Keep hope alive, Sebago

Among all the Lakes Region towns, it seems Sebago residents have the toughest decision to make this Election Day – whether to choose between fear and freedom regarding sex offenders.

Under the proposed ordinance, convicted sex offenders would not be able to reside or loiter within 2,500 feet of a school or within 1,000 feet of a day-care center or youth camp. Also, sex offenders would be banned from school grounds or day-care centers and youth camps unless specifically authorized by the school administration or day-care center owner.

The decision will probably be an easy one for many in Sebago, especially parents or those with personal experience with sexual abuse. Sex offenders are viewed as evil, nearly impossible to rehabilitate and a modern scourge. But, the vote will also be a tough one for others in Sebago who believe that people can be redeemed and that new beginnings are possible, even after a heinous crime. We must err on that side of this ongoing and emotional debate.

America is a place ruled by two intertwining ideals: freedom and responsibility. In committing an act of evil, sex offenders violate their responsibility to others and as a result lose their freedom. Jail, and its total lack of freedom, is their punishment. After serving their sentence however, additional punishment should not be heaped upon sex offenders, who seem to be labeled for life even after they serve their court-ordered sentence.

If ordinances such as Sebago’s pass, the outside world will become an extension of jail for sex offenders. They will have little hope of integrating and they will fall further into a life of isolation and fantasy, which will eventually result in a desire to commit more acts of violence. Ironically, that is the exact opposite of what framers of these types of ordinances are hoping for. But, nevertheless, this will be the result of such short-sighted, though well-intentioned, solutions.

Sex offenders are not animals. It’s true, some will recommit no matter what rules are put in place. Some murderers and arsonists and robbers recommit as well. Will they be banned from living in Sebago or put on some online registry? The last thing we want to do is give up on these people, or to have them think we’ve given up on them. And enacting a sex offender law, which essentially bans them from taking part in the community, will do just that.

Life in America should be free, for ex-convicts as well. A person sitting in jail needs hope that he can change. But if the outside world offers no hope, the chance for rehabilitation will be gone as well.

This is a tough decision to be sure, one Sebago shouldn’t take lightly. Sebago had a sex offender move in, residents were disturbed by the possibilities and are now grasping for ways to cope with the threat. Other Lakes Region communities will probably soon face similar proposals. But while freedom is a risky proposition, it’s also the only thing that makes us unique in the world. And, though evil is bearing down on all sides, we must do everything we can to maintain a society full of hope, not fear.

-John Balentine, editor