Can people who made horrible mistakes, did evil things in the past really change? Can they become a better person and move beyond what they once were? And even if they were changed, should we really let them go on parole or should they pay full price for what they did even if they're better now? I would like to know AG's opinion on this. I got the idea for this thread from the story of serial rapist Stephen Michael Vandam, who raped as many as 30(underage) women in the 80's, will be up for parole soon. Twice before, he has been paroled, and each time he just committed the crime again. Once, he escaped from prison but was caught again by police after they received a tip leading to his capture again. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 years to life. Now he will be up for parole once more. He has admitted to as many as 17 rapes, but is suspected of 30 or more. Vandam claims that if he is released, he will join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He says he has found religion in the past 5 years, and that he prays for his victims every night. My question is: is this an act, or is it sincere? And even if it were true, should we really let such a person out on the streets without having paid full punishment for his crimes? I would just like your opinion on this, as I find this very interesting.
I don't think people can change their way of living that radically without an occurence strong enough to achieve a change. I believe that such moments when you just 'switch' do exist, though are very very rare (I'm not even talking about brain-washing XD). The problem with that is that if a guy is a good enough actor, you can't tell the difference and are bound to either keep him in without founded reason, just for safety, or let him free for the sake of good will and new chances. I think it is very complicated and hard to make the right decision here, if possible at all. But to answer your question:
My question is: is this an act, or is it sincere? And even if it were true, should we really let such a person out on the streets without having paid full punishment for his crimes?
In relation to religion it very well could be an act, but again, can't be sure. Concerning the penalty, I think even if he pleaded guilty and said sorry, he should be bound to fully sit through his punishment; after this you can let him free since keeping him longer than the sentence said wouldn't be legal (I think).
I hate to triple post, but before you click the links, you should probably be warned that they are mature, I guess. It's not too bad, but I think maybe some of the younger members don't want to click.
I really doubt he's sincere and if he's going to join a cult even if he is sincere he's sincerely a cultist so he's better off in prison anyway.
Lol, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...the Mormon Church? You're calling the Mormon church a cult? Not that it isn't, but you know, you're Christian, aren't you? And Christianity is a cult as much as LDS is.
Lol, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...the Mormon Church? You're calling the Mormon church a cult? Not that it isn't, but you know, you're Christian, aren't you? And Christianity is a cult as much as LDS is.
I was reinforcing you... It makes me feel like I am contributing to the conversation.
I believe some people can change, but religion doesn't help. The locked away see "Hey look, if I say I found Jesus they let me out sooner..." and roll with it. Many latter break the same law again.
I was reinforcing you... It makes me feel like I am contributing to the conversation.
Ohhh...I'm sorry. I thought you were disagreeing with me, since you quoted my post and not his. My bad, Albert.
Many latter break the same law again.
Yup, he did it twice before. Also; pun intended?
Also; it SURELY isn't relevant that he's claiming to have found the LDS religion in Salt Lake City, Utah, which even I will admit is the Mormon capital of the world.
