Hunting monsters

Toronto Sun ^ | 2006-03-19 | Linda Williamson

[Squawk 8888]

I couldn't bring myself to condemn someone to life in prison or death whose only known crime was viewing kiddie porn
Me neither, I'd save the toughest penalties for those who directly harm someone. IMHO viewing child porn is comparable to buying stolen goods, in the sense that the offender is possessing the proceeds of a crime rather than committing the actual crime. I'd also be inclined to plea-bargain the charges away if it leads to the capture of those who produce the stuff.

I'm guessing that a significant percentage of pedophiles really hate their orientation and would do just about anything to be normal, but find it impossible.
You're probably correct but it's far more complex than just hormones. Castration alone is not likely to solve the problem; at best it might make the compulsion more manageable. There really is no substitute for supervision in such cases.

[binkdeville]

"There really is no substitute for supervision in such cases."
and there is no substitute for a noose either.

[elmer fudd]

Castration alone is not likely to solve the problem; at best it might make the compulsion more manageable.

Honestly, nothing is going to solve this problem. It's like murder or terrorism, it's always going to be there, but we can take steps to minimize it and it seems to me that castration would be a positive step.