Cast Away

It sounds so romantic - the castaway, on the deserted island. Living in paradise until their eventual rescue and return to society. Books, movies, and even TV shows have been made on this theme - Robinson Crusoe, Swiss Family Robinson, Cast Away, Gilligan's Island, Survivor.

Perfect. Idyllic. Maybe even a little slapstick and fun. Until you realize that "cast away" is just another way of saying "thrown out". Just like the garbage.

In the US, almost 750,000 men, women, and children are modern-day castaways. Commenters on news stories often use the phrase, "dropped on an island somewhere" without realizing that, if you're on the registry, you're already on that island, isolated and alone. Thrown out. Abandoned.

Unlike the romanticized castaways, registrants don't scan the horizon, hoping to see someone, looking for rescue. Although we see others, there's no hope of rescue, because the reality is that our island isn't a tropical paradise - it's a prison in everything but name. Our walls and bars are social and economic isolation, and those patrolling offshore are there to make sure we don't leave our island.

Our only hope is that we'll be "voted off the island", that someday, the laws will change. But that can't happen until politicians stop pandering to the fear they create. Until facts and evidence replace belief and anecdote.

It's time for a "tribal council". Multiply 750,000 by at least 2 loved ones (spouses, parents, children, friends), and suddenly, you've got 2.25 million affected by the registry. That's a conservative estimate - the true number is probably closer to 4 or 5 million. And that, dear readers, is a substantial voting bloc. But only if we're organized. Our voices can't be heard if we don't speak up, and won't be heard unless we speak out. Before we can vote registrants off their islands, we have to vote the politicians out of their ivory towers.

What can you do? Visit USA Fair and learn the truth behind sex offender recidivism and who commits new sex crime. (While you're there, think about joining and supporting their mission.) Use that information to combat the misinformation spread in news stories. Use it to educate your legislator, both at the local and national level. Shine the hard spotlight of truth on those who spread shadows of fear to serve their own self-interest.

Change can happen. But only if you care enough to get involved.

"It is better to light a single candle than curse the darkness."

— W.L. Watkinson, "The Invincible Strategy" 

DISCLAIMER: I am not associated with or paid by USA Fair - although I think their mission is worthwhile and one that I support.