Pubdate: Mon, 26 Aug 2002
Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2002 Orlando Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325
Author: Larry Gaines,  Cocoa Beach
Note: Drugs users in referred Sentinel story.

YOUTH COACHES

Once again we have a case of the media attempting to do too much. The 
Sentinel ran a story about youth coaches with felony records, and I would 
like to know: What is your point?

None of the coaches had records involving crimes against children, and all 
were deemed acceptable based on guidelines used by the Department of 
Children & Families in hiring child-care employees. Granted, the DCF has 
had its share of problems recently, but what of the men involved? Haven't 
all of these men done their time and completed their sentences?

None of these men was convicted of capital crimes, so why does the Sentinel 
wish to impose a life sentence that bars them from ever helping someone 
out? It seems to me that these men may be more help to some of these kids 
than an adult who knows only what he reads of the justice system within 
these pages.

I deem this irresponsible journalism that seeks nothing more than to incite 
the general public against men who once made mistakes but are now 
attempting to help someone else.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom