When a Hug is a Felony March 5, 2008

by Will

Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

March 5, 2008

The case of Veronica Rodriguez, a 27-year-old Oregon resident imprisoned for hugging a teenager, helps illustrate why our country has the largest prison population in the world.

Two years ago, as a counselor at a local Boys & Girls Club, Veronica took an interest in a troubled 13-year-old boy from a broken home. She spent a lot of time with both the boy and his family. Rumors flew of an illicit romance, but no solid evidence substantiated those suspicions.

On one occasion, Veronica was seen giving the youngster a hug in front of dozens of people. This wasn?t a good idea. It also wasn?t a crime. Nonetheless, she was charged with and convicted of felony sexual assault. Originally sentenced to sixteen months in prison, Veronica may serve five additional years under a draconian mandatory minimum sentencing law.

Would this type of thing occur in a society that is free in any reasonable sense of the word?

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.

No feedback yet