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| Sunday, September 03, 2006 | (No comments posted.)
Should drug dealers be treated the same as sex offenders? A proposal by state Rep. Ralph Ayres, R-Chesterton, begs that question.
Ayres said last week the legislative study committee he is leading will look at whether Indiana should create a meth registry to track people convicted of dealing or manufacturing methamphetamine.
Illinois and three other states have meth registries similar to that used for sex offenders.
Meth is causing serious damage to the social fabric, particularly in rural communities.
But there's a big difference between drug abuse and sex crimes.
With drug abuse, the user generally makes a choice -- albeit a bad one -- to begin using drugs. The same is not true for victims of sex crimes.
The sex offender registries used by all 50 states and the federal government serves a useful purpose. It warns potential victims about predators who might live or work nearby.
The recidivism rate for sex offenders is extremely high, so there's a strong chance the offender might be tempted to commit new offenses. In warning parents, schools and others of nearby offenders, the registry encourages them to take the necessary steps to keep children and other potential victims out of harm's way.
Ayres' agony over meth is understandable.
He wants to warn landlords, neighbors and others when a past meth dealer or manufacturer wants to move in.
But the bottom line is that drug abusers are, generally speaking, willing participants in the crime. Sex crime victims aren't. That's a big difference.
The meth registry is going too far.
Your opinion, please
Should Indiana create a meth registry similar to the sex offenders registry?
Share your thoughts at http://www.nwitimes.com/youropinion>
Your opinion, please
Should Indiana create a meth registry similar to the sex offenders registry?
Share your thoughts at www.nwitimes.com/youropinion.
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