A low tech solution to a high tech problem

As always, the link is in the title.

I think I've commented (honestly, I don't remember - but I know this is a topic of conversation around the water cooler in my office as well as others around the country) about the self-proclaimed pedophile in CA who has a web site in which he talks about his thoughts about little children - and he posts pictures of children he's observed in public - and he posts lists of events or places other pedophiles can find children. OOOH CREEPY.

The problem is that he hasn't yet crossed over, that we know of, that line between creepy to the 10th degree and against the law. Parents groups are rallying. Questions are being asked. People are organizing. Now a judge has issued a really interesting restraining order forbidding him to come within 30 feet of a child, or posting photos (even non-pornographic) of children without parental permission.

Some lawyerly types are saying that this amounts to house arrest or expulsion from the state. I'm thinking that this is an adequate remedy for a situation that didn't have an obvious legal answer. And, I do think that communities have the right to respond to the situations that they face that are unique.

Also, I think that this is further evidence that our legal system is becoming more sensitive to the issues of terror and fear as violent crime. With stalking laws, and harassment laws, we are beginning to reflect that the emotional/mental impact of crime/bad behavior is a form of violence and victimization. I think this shows growth as a species.

And, this guy was on his way to Chicago when he got the restraining order. Just a heads up.