"The one message I want to get through is that anger doesn't solve anything. It just corrodes your soul."
This is a quote from Judge Cashman of Vermont. Mark Hulett began raping a 7 year old girl, and continued for four years. The judge knew he needed treatment, but wouldn't get it in prison, so he ordered him to 60 days, then to seek immediate treatment, or risk going back to jail or face possible life behind bars.
Ok, so they guy needs treatment, but this is just plain wrong. The girl suffered for four years, and will probably go through years of therapy. IF she ever manages to get married, she is going to have a tremendous amount of emotional baggage.
The judge stated he no longer believes in punishment. What does that mean? Punishment doesn't rehabilitate? Maybe.
But you know what? This type of exhausted leniency does no one any good, and just puts one more rapist back out in the neighborhood.
Another point here: punishment and rehabilitation are two different things. If the prisoners are treated and changed while in jail, that is great. But prison is a punishment, not rehab.
We have forgotten that. "Spare the rod, spoil the child." God also told us that the rod will not kill the child. But being spoiled may lead to death. Many learn their lesson, and don't return to become criminals again. It also serves as a lesson to others: rape little girls and you see what happens to you. (I don't think '60 Days' is the message we should be sending to deviants and perverts.)
The judge said that when he began 25 years ago, he handed down tough sentences but now believes "it accomplishes nothing of value."
Nothing of value? At least it keeps the morally defecient away from my children. That is something of value.
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