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!
