WATCHDOG: Kudos to the New Era for publishing on May 19th a lengthy letter by Rev. Jim Kalish entitled "Megan's Law has little or no impact on recidivism." After quoting from Human Rights Watch and other studies, Kalish concludes:
"Sexual assault is a horrific act, but the Megan Law is no solution. Rather, it is diverting us from finding real answers and it makes very poor use of existing limited resources.
"Efforts are under way here to adopt the Human Right Watch study to Lancaster County's situation, suggesting alternative policies and programs to reduce sexual crime and increase the reintegration of sexual offenders back into the community in such a way as they do no harm to themselves or to others."
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
WHPTV 21 & Fox 43 Cover Conestoga Meeting With Live Shots
WATCHDOG: WHPTV 21 was at the Conestoga Fire Company on Monday, and provided a live shot on their 5:30 newscast. At the 10 PM newscast, Fox 43 broadcasted live, offering abbreviated but live coverage of the citizen's meeting.
It's good to see TV coverage of an event where citizens are getting involved and expressing their thoughts over what is happening in their community. Megan's Law stories always seem to catch the attention of the media, although some handle them more responsibly than others.
But we have to wonder why WGAL or ABC 27 didn't bother to have live coverage of this important discussion and clash of ideas. When over 300 people jam a community firehouse to express their fears or defend registered sex offenders living on Main Street, that's news.
It's good to see TV coverage of an event where citizens are getting involved and expressing their thoughts over what is happening in their community. Megan's Law stories always seem to catch the attention of the media, although some handle them more responsibly than others.
But we have to wonder why WGAL or ABC 27 didn't bother to have live coverage of this important discussion and clash of ideas. When over 300 people jam a community firehouse to express their fears or defend registered sex offenders living on Main Street, that's news.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
SUNDAY NEWS
The May 18 lead article is headed "A storm brews in Conestoga over three sex offenders living in the same building; a public meeting is called for Monday. It's the talk of this town."
WATCHDOG: The first impression was that, on a low news week, the Sunday News was going down the sordid trail of Ernie Schreiber's New Era, giving its readers a sense of superiority by exploiting wretches who had been in jail for sex crimes or, in some cases, some would say indiscretions, for which they had already paid a harsh penalty. (After all, the public lust to feel superior can no longer be indulged by attacks on African-Americans, Jews, Catholics, and even Gays!)
Instead the article was thoughtful and balanced in dealing with a legitimate public concern. Reporter Gil Smart and Editor Marv Adams's responsible handling of the subject is an implicit rebuff to the New Era. Unlike the evening paper, the Sunday News neither disclosed names or addresses nor provided photographs of the ex-convicts.
Former state representative Tom Armstrong, who represents Elam International which sponsors the "transitional home," is quoted as saying "There are over 2,000 people in state prisons who have served their time and are able to come home but can't come home, because they have no home ... they have a right to live somewhere, and in the right environment, can reclaim their lives."
Armstrong assured that the inhabitants had been carefully screened to minimize any danger.
There also was a warning that might apply to Schreiber. The Megan's Law web site states "Any person who uses the information contained herein to threaten, intimidate, or harass the registrant or their family, or who otherwise misuses this information, may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability."
Hmm. If Schreiber were charged and convicted, would he have committed a sex crime? In that case, WATCHDOG may not want him living in its neighborhood!
WATCHDOG: The first impression was that, on a low news week, the Sunday News was going down the sordid trail of Ernie Schreiber's New Era, giving its readers a sense of superiority by exploiting wretches who had been in jail for sex crimes or, in some cases, some would say indiscretions, for which they had already paid a harsh penalty. (After all, the public lust to feel superior can no longer be indulged by attacks on African-Americans, Jews, Catholics, and even Gays!)
Instead the article was thoughtful and balanced in dealing with a legitimate public concern. Reporter Gil Smart and Editor Marv Adams's responsible handling of the subject is an implicit rebuff to the New Era. Unlike the evening paper, the Sunday News neither disclosed names or addresses nor provided photographs of the ex-convicts.
Former state representative Tom Armstrong, who represents Elam International which sponsors the "transitional home," is quoted as saying "There are over 2,000 people in state prisons who have served their time and are able to come home but can't come home, because they have no home ... they have a right to live somewhere, and in the right environment, can reclaim their lives."
Armstrong assured that the inhabitants had been carefully screened to minimize any danger.
There also was a warning that might apply to Schreiber. The Megan's Law web site states "Any person who uses the information contained herein to threaten, intimidate, or harass the registrant or their family, or who otherwise misuses this information, may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability."
Hmm. If Schreiber were charged and convicted, would he have committed a sex crime? In that case, WATCHDOG may not want him living in its neighborhood!
Friday, May 16, 2008
LANCASTER POST, May 16
The tabloid cover states: "Greetings from the Hamilton Club...women and minorities need not apply..."
WATCHDOG: The Hamilton Club has been integrated for decades, so the cover is misleading and unfair. Furthermore, it is not surprising that key supporters of the Convention Center Project would also be members of a Club largely serving professionals, the rich and top executives.
Many prominent persons have not been solicited as members or have chosen not to join. There is no scarcity of restaurants in downtown Lancaster where one can enjoy a pleasant meal with friends.
What doesn't Ron Harper, Jr. understand about the word "private"?
WATCHDOG: The Hamilton Club has been integrated for decades, so the cover is misleading and unfair. Furthermore, it is not surprising that key supporters of the Convention Center Project would also be members of a Club largely serving professionals, the rich and top executives.
Many prominent persons have not been solicited as members or have chosen not to join. There is no scarcity of restaurants in downtown Lancaster where one can enjoy a pleasant meal with friends.
What doesn't Ron Harper, Jr. understand about the word "private"?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Asleep
WATCHDOG was asleep:
We were so enthusiastic about the introduction of the weekly Lancaster Post that the Watchdog failed to criticize the tabloid's April 25th front page political cartoon entitled "Double Crossings" that portrays all five Manheim Township commissioners as puppets for Dale High.
A recent Letter refers to the cartoon as " ...not accurate and did a disservice to the two commissioners that voted to NOT move this project forward."
The Watchdog apologizes for ignoring the injustice and promises to henceforth review the Post with the same critical eye as it does the Post's three local competitors.
We were so enthusiastic about the introduction of the weekly Lancaster Post that the Watchdog failed to criticize the tabloid's April 25th front page political cartoon entitled "Double Crossings" that portrays all five Manheim Township commissioners as puppets for Dale High.
A recent Letter refers to the cartoon as " ...not accurate and did a disservice to the two commissioners that voted to NOT move this project forward."
The Watchdog apologizes for ignoring the injustice and promises to henceforth review the Post with the same critical eye as it does the Post's three local competitors.
College Courses for High School Students
SUNDAY NEWS May 11 Special: "Don't make gifted students wait for college courses"
WATCHDOG: Kudos to retired teacher Dorothy Saunders for her "In My Opinion" rebuttal to the earlier opinion piece by Francis J. Bremer, Chair of the Millersville University History Department, objecting to the teaching of college courses in history to high performing high school students in their senior year.
We predict that any standardized test given to both MU freshman history students and to International Baccalaureate program seniors at J. P McCaskey on average would place McCaskey students on a par or ahead. Why? Because successful IB candidates qualify to attend the best schools in the country. MU has to draw its students from a much broader population.
Many youngsters lose interest in school and drop out or avoid college because they have been under challenged. The sooner gifted students move ahead, the more time they will have later for advanced classes, to independently pursue academic interests, and for part time employment.
A half century ago, the Ford Foundation sponsored brilliant students who would enter college early by skipping the junior and senior years of high school. The students could readily perform the academic work but were not as socially mature as their classmates. Providing college level courses at the high school level was found to be a better solution.
WATCHDOG: Kudos to retired teacher Dorothy Saunders for her "In My Opinion" rebuttal to the earlier opinion piece by Francis J. Bremer, Chair of the Millersville University History Department, objecting to the teaching of college courses in history to high performing high school students in their senior year.
We predict that any standardized test given to both MU freshman history students and to International Baccalaureate program seniors at J. P McCaskey on average would place McCaskey students on a par or ahead. Why? Because successful IB candidates qualify to attend the best schools in the country. MU has to draw its students from a much broader population.
Many youngsters lose interest in school and drop out or avoid college because they have been under challenged. The sooner gifted students move ahead, the more time they will have later for advanced classes, to independently pursue academic interests, and for part time employment.
A half century ago, the Ford Foundation sponsored brilliant students who would enter college early by skipping the junior and senior years of high school. The students could readily perform the academic work but were not as socially mature as their classmates. Providing college level courses at the high school level was found to be a better solution.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
NEW ERA, May 5
Comparing the performance of the current commissioners with their predecessors, the reporter said "That's a marked change from the squabbles and controversies that frequently bogged down the previous board, consisting of Dick Shellenberger, Molly Henderson, and Pete Shaub."
WATCHDOG: "Squabbles?"?? That is how they refer to the debate about the future of Lancaster City, the potential risk and waste of over $16O million, and the propaganda by the then-monopoly newspapers to enrich its owner and its joint venture partner the High Group??
If that is a "squabble" then a "squabble" is what took place at the Constitutional Convention, and the earlier confrontation with King George was a "big squabble."
WATCHDOG: "Squabbles?"?? That is how they refer to the debate about the future of Lancaster City, the potential risk and waste of over $16O million, and the propaganda by the then-monopoly newspapers to enrich its owner and its joint venture partner the High Group??
If that is a "squabble" then a "squabble" is what took place at the Constitutional Convention, and the earlier confrontation with King George was a "big squabble."
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