Does "Dateline" Go Too Far "To Catch A Predator?" I don't think so, but what do you think

Question

I found a link that asks that question. What do you think?

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2006/02/07/publiceye/entry1290135.shtml

Answer 1

No, I don't think so. These people made a choice about their behavior, and about what they felt was right or wrong. They know what they're doing is against the law. The show didn't ruin anyone's life. They ruined their own lives by choosing to pursue sexual relationships with teenagers and children.

Edited to add a response to "Mr Wizard:"

I am one of those FEMALE responders, but I don't see anything in my answer "damning" all males as perverts. Obviously, yes, there are female sex offenders out there, and they should be caught and punished, too. We need to worry more about defending and protecting children, instead of trying to "water down" what these ADULT men and women are CHOOSING to do. They have full knowledge of the repercussions of their actions. Don't coddle them.

Answer 2

I give them a big thumbs up for what they are doing. Not only are they clearing the streets of a whole bunch of pedophiles, but I think, hopefully, that they may open the eyes of some teens who might fall prey to these perverts in the future.
Go Dateline!

Answer 3

What Dateline did was purely to grab ratings and they ruined the lives of some pretty class A dumb guys who made a serious mistake, very likely their first. Albeit true, such stings are a great public safety effort, but they rarely catch the real experienced child molester; they can sniff a trap a mile away and avoid them.

Of all the male "predators" snagged by Dateline NBC's efforts w/ local law enforcement, it only takes one to wriggle free of all charges and fire back a devastating $$$$ lawsuit that can ask NBC "Deal.....or No Deal????". And given Dateline's evident reputation for constructing biased journalism, I have to cast a brow of suspicion on their part of this "sting" operation.

So the DA's office will have NO choice but to find some charge to convict ALL these guys....if they even can.

That might be a hat trick in itself. Not all of them brought sex toys and women's lingerie with them--and for those guys, all that's there are some dirty spoken text chats. Just because you express a fantasy doesn't mean you will carry it out....which is why these "stings" rarely work out effectively.

And for you cheering FEMALE responders here, ask yourselves this question: How many FEMALE "online predators" you think are out there??? Ah, you're quick to dam ALL MALES as perverts....ever stop to think how many women are equally deserving the title of pervert???? Well, I'll tell you this much: there are TONS out there--very likey enough to equal the males.

Would be interesting to see how many FEMALE "perverts" Dateline snags in similar "sting" operations with local law enforcement.

Answer 4

I absolutely think they go too far ... If they were motivated for the right reasons, that would be one thing .. but they are motivated for ratings only.

It seems what they are doing is entrapment.

Now, they have caught some real slime-balls during their 'investigation' .. but they have also ruined some peoples lives and tonight on the show they ruined an American Solider who has served our Country. I wanted to ask Chris whats-his-name if he served our Country.

P.S. My point is ... you only hear the parts that Dateline wants you to hear .. remember, this is Dateline - the same program the added ignitors to prove that a truck would explode on impact. We don't know who initiated the contact on this show .. and we dont know who escalated the conversation. Don't get me wrong, these guys are SHMUCKS and they should not be allowed to roam our streets - IF Dateline didn't initiate the conversation or escalate the nature of the conversation - AND WE DON'T KNOW THAT.

Here's a clip directly from cbs.com: decoys tell the adults they are home alone and sometimes they say they are interested in sex, a few pretend they are eager to meet."

Answer 5

absolutely not. contrary to popular opinion i believe that molesting children is one of the few crimes that should be enforced by nothing other than the death penalty. I mean how sick does some one have to be to take the innocence of precious children. keep up the good work dateline

Answer 6

I think dateline does go too far trying to catch the predator's, it's good ratings so if the ratings good they will keep doing what works, I personally think there are more hardcore criminals out there that need to be pursued, such as serial rapists or murderer's why aren't they high profile on their show? most people on their show are just regular people who do commit a crime but I don't think their lives should be ruined in the manner that it is, rather I have more hardcore criminals being pursued and exposed.

Answer 7

I think it's great that there are people out there who work hard to keep these sick people off the streets. Being a new mother, I cringe when I hear of any crime that involves children. Knowing that the streets are a bit safer because of these investigations helps me sleep a little better at night!

Answer 8

I agree they don't go to far with it. I think it is about time they show some awareness. And to remind parents that not even your home is safe with a computer in the house. I've made my little sister watch because she spends to much time on the internet. I want to make her aware of the people that are out there.

Answer 9

Not at all. These people need to be stopped anyway possible. I mean sometimes these men are bringing alcohol and one time they found rope and duct tape in one guys trunk, one stripped naked before they even came out of the kitchen. Stop the pervs!!!***

Sharli

Answer 10

I think they should do whatever it takes to get the scum off the streets so that Innocent people can be safe and if it takes blowing them up then I am all for it so many evil people in this world and they need to be gone