV addiction. It’s everywhere. If you leave your home, you are on camera. Apparently this was not enough for the government, who have now begun putting cameras in private homes. Of course, as explained by the home office, this is restricted to the “worst families”. Knowing the government’s love for CCTV, one must wonder if this is simply the tip of the iceberg.
Related articles: