Quote Originally Posted by miles View Post
I dont watch these kinds of programmes really. I watched that though, and though it was interesting, it just seemed a bit wrong to be watching it. Having thought about it a little, I do think its a bit messed up that this kind of material is used in a battle for ratings. If people are breaking the law then the proper authorities should be involved and clamping down. It shouldnt be for a bunch of wannabe reality filmmakers to do it and make a show so people can sit down and eat their hot dogs more comfortably. There is something a bit amiss there.

Maybe Im just grouchy and looking at it from an unpopular stance, but people shouldnt need to get their kicks from that kind of garbage.
The guy Chris Hanson is from a show called Dateline, which is a type of news program.. This show, "To Catch a Predator" is not a reality show in a sense of The Girls Next Door, or The Osbournes was, it actually serves a purpose.. As some people may view it in the respect you're suggesting, there is still a lot to be learned from it i think.. Especially recently in my area, i believe it's become a law that all sex offenders are in this database where anyone in the public can search for them..

I went to an all guys high school and the Vice Principal (the guy who was feared, and you'd be sent to him for any disciplinary action) was caught from a site that did this same thing.. And he lost his job, etc.. Unfortunately for him, this type of stuff was not on TV at the time.. Well maybe not unfortunately, but you get what i'm saying.. I think that this type of broadcasting acts as a great detterent to such actions..

I mean, it's the same thing, on a smaller level, when you're driving on the same highway everyday, and EVERY day you see a cop with someone pulled over on the side of the road.. That type of stuff acts as a deterrent to you speeding.. You don't see the cop secretly giving the offender a citation in the woods..

One way to look at it is the way you suggested, another way is to think if one of these guys was talking to your younger son or daughter online in a controversial manner and came to YOUR house for this reason.. I'd have no remorse or mercy on anything that was to happen to him..