My thoughts this morning, and over the past week, have been preoccupied with the disappearance of Chelsea King. Although I consider myself an optimist, I am also a realist and from the beginning my intuition was telling me this probably wasn’t going to end the way we all hoped it would.
Chelsea King
As I set out for my morning walk, I passed by the nature trails I usually enjoy hiking. These days it seems wisest to bypass the beauty and solitude of nature in favor of the increased safety the neighborhood sidewalks potentially provide. I noticed more single women walking around. Were they too being cautious and avoiding walking the trails alone?
As far as I could see no one was on any of the trails. When I walked past the beginning of another trail, I noticed a sign which declared no firearms or weapons are allowed. I thought to myself, “Why not?” It seems insufficient to have a cell phone with me to protect myself from a crazed sex offender who has nothing better to do than lurk in the bushes and wait to attack innocent women who are out for their daily exercise.
Mace for Joggers
I think I have a can of Mace somewhere around the house, perhaps in the trunk of my car. But I have to wonder, would Mace really be effective? Maybe that predator just used brute force and guerilla warfare tactics of surprise, but he may have had a weapon too such as a knife or a gun.
I have heard the recommendation to exercise with a friend. I understand the safety in numbers theory, but it is not always practical. My friends are generally doing other things when I am ready to go for a walk in the morning. I deserve the freedom to safely walk a nature trail by myself, at least during daylight hours.
If women along nature trails were equipped with handguns to protect themselves, we could put an end to sexual predators – at least some of them. After a few of the more stupid sexual predators were popped off, the smarter ones might realize if they want to have sex they should go find a willing partner or hire a prostitute. Attacking women who are out exercising is not acceptable.
There must be better solutions for dealing with sexual predators aside from letting them run loose or killing them. I am definitely not an expert on this subject, but it seems logical if we can define the cause, perhaps we can address the problems that result. Prevention would definitely serve all parties the best. What causes this type of behavior? What can we do to prevent someone from becoming a sexual predator? Are there any effective methods of therapy or treatment to cure sex offenders? If not, how about creating sexual predator colonies where they can prey upon and violate one another as they have done unto others?
Kelly and Brent King
What began as solemn, heartfelt emotions of the devastation Chelsea’s parents must be experiencing due to the tragedy of their daughter’s death led me to wonder not only about my personal safety, but what we as a society can do to prevent future occurrences of violent crimes and senseless deaths. Brent and Kelly, my heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May you again find peace, love, and happiness in life.