Thread: Dateline: To Catch A Predator

I've watched the show a couple of times, but missed the particular one you're talking about. In general, the only thing I really have against shows like that is that they practically tell criminals how to commit crimes and then how to hide the evidence afterwards. Shows like this are the reason for the increase of crime, not video games. All you have to do is watch the show, and you could be an expert thief/murderer/whatever.

As for them ridiculing criminals for ratings, in some cases they probably deserve it. For instance, if you have a guy who has been on a raping spree for however much time, he definitely deserves whatever he gets. I feel no pity for people like that, in fact I think they should create harsher punishments for them.

You know how many times that I have watched those shows and thought to myself exactly how I could get away with it? I would never do it, it's just the thought process in my head lol. I agree. The problems with shows like that, is that they do show you exactly how to get away with crimes at least for a little while.

But I have to admit, I love me some CSI lol.

I think that show scares the Hell out of pedophiles and makes them less likely to troll the internet for kids. The people they show are usually after kids who are 12 and 13, and that is not as evil as going after 7 year olds and stuff, but they still have no business doing it and need major deterrance. National humiliation looks pretty powerful. Imagine having a 13 year old sister and some 56 year old going to your parents' house to have at it with her. It can't happen. They need to do the right thing and go after college girls.

My question is, can they do that without the pedophiles' permission? I have no problem with the criminals voluntarily humiliating themselves.

Originally Posted by Brilliand

My question is, can they do that without the pedophiles' permission? I have no problem with the criminals voluntarily humiliating themselves.[/b]

yeah, its freedom of the press. it happens to celebrities all the time. they dont give permission for some photos but they still end up on TV.

Originally Posted by xcrissxcrossx

yeah, its freedom of the press. it happens to celebrities all the time. they dont give permission for some photos but they still end up on TV.[/b]

But what the pedophiles have to do for the show? "as in the time where they made that guy strip naked and they even read out his fantasy about a girl doing a sex act on a cat." That sounds like the guy gave permission.

Identifying the person to the public is OK, to my mind. I agree with freedom of the press - if it's true, and they didn't make the person do it, it's OK to tell it.

Originally Posted by Brilliand

But what the pedophiles have to do for the show? "as in the time where they made that guy strip naked and they even read out his fantasy about a girl doing a sex act on a cat." That sounds like the guy gave permission.[/b]

I saw that one that one. No, I'm pretty sure he didn't give permission.

They ought to expand that so pedophiles can never be sure who they are talking to. Hire a bunch of people to bait them. People could even volunteer to do it for free. It would cut down on it a lot I think.

Like that movie by arnold swartzenegger. Anyhow. It is all about the ratings. Ethics? What are those? Does it sell?

Originally Posted by Neruo

Like that movie by arnold swartzenegger. Anyhow. It is all about the ratings. Ethics? What are those? Does it sell?[/b]

Do you think it's unethical? No they haven't had a trial, but they all think tbey are coming to the house to have sex with a child. Have you seen it?

Originally Posted by Moonbeam

Do you think it's unethical? No they haven't had a trial, but they all think tbey are coming to the house to have sex with a child. Have you seen it?[/b]

Yeah. Basically, what they do is make fun of the mentally challenged, the mentally sick. Some of the pedophiles are just a bit weak in the head, and should be taken care of, therapy or something -locked up if that is better for them and the rest of the world-, not ridiculed on national TV. That they 'Catch' the pedophiles is great, but I really find it sick to show it on tv. It isn't so different from showing people getting the death sentence on tv. They shouldn't air that either, despite whether the people on the chair earned it or not.

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If you want to 'make them pay' by showing them on TV, or something like that, that is just sadistic. Law and it's punishments should work on bettering society, not on revenge and retaliation. If you shoot the man that shot your child, you aren't helping anyone.

Originally Posted by Neruo

If you shoot the man that shot your child, you aren't helping anyone.[/b]

But what if he lives to shoot more children? He might escape from prison and go on a killing spree. Isn't the killer just a waste of space anyway? Useless to society? He isn't ever going to help anyone and they need the space in prisons. If you kill the killer you make him taste his own crimes. I think the death penalty should be legalized everywhere.

As for the pedophiles, they aren't making fun of them as much as you think they are. Something tells me you don't have a good understanding of American humor. They are exposing these criminals as wrongdoers and hopefully scaring them into never doing it again.

Originally Posted by CymekSniper

But what if he lives to shoot more children? He might escape from prison and go on a killing spree. Isn't the killer just a waste of space anyway? Useless to society? He isn't ever going to help anyone and they need the space in prisons. If you kill the killer you make him taste his own crimes. I think the death penalty should be legalized everywhere.[/b]

Yes I get what you are saying. However, if YOU shot a man because he shot your children, you are doing it not for the best of society, you are probably doing it out of vengeance. You shouldn't be allowed to take right into your own hands. Law should do that.

Example: If someone gets the death penalty, would the relatives of the people he raped like to see him get eaten alive by wild dogs? Probably. However that serves no purpose but vengeance, retaliation. If you are taking the person out of society because that it better for it (he is sure to rape again), then do it in a humane, painless way.

With pedophiles: Who benefits from seeing the pedophiles on TV? How does the goal of the law benefit? If they just get caught and send to jail / therapy, that is the best you can do. They aren't going to behave better after they got ridiculed on TV. So the only goal it serves is vengeance on the 'bad' people (and money for the company that airs the show ) That is my point.

As for the pedophiles, they aren't making fun of them as much as you think they are. Something tells me you don't have a good understanding of American humor. They are exposing these criminals as wrongdoers and hopefully scaring them into never doing it again.[/b]

Like how introduction death penalties never change crime numbers? Really, making those people afraid doesn't work. Also, you aren't going to tell me they air the show, not because people like to see people they get getting owned, but that they watch it 'to make sure pedophiles are scared into doing it'. It is about entertainment, about the money.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Example: If someone gets the death penalty, would the relatives of the people he raped like to see him get eaten alive by wild dogs? Probably. However that serves no purpose but vengeance, retaliation. If you are taking the person out of society because that it better for it (he is sure to rape again), then do it in a humane, painless way.[/b]

I agree 100%. Still do they not deserve to see him put away in jail or killed by the death penalty? The perpetrator committed a crime against an innocent person and deserves just punishment.

Originally Posted by Neruo

If you are taking the person out of society because that it better for it (he is sure to rape again), then do it in a humane, painless way.[/b]

Lethal Injection.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Like how introduction death penalties never change crime numbers?[/b]

They have been around too long to tell.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Really, making those people afraid doesn't work.[/b]

Actually it does in some cases, but there are still many people who will commit the crime.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Also, you aren't going to tell me they air the show, not because people like to see people they get getting owned, but that they watch it 'to make sure pedophiles are scared into doing it'. It is about entertainment, about the money.[/b]

True, but the show can still serve the purpose I stated.

Hopefully the pedophiles will get nervous seeing the dateline NBC series and not act on their urges.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Yeah. Basically, what they do is make fun of the mentally challenged, the mentally sick. Some of the pedophiles are just a bit weak in the head, and should be taken care of, therapy or something -locked up if that is better for them and the rest of the world-, not ridiculed on national TV. That they 'Catch' the pedophiles is great, but I really find it sick to show it on tv. It isn't so different from showing people getting the death sentence on tv. They shouldn't air that either, despite whether the people on the chair earned it or not.

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If you want to 'make them pay' by showing them on TV, or something like that, that is just sadistic. Law and it's punishments should work on bettering society, not on revenge and retaliation. If you shoot the man that shot your child, you aren't helping anyone.[/b]

I wondered what you would say. I see what you mean, except for I don't think they're just a bit weak in the head, I think they're a lot worse than that. Actually I don't think people should be trapped into any other crime, and then have it shown as entertainment, so maybe I should think about why I think this is OK. I guess it is just the nature of that crime and the sliminess of the perpetrators. The only benefit it would have would be as a deterrent, but I'm sure it's not widespread enough really to actually scare very many. They could probably do the same thing without showing it as entertainment tho. You're probably right, we should be above watching that, altho if I realize it's on I go watch it. I don't think they just need a little counseling tho, they need locking up forever.

I agree with you about taking the revenge element out; prevention of further harm should be the main goal. If society has extra money, I guess rehabilitation for some (lesser) crimes is worth a shot. I think there should be a lot fewer laws tho, so there would be a lot less need for prisons and rehabilitation.

Originally Posted by CymekSniper

I agree 100%. Still do they not deserve to see him put away in jail or killed by the death penalty? The perpetrator committed a crime against an innocent person and deserves just punishment.[/b]

Yeah really no doubt that the law should made sure people that are really damaging society get removed from it in some way, no real debate their. However, the question whether (relatives of) the victim deserves some sort of (personal) vengeance on the criminal, that is a pretty though question... I mean

Lethal Injection.[/b]

I completely agree. If you are going to 'put someone down', lethal injection is by far the most humane way to do it. (In some states they have gas chambers still, I read somewhere.)

They have been around too long to tell.[/b]

Well, I have a hard time finding it in the Internet, but I read in a magazine that in a certain country or state in America, they introduced the capitol punishment, or abolished it, and it had very little effect on the crime numbers. Also, not All countries have capitol punishment

Actually it does in some cases, but there are still many people who will commit the crime.

True, but the show can still serve the purpose I stated.

Hopefully the pedophiles will get nervous seeing the dateline NBC series and not act on their urges.[/b]

Yes, I guess some pedophiles will be scared. However, I rather seem them all helped by therapy or by locking them up.. I still have some objections with the exploiting of not just criminals, but people that have a mental disorder that they can do little about personally... But hey, maybe some criminals are born criminal.. and you can still blame them.

Anyhow, I rather have seen pedophiles be caught and scared in another way then this. But it isn't the end of the world.

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Originally Posted by CymekSniper

I wondered what you would say. I see what you mean, except for I don't think they're just a bit weak in the head, I think they're a lot worse than that.[/b]

Pedophiles you mean? I personally think some of them might be born Pedophile, like gay people... that really makes judging them a bit difficult. Of course, they shouldn't have sex with children under any circumstances, so often locking them up is best for everyone. Yet in a way, you are blaming them for something they were born with.. ah well. Sometimes they really are assholes too.

Yeah typing this I remembered how many pedophiles always seem like they have No feeling of guilty, really don't give a shit about the children they are mentally just obliterating... okay, maybe pedophiles Can be blamed for being sick, life-destroying assholes ^__^

Actually I don't think people should be trapped into any other crime, and then have it shown as entertainment, so maybe I should think about why I think this is OK. I guess it is just the nature of that crime and the sliminess of the perpetrators. The only benefit it would have would be as a deterrent, but I'm sure it's not widespread enough really to actually scare very many. They could probably do the same thing without showing it as entertainment tho. You're probably right, we should be above watching that, altho if I realize it's on I go watch it. I don't think they just need a little counseling tho, they need locking up forever.[/b]

Actually, I wonder if it is entrapment. It might be. Not all 13-year-old girls on the Internet are as slutty as the cops posing as the girl... Anyhow, besides that pedophiles should indeed be put away in someway, the program can still be crap. Like "cops". I might agree with them arresting a man hitting his wife, but I really don't want to see it, and think it is silly people want to see it.

I agree with you about taking the revenge element out; prevention of further harm should be the main goal. If society has extra money, I guess rehabilitation for some (lesser) crimes is worth a shot. I think there should be a lot fewer laws tho, so there would be a lot less need for prisons and rehabilitation.[/b]

Yes some laws are just silly. Also, rehabilitation should be done more. Most of the people don't go to prison once. 75% of the people that gets arrested and put in prison, comes back a second (or more) time... Prison is a great school... a school for criminal activities. In the long run, better rehabilitation would pay off, and make society better.

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I think I am going to make a topic on Pedophiles.. and other crime perhaps.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Well, I have a hard time finding it in the Internet, but I read in a magazine that in a certain country or state in America, they introduced the capitol punishment, or abolished it, and it had very little effect on the crime numbers. Also, not All countries have capitol punishment [/b]

In America there have always been punishments for crimes so I guess fear has less to do with the death penalty and more to do with punishment in general. If criminals are not afraid for their crimes then I guess that means we just need to put them away faster.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Yes, I guess some pedophiles will be scared. However, I rather seem them all helped by therapy or by locking them up.. I still have some objections with the exploiting of not just criminals, but people that have a mental disorder that they can do little about personally... But hey, maybe some criminals are born criminal.. and you can still blame them.

Anyhow, I rather have seen pedophiles be caught and scared in another way then this. But it isn't the end of the world.[/b]

It does make good television after all.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Actually, I wonder if it is entrapment. It might be. Not all 13-year-old girls on the Internet are as slutty as the cops posing as the girl... Anyhow, besides that pedophiles should indeed be put away in someway, the program can still be crap. Like "cops". I might agree with them arresting a man hitting his wife, but I really don't want to see it, and think it is silly people want to see it.
Yes some laws are just silly. Also, rehabilitation should be done more. Most of the people don't go to prison once. 75% of the people that gets arrested and put in prison, comes back a second (or more) time... Prison is a great school... a school for criminal activities. In the long run, better rehabilitation would pay off, and make society better.[/b]

Yea, but if the guy knows they're 13 it doesn't matter how "slutty" they seem (I'm glad Leo's not here).

You're right, I don't want to see anybody hitting their wife, stealing a car, speeding...altho there are shows about that too. I just don't watch them, seems kind of boring. I don't know why I like seeing the pedophiles getting caught. A better produced program, maybe. I'm sure that will get boring too after a while.

If the drug laws were revoked, that would get rid of a huge amount of the prison population. Get rid of the other victimless crimes, there goes some more, plus a lot of expense in that enforcement, etc. I think prison should be reserved for the violent.

Originally Posted by CymekSniper

In America there have always been punishments for crimes so I guess fear has less to do with the death penalty and more to do with punishment in general. If criminals are not afraid for their crimes then I guess that means we just need to put them away faster.[/b]

Trowing people in jail isn't always the answer. Often it is for cereal killers, but for a heroin addict that is so wired to get his fix he goes out stealing, either rehabilitation is better, or even just giving them heroin. They do that in some countries, it works wonders. Junkies don't have to steal, since you just can't change some junkies.

Also, if someone, lets say, breaks into a shop with some friends, being stupid adolescents, and gets thrown in jail, chances are he will just get more violent and criminal once he gets out. Proper rehabilitation often works, and in the long run, is cheaper.

It does make good television after all. [/b]

In the Netherlands we have a saying: "About taste, there can be no argument." Everyone likes different things "

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Also, moonbeam, I totally agree that they should stop putting drug users in prison (in America). It costs the state billions of dollars, and just ruins lives the kid's lives more then marijuana ever could. Since like 50% of America has smoked marijuana at one time, probably including the president, I don't see why they get that drug legal: It would even take care of the Real criminals, if done properly. The stoner kids aren't criminals, the dealers mostly are. Rich, criminal assholes. If you put one away, another one will take his place. Legalizing drugs, and letting the government grow proper save drugs to be strictly sold in special shops with proper I.D.-ing and even making sure there is a maximum to buy each day. That would put the drugs dealers out of business. If done with cocaine or XTC or something, overdoses would drop dramatically thanks to good information and drugs you actually know what is in it and how much.

Anyhow, way off topic there : )

Originally Posted by Neruo

Trowing people in jail isn't always the answer. Often it is for cereal killers, but for a heroin addict that is so wired to get his fix he goes out stealing, either rehabilitation is better, or even just giving them heroin. They do that in some countries, it works wonders. Junkies don't have to steal, since you just can't change some junkies.[/b]

It was still his choice in the first place to start taking heroin. If they don't throw him in jail, he might get high one day and decide to go driving or, depending on what drug he is taking, he could become violent and hurt somebody. Drugs affect everyone around the person who is taking them. It is a danger to society.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Also, if someone, lets say, breaks into a shop with some friends, being stupid adolescents, and gets thrown in jail, chances are he will just get more violent and criminal once he gets out. Proper rehabilitation often works, and in the long run, is cheaper.[/b]

True, however America is much more lenient about drugs than you think. You won't get thrown in jail on your first offense, you will probably have to pay a fine and have a spot on your record but you won't get thrown in jail.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Also, moonbeam, I totally agree that they should stop putting drug users in prison (in America). It costs the state billions of dollars, and just ruins lives the kid's lives more then marijuana ever could. Since like 50% of America has smoked marijuana at one time, probably including the president, I don't see why they get that drug legal: It would even take care of the Real criminals, if done properly. The stoner kids aren't criminals, the dealers mostly are. Rich, criminal assholes. If you put one away, another one will take his place. Legalizing drugs, and letting the government grow proper save drugs to be strictly sold in special shops with proper I.D.-ing and even making sure there is a maximum to buy each day. That would put the drugs dealers out of business. If done with cocaine or XTC or something, overdoses would drop dramatically thanks to good information and drugs you actually know what is in it and how much.

Anyhow, way off topic there : )[/b]

I have not completely decided my standing on that. If they legalize marijuana then the government could regulate it and drive down the price to where it would be the cheapest drug out there which would cause the drug users to buy it and starve the drug dealers out of business. Perhaps the government could regulate how marijuana is grown which would make it less potent. The drug has after all, changed and become more potent and more powerful therefore more dangerous since the 70s. The government could also regulate the quantity sold. I am not sure if this would cause an increase in drug users or not. If education about drugs stays and using drugs is frowned upon in the eyes of society, this could be a good thing.


Boy we are off topic here though. This thread is supposed to be about pedophiles. lol.

Originally Posted by CymekSniper

It was still his choice in the first place to start taking heroin. If they don't throw him in jail, he might get high one day and decide to go driving or, depending on what drug he is taking, he could become violent and hurt somebody. Drugs affect everyone around the person who is taking them. It is a danger to society.[/b]

People getting aggressive from drugs? And getting into a car and being dangerous? What does that remind me of? Alcohol. The number one drug for causing fights and traffic deaths.

Actually Alcohol really is by far the most aggressive-making drug I know of, by far. Still, okay, some junkies still might to bad things. Well actually, I doubt it. With heroin you really don't feel like fighting or driving, from what I know of it.

Still, if people were given drugs if they can't stop by themselves, to prevent them from having to steal, I do agree that they can be dangerous somewhat. Certainly don't give them drivers licenses.

True, however America is much more lenient about drugs than you think. You won't get thrown in jail on your first offense, you will probably have to pay a fine and have a spot on your record but you won't get thrown in jail.[/b]

Doesn't it really depend on the state? I heard drug laws are not so kind in Florida for example. But it is right that sometimes they try to rehabilitate drug users rather then send them to crime-school (prison).

I have not completely decided my standing on that. If they legalize marijuana then the government could regulate it and drive down the price to where it would be the cheapest drug out there which would cause the drug users to buy it and starve the drug dealers out of business. Perhaps the government could regulate how marijuana is grown which would make it less potent. The drug has after all, changed and become more potent and more powerful therefore more dangerous since the 70s.[/b]

You are somewhat right: Drug dealers would be out of bussines. No reason to buy weed illegally if you can get clean weed elsewhere. Hell, the government wouldn't have to smuggle, so they could sell weed for the price of tomatoes if they wanted. However, I would say some big taxes to keep the illegal drugs out. Also, taxes will compensate more then 100 times the (medical) damage that marijuana causes. Really, where did you get the idea marijuana is dangerous? No one ever died from overdose. No-one! People did from alcohol. Smoking it is a bit unhealthy.. noting comparing to tobacco, millions have died from lung cancer thanks to it. It doesn't matter how potent marijuana is, THC (active chemical in weed) can't be dangerous in any quantities, unless you drive perhaps. And even if they do, stoned you might drive better then drunk.

The government could also regulate the quantity sold. I am not sure if this would cause an increase in drug users or not. If education about drugs stays and using drugs is frowned upon in the eyes of society, this could be a good thing.
Boy we are off topic here though. This thread is supposed to be about pedophiles. lol.[/b]

yeah way off topic. I would have to say that from what I heard, drugs are so easy to come by (in big cities) that it would certainly reduce drug use. If you get an electronic I.D system you could restrict people buying more then they probably use themselves, so you can restrict kids from smoking marijuana by probably a lot. Also, if you don't have to go do a dealer for marijuana, by far the most popular illegal drug in America, then there is a bigger chance the dealer doesn't try to sell you some crappy cocaine with grinded light bulbs in them to make the cocaine look shiny (they actually do that sometimes, sick).

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Maybe just give pedophiles a drug that does the opposite Viagra does, and totally removes their libido? : )

Originally Posted by Neruo

People getting aggressive from drugs? And getting into a car and being dangerous? What does that remind me of? Alcohol. The number one drug for causing fights and traffic deaths.

Actually Alcohol really is by far the most aggressive-making drug I know of, by far. Still, okay, some junkies still might to bad things. Well actually, I doubt it. With heroin you really don't feel like fighting or driving, from what I know of it.

Still, if people were given drugs if they can't stop by themselves, to prevent them from having to steal, I do agree that they can be dangerous somewhat. Certainly don't give them drivers licenses.[/b]

I honestly wish alchohol would be banned all together. I have the experiences of being around a raging alcoholic of which I will not speak of. Unfortunately alcohol is used by too many people to ban it now.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Doesn't it really depend on the state? I heard drug laws are not so kind in Florida for example. But it is right that sometimes they try to rehabilitate drug users rather then send them to crime-school (prison).[/b]

Yes I suppose it does depend on the state but for the most part I would say you won't get put in jail first offense.

Originally Posted by Neruo

You are somewhat right: Drug dealers would be out of bussines. No reason to buy weed illegally if you can get clean weed elsewhere. Hell, the government wouldn't have to smuggle, so they could sell weed for the price of tomatoes if they wanted. However, I would say some big taxes to keep the illegal drugs out. Also, taxes will compensate more then 100 times the (medical) damage that marijuana causes. Really, where did you get the idea marijuana is dangerous? No one ever died from overdose. No-one! People did from alcohol. Smoking it is a bit unhealthy.. noting comparing to tobacco, millions have died from lung cancer thanks to it. It doesn't matter how potent marijuana is, THC (active chemical in weed) can't be dangerous in any quantities, unless you drive perhaps. And even if they do, stoned you might drive better then drunk.[/b]

Read this article.

Originally Posted by Neruo

Maybe just give pedophiles a drug that does the opposite Viagra does, and totally removes their libido? : )[/b]

Actually that isn't a bad idea....

you know I really dont understand why there are shows like this to begin with. Its like the news and what gets on the news. is anything that gets on the news really news? is any of it necessary? is it anyones business if so and so died in an accident other than the loved ones, is it anyones business that such and such family broke out in a bbq fight. . . ?

Drugs have to be legal. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs there is, and the banning of it got so out of hand that the prohibition amendment had to be repealed. I don't see what is different about the other drugs. Drug prohibition is a disastrous nightmare, and it goes against individual liberty. Nobody goes out killing so they can steal the money to buy a 12 pack of beer or a pack or even a carton of cigarettes. That is because alcohol and tobacco are so inexpensive when legal that nobody has to do outrageous things to get a hold of them. Tobacco kills 1/3 of its users, but it too gets some very strange exemption. Alcohol and tobacco have immensely powerful lobbies, and that is why. Imagine what would happen if tobacco were banned. Can you imagine what people having nicotine fits would be willing to do to get their hands on tobacco? One cigarette pack worth of tobacco would cost like $50, and one crime after another would get committed so addicts could have their tobacco. A three pack a day smoker would have to come up with $150 a day to support the habit. The world of prostitution would suddenly have a lot of new members. The same is true of all of the drugs. That has a lot to do with the crime problem we now have.

We have two choices.

1. Drugs are illegal and we have the gangster problem and robbery/murder problem we now have and the drugs themselves are less pure and therefore more dangerous. Drug addicts destroy themselves any way and destroy the people around them. The government keeps spending approximately $700 per second on the war on drugs.

2. Drugs are legal and the gangs lose power (and so would the pop culture of gangster bullshit that is so huge in the U.S. today) and stop killing each other and addicts mind their own business and destroy themselves without destroying the people around them and the people they go out to mug and burglarize. The government spends nothing on the war on drugs because there isn't one.

Very importantly, if I want to sit in my living room and get high, that is my decision, not anybody else's. Nobody has any business telling me I may not do it. Freedom is a virtue.

I actually dont like drugs of any kind - I dont drink. But I agree, I mean alcohol is as bad as it gets and yet its very legal.