Comparing oneself, and ones conviction to that of other convictions does nothing to benefit anyone.

It’s unhealthy behavior and, to some extent fuels the fire for those that see the registry as a positive thing.

Remember, there is a large difference between a crime as charged and a situation as occurred.

Many would argue that the active search for images of someone younger than oneself is equally as vile, as this creates a market for those that would abuse for distribution.

I for one think it is wise to reflect on the fact that my own case is no where near as bad as the legal document makes it seem.

In understanding this, I apply this line of thought… If there is one, there are four. If there are four, then there are more.

Think not, “I am better than he.” Instead think, “is it right to judge him myself?”

I served 7 out of a 9 year sentence in Federal Prison, and have a 15 year “Supervised Release” addition to it. In Ohio I am considered a Tier 2 and must report every 6 months. Tier 1 (reporting once per year) is for those convicted of Indecent Exposure and Public Urination. Since people in my position did not contact or interact with anyone at all I feel this whole situation is unfair and unconstitutional.

Considering movies such as “Hunger Games” depicting people under 18 brutally killing each other, episodes of “Weeds” depicting people under 18 having sex, and numerous other films and books depicting/describing sex and/or violence involving someone under 18, I have to wonder why the same things on the internet bring such draconian punishment.

I have heard that there are peer reviewed studies in existence that show the rarity of anyone who only views pictures and/or videos ever progressing to contact or hands on crime. Is someone working on this?