Sex Offenders Banned From Church in NC

North Carolina is a proud member of the so-called Bible Belt of states that take their religion seriously. So some eyebrows were raised when James Nichols was arrested for attending church.

His offense? Nichols, a convicted sex offender, had chosen to worship at a church that has a nursery where kids play while their parents pray. Now Nichols, 31, who only recently got out of prison, is fighting back, challenging the legality of a new law that took effect in December prohibiting registered sex offenders from coming within 300 ft. — nearly a football field's length — of any facility devoted to the use, care or supervision of minors.

As more states have adopted laws regulating where sex offenders can go, it was only a matter of time before the noble goal of protecting children butted heads with the sacrosanct First Amendment right to worship where and when you choose.

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Churches are supposed to welcome all people into their doors. They are supposed to help people get in touch with their spiritual selves and serve as a refuge for those who are overwhelmed with life. Consequently, I don't think anyone should be banned from going to Church.

Sex offenders should do a long bid in prison for violating and potentially ruining a person's youth. I know a number of young women who were molested when they were younger. Most of them are well-adjusted, but the burden they carry from being molested adversely affects other parts of their lives. I don't believe any amount of money or happiness in adulthood can overshadow a traumatic childhood experience. Sex offenders must pay a hefty price for stealing their victims' innocence.

I'm a man of Faith, but I rarely go to Church. The church, as an institution, doesn't serve the community the way I think it should. I try not to pass judgment, but I have seen too many churches that aren't committed to the Word. Don't even get me started on the prosperity ministry. Nevertheless, I have seen several of my family members transformed by their commitment to organized religion. The Church will always play an integral role in the rehabilitation process, which is why I believe banning sex offenders from them is counterproductive.

People get ready, there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

The Auto Industry Can't Escape The Truth

Just a year ago, working as a product presenter at an auto show was a pretty straightforward job. You stood next to a vehicle, you called it a marvel of engineering, style and comfort and then you fielded softball questions like, “What does this baby cost?”But that was before the bailout. Now that the government has helped General Motors and Chrysler stave off bankruptcy with billions of dollars in loans, these companies are finding somewhat hostile crowds at their exhibits. Long a glamorous showcase for car makers, auto shows have lately become a place for buyers and gawkers to vent. Few of the attendees at the Javits Center, where the New York Car Show show runs until Sunday, will ever encounter a top executive from GM or Chrysler. But all of them get within heckling range of the presenters and for some, that is good enough.

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It is a shame that General Motors and Chrysler need the government's assistance to stay afloat. This recession doesn't seem to be coming to an end anytime soon. Consequently, I cannot see the average person purchasing a new car unless the purchase is made out of necessity. Moreover, the few people in the market for a new car are probably not going to patronize companies that may not be around next year. I really want to see the power brokers at these failing auto companies get what they deserve. Unfortunately, that would leave thousands of people unemployed and families scrambling to make ends meet. This situation puts the President in yet another unenviable situation. The people who heckle car show presenters have misplaced, yet understandable, anger. General Motors and Chrysler want the big payout. The people want "The Big Payback"

Get ready that's a fact

Get ready you mother...
For the Big Payback
The Big Payback