Walt Disney World bans sex offenders from theme parks

[faindrops27]

At least it will shorten lines...


If there is a method to keep those unwanted out...please lets implement it.

Once we do, pass it on to Congress so they can apply it to immigration reform...

That is a whole other issue, but shorter lines are always great!

 

[staceycanada]

Sounds good in theory in practise it may be something else.

I hope this doesn't give some parents false security however.

Nothing no practise or security measures will ever match the watchful eye of a parent.

 

[robinb]

No, not innocent. Those who befriend, marry, date, or defend them..Why would anyone want to know, or get to know a sex offender?

Are you are saying people are guilty by association?

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

sounds good in theory in practise it may be something else.

I hope this doesn't give some parents false security however.

nothing no practise or security measures will ever match the watchful eye of a parent.

this, totally correct!

Akk

 

[faindrops27]

Are you are saying people are guilty by association?

No, you are saying that..I am standing by what I typed, was it evasive? I thought what I typed above is pretty direct, straight forward, and self explanatory.

I've taken so many communication courses, a message can easily be misunderstood when a person adds words to the original intended message like you did. Just reread what I am saying, it's clear.

 

[Minnies Boy Toy]

No, not innocent. Those who befriend, marry, date, or defend them..Why would anyone want to know, or get to know a sex offender?

Maybe for the purpose of rehabilitating them, or helping them try to redeem themselves. There was a guy way back when who had some success with this. Spent much of his time with criminals and outcasts. I think he was from Nazareth or thereabouts.

OK maybe that was a bit facetious. I apologize. I have NO problem with Disney barring true sex offenders (not 18 year old "statutory rapists" who made a mistake with their 17 year old consenting girlfriends) from the parks. But to suggest those who "befriend" or "know" such persons should also be shunned is ridiculous, in my opinion. There are dozens of legitimate and honorable reasons why a person would want to reach out to a previous offender. Personally, I do not think I would have the ability to look past what they had done to try to help them salvage something good from their lives - but I'm glad there are people out there who can.

 

[robinb]

No, you are saying that..I am standing by what I typed, was it evasive? I thought what I typed above is pretty direct, straight forward, and self explanatory.

I've taken so many communication courses, a message can easily be misunderstood when a person adds words to the original intended message like you did. Just reread what I am saying, it's clear.

Apparently, it's not clear or I wouldn't ask for clarification two (and now, three) times. Are you trying to say that "Those who befriend, marry, date, or defend [sex offenders]" are not innocent people? If so, what crime are they guilty of that would lead WDW to ban them from their parks? I don't mean to put words in your mouth, but I am really struggling to understand what you are trying to say.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Maybe for the purpose of rehabilitating them, or helping them try to redeem themselves. There was a guy way back when who had some success with this. Spent much of his time with criminals and outcasts. I think he was from Nazareth or thereabouts.

OK maybe that was a bit facetious. I apologize. I have NO problem with Disney barring true sex offenders (not 18 year old "statutory rapists" who made a mistake with their 17 year old consenting girlfriends) from the parks. But to suggest those who "befriend" or "know" such persons should also be shunned is ridiculous, in my opinion. There are dozens of legitimate and honorable reasons why a person would want to reach out to a previous offender. Personally, I do not think I would have the ability to look past what they had done to try to help them salvage something good from their I lives - but I'm glad there are people out there who can.

I Totally agree!

 

[faindrops27]

Maybe for the purpose of rehabilitating them, or helping them try to redeem themselves. There was a guy way back when who had some success with this. Spent much of his time with criminals and outcasts. I think he was from Nazareth or thereabouts.

OK maybe that was a bit facetious. I apologize. I have NO problem with Disney barring true sex offenders (not 18 year old "statutory rapists" who made a mistake with their 17 year old consenting girlfriends) from the parks. But to suggest those who "befriend" or "know" such persons should also be shunned is ridiculous, in my opinion. There are dozens of legitimate and honorable reasons why a person would want to reach out to a previous offender. Personally, I do not think I would have the ability to look past what they had done to try to help them salvage something good from their lives - but I'm glad there are people out there who can.

Read my posts again, I'm talking about the sex offenders. The Jesus analogy is ok with me.

Now, tell me what is a legitimate reason a person would want to befriend, date, or marry, a sexual offender?

 

[faindrops27]

Apparently, it's not clear or I wouldn't ask for clarification two (and now, three) times. Are you trying to say that "Those who befriend, marry, date, or defend [sex offenders]" are not innocent people? If so, what crime are they guilty of that would lead WDW to ban them from their parks? I don't mean to put words in your mouth, but I am really struggling to understand what you are trying to say.

Ok, I am speaking specifically about sexual predators/offenders, who have sexually abused children. Why would anyone befriend, date, or marry a person who they know has raped a child?

 

[Spacedog1975]

This thread has gone nuts.

 

[Mama Who]

I think it's important to remember that this will never prevent all sex offenders from entering WDW, but that said, there are now 75 fewer. I'll take it. Any drop in that bucket is one that could have splashed a child.

 

[leeg229]

Ok, I am speaking specifically about sexual predators/offenders, who have sexually abused children. Why would anyone befriend, date, or marry a person who they know has raped a child?

That's not the issue at all. You said that anyone who is a significant other, be it a friend love interest etc..., should not be allowed into the parks. You are transferring a punishment from someone convicted of a crime to someone who has done nothing wrong which is ridiculous. I'm all for keeping those who actually committed the crimes in question out of the park, but those who have done nothing wrong being denied access? Come on.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm sure there are a lot of people that think they are going to be safer at WDW with reports that Disney is now looking for sexual predators. But, in reality? No change whatsoever!!! And I have never thought that Disney, or anyone else for that matter, needs to make life safer for my child. That is my job!! I watch my child in the pool...even though there are lifeguards there, watching. I always knew where my child was, and who she was with, when she was younger. Did I obsess each time she went to the rest room by herself? Nope. Yes, bad things happen to nice people. I get that. But, I am not going to be looking for the boogey man around every corner.
And I really hate the idea that the kid that got drunk and mooned someone when he was 20 and at college is now going to be denied access to WDW. Yes, he is going to be on that offender list. It's been said that the 'list' is changing but not fast enough for all concerned.

And the thought that Disney would expend that kind of money to track sex offenders? That they would have a data base listing them all?? Seriously??? Believe me.....there are pedophiles in WDW right now. They haven't been caught yet, so not on any list anywhere. Are you all feeling safer because someone said that Disney has found a grand total of 75?? I'm not. They are out there...everywhere. So, take responsibility for your own families. Life is no different now than it was 20 years ago...we are just more aware of it thanks to the media!!! We had a pedophile that lived in the house behind ours when I was growing up. I played with this guys kids, in barns and old chicken coops on their property. Thank God I was never touched. But there were rumors. And imagine my father's surprise, after we moved about 25 miles away, when I was 10, to see this former neighbor walking down our new town's main street!! He reported the guy to the police who kept an eye on him. My point?? They are out there.....we need to be aware and take care of our own families. I can only begin to imagine the cost of maintaining a data based of this magnitude!!! And Disney can't figure out how to keep their dining site up and running efficiently!! Can't imagine how they would deal with something like this!!!

 

[Magic Fanatic]

So what you're saying is that Disney shouldn't bother, because it's pointless... Well then... I'll go ahead and say that while you are entitled to your opinion, I am glad you are not in charge of the safety programs at the parks.

I don't think the poster was saying that at all. He simply pointed out that there are many problems with these lists. I don't see that he said anything close to Disney shouldn't bother or the rule was pointless.

 

[tjkraz]

I'm sure there are a lot of people that think they are going to be safer at WDW with reports that Disney is now looking for sexual predators. But, in reality? No change whatsoever!!!

Sure there's a change. There are apparently 75 fewer people to worry about.

Nobody is saying that Disney has put a "predator-free zone" stamp on its theme parks. Of course parents still need to monitor their kids. But doing that 24/7 is impossible and this move has made the parks just a LITTLE bit more safe.

I can only begin to imagine the cost of maintaining a data based of this magnitude!!! And Disney can't figure out how to keep their dining site up and running efficiently!! Can't imagine how they would deal with something like this!!!

Registered sex offender lists are readily available. It's no great challenge to cross-reference such a list with a Passholder database, and flag select individuals.

And that sort of a project has no relationship to dining websites. Just because Disney has had hiccups with its online systems during recent upgrades doesn't mean all of Disney IT is incompetent. 8th graders can perform rudimentary database matches.

 

[robinb]

Ok, I am speaking specifically about sexual predators/offenders, who have sexually abused children. Why would anyone befriend, date, or marry a person who they know has raped a child?

*Sigh* It's still not clear. Are you talking about the offenders themselves or their families and friends too?

Here you said ...

The thing I find disgusting as well are the people who make excuses for them.. Befriend, date, marry them..I wish they could be banned too, to me they are just as bad..

... which was why am confused about exactly who you want banned from Disney parks. You don't seem to want to own that original comment and you keep on tap dancing around it.

Here is a real simple yes/no question: Do you want the friends and family of the sex offenders who molest children banned from WDW too?
YES - The predators and their family and friends should all be banned.
NO - Only the predator should be banned.

FTR, I have no idea why people would befriend, date or marry someone who raped a child. I have no clue why you keep on asking me that . Maybe you should ask arthropodtodd since he works with offenders.

 

[arthropodtodd]

Interestingly enough, FDOC (FL Dept of Corrections) indicates that Sex Offenders have a high recidivism rate.

http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/recidivism/2011/violentoffenses.html

You might want to have read the this report in closer detail. It groups parole violations, non-sexual new offenses, and new sexual offenses in one "recidivism" rate. Many of my younger clients go back on parole violations for alcohol or drug use, failing to get a job, or some other parole violation. In fact the younger the offender, the more likely they will get in trouble with the law again. So that high number is not accurate.

Now Florida does have higher sexual recidivism rate of 5.2% over 5 years and 13.7% after 10 years. Many in my field would point to Florida's mis-management of offenders as one of the reasons.

Mind you I think WDW policy is a good one, and I will contend is a PR move, as Disney is about making money. If sexual assault occurs on site, it could mean a loss of revenue and public relations nightmare. Disney does not want to see their brand in a headline with the words "sexual offender" or "sexual assault", etc. so they aren't going to publicize what they are doing. The best PR moves are not made in front of a camera.

I think it is sad when people are tossing stones at any criminal, regardless of the offense and this is coming from a guy who is pro-death penalty, and supports long sentences, etc. What we don't realize is that we are a part of problem. We have created a culture where someone who might be having some horrible thoughts cannot seek out help with getting reported. We have people hanging posters and looking for the neighborhood child molester, trying to make their life difficult, who end up increasing the offender's chance of re-offending. Case in point, residency restrictions increases recidivism rates.

90% of my clients are "normal" looking and acting guys who started down a path filled with distortions about reality. You wouldn't be able to pick them out of a crowd if you tried. I had had attorneys, police, firemen, architects, doctors, nurses, teachers, landscapers, vets, Disney lovers, carpenters, etc, as clients. Sexual offenders are in many ways no different than the drunk, the drug addict, the thief, the wife beater, the fighter, all of whom can and often to physically violate another person. The difference being the sexual component. Because all these other people violate against minors all the time and no one does anything about it. Now I am not trying to defend or excuse their behavior. You do the crime, you do the time. There are monsters out there who have no idea what they are doing, ie. pedophiles, they just don't see the wrong hence they are dangerous. But, I do believe that most of these guys, if even the right treatment and tools to make up some of their emotional deficits, can make better choices that as result protect other children.

I have often been asked why work with sex offenders. One it is like the super bowl every day, you never know what will happen; like having two murders in class discuss the best way to move a dead body or that moment when a client can fully take responsibility for their behavior and finally get on a better track. But i have done this job because I believe people can change, be it the drunk and addicted, or the offender.

Personally I hope this thread get shut down as it is less about the news of this story and discussing some of the actual research, but has turned into a a thread where the villagers are getting their torches and pitchforks ah la Gastone and are ready to storm the Beast's castle.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

You might want to have read the this report in closer detail. It groups parole violations, non-sexual new offenses, and new sexual offenses in one "recidivism" rate. Many of my younger clients go back on parole violations for alcohol or drug use, failing to get a job, or some other parole violation. In fact the younger the offender, the more likely they will get in trouble with the law again. So that high number is not accurate.

Now Florida does have higher sexual recidivism rate of 5.2% over 5 years and 13.7% after 10 years. Many in my field would point to Florida's mis-management of offenders as one of the reasons.

Mind you I think WDW policy is a good one, and I will contend is a PR move, as Disney is about making money. If sexual assault occurs on site, it could mean a loss of revenue and public relations nightmare. Disney does not want to see their brand in a headline with the words "sexual offender" or "sexual assault", etc. so they aren't going to publicize what they are doing. The best PR moves are not made in front of a camera.

I think it is sad when people are tossing stones at any criminal, regardless of the offense and this is coming from a guy who is pro-death penalty, and supports long sentences, etc. What we don't realize is that we are a part of problem. We have created a culture where someone who might be having some horrible thoughts cannot seek out help with getting reported. We have people hanging posters and looking for the neighborhood child molester, trying to make their life difficult, who end up increasing the offender's chance of re-offending. Case in point, residency restrictions increases recidivism rates.

90% of my clients are "normal" looking and acting guys who started down a path filled with distortions about reality. You wouldn't be able to pick them out of a crowd if you tried. I had had attorneys, police, firemen, architects, doctors, nurses, teachers, landscapers, vets, Disney lovers, carpenters, etc, as clients. Sexual offenders are in many ways no different than the drunk, the drug addict, the thief, the wife beater, the fighter, all of whom can and often to physically violate another person. The difference being the sexual component. Because all these other people violate against minors all the time and no one does anything about it. Now I am not trying to defend or excuse their behavior. You do the crime, you do the time. There are monsters out there who have no idea what they are doing, ie. pedophiles, they just don't see the wrong hence they are dangerous. But, I do believe that most of these guys, if even the right treatment and tools to make up some of their emotional deficits, can make better choices that as result protect other children.

I have often been asked why work with sex offenders. One it is like the super bowl every day, you never know what will happen; like having two murders in class discuss the best way to move a dead body or that moment when a client can fully take responsibility for their behavior and finally get on a better track. But i have done this job because I believe people can change, be it the drunk and addicted, or the offender.

Personally I hope this thread get shut down as it is less about the news of this story and discussing some of the actual research, but has turned into a a thread where the villagers are getting their torches and pitchforks ah la Gastone and are ready to storm the Beast's castle.

I respect your field of work and your opinion Sir.

But the villagers are tired of lawyers and *pros* in the field that by worrying more about the predators and having limited success in keeping to bad guys away from our families and then telling us we should not worry about it!


In these kind of situations, the Villagers have the right to take up the torch's and pitch forks (in this case really Disney tiring to protect our families and calling it PR is wrong) and protect our kids. Whether it help Disney if their is a problem I really don't care. I applaud them for the effort!

Shutting down discussion is not a answer....just a way out!

PS..So I don't appear unfair, I fully agree with this....people can change Now tell me how to make sure which ones are the few (IMHO), that won't attack their wife's, kids, others and I would be happy to see them in WDW or anywhere!


AKK

 

[goofy4tink]

Sure there's a change. There are apparently 75 fewer people to worry about.

Nobody is saying that Disney has put a "predator-free zone" stamp on its theme parks. Of course parents still need to monitor their kids. But doing that 24/7 is impossible and this move has made the parks just a LITTLE bit more safe.




Registered sex offender lists are readily available. It's no great challenge to cross-reference such a list with a Passholder database, and flag select individuals.

And that sort of a project has no relationship to dining websites. Just because Disney has had hiccups with its online systems during recent upgrades doesn't mean all of Disney IT is incompetent. 8th graders can perform rudimentary database matches.

Then lets get those 8th graders to work at Disney IT!! Disney is always having issues with their site....just look at how many people are always complaining about it.
But, I digress. Sure, there are 75 fewer pedophiles at WDW...but are they true 'pedophiles' or are they people who may have done something much less serious. I just don't feel any safer....and I would still be watching my own children (if they were that young) myself.

I respect your field of work and your opinion Sir.

But the villagers are tired of lawyers and *pros* in the field that by worrying more about the predators and having limited success in keeping to bad guys away from our families and then telling us we should not worry about it!


In these kind of situations, the Villagers have the right to take up the torch's and pitch forks (in this case really Disney tiring to protect our families and calling it PR is wrong) and protect our kids. Whether it help Disney if their is a problem I really don't care. I applaud them for the effort!

Shutting down discussion is not a answer....just a way out!

PS..So I don't appear unfair, I fully agree with this....people can change Now tell me how to make sure which ones are the few (IMHO), that won't attack their wife's, kids, others and I would be happy to see them in WDW or anywhere!


AKK

You truly can't take only the info that 'proves' your point and ignore all other info!! That merely weakens your point. There are many 'reformed' criminals out there. Pedophiles included. I suppose you would prefer them to have a big ole RP branded on their foreheads that shows they are 'reformed'?

Even if this was a case of Disney PR, it doesn't make one whit of difference to me. And my opinion is just as valid as yours. So, if you go to WDW now and feel safer, then fine. But I truly think it's a false sense of security. And that's worse, by far!!!