Pubdate: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL) Copyright: 2002 Orlando Sentinel Contact: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325 Author: Larry Gaines, Cocoa Beach Note: Drugs users in referred Sentinel story. YOUTH COACHES Once again we have a case of the media attempting to do too much. The Sentinel ran a story about youth coaches with felony records, and I would like to know: What is your point? None of the coaches had records involving crimes against children, and all were deemed acceptable based on guidelines used by the Department of Children & Families in hiring child-care employees. Granted, the DCF has had its share of problems recently, but what of the men involved? Haven't all of these men done their time and completed their sentences? None of these men was convicted of capital crimes, so why does the Sentinel wish to impose a life sentence that bars them from ever helping someone out? It seems to me that these men may be more help to some of these kids than an adult who knows only what he reads of the justice system within these pages. I deem this irresponsible journalism that seeks nothing more than to incite the general public against men who once made mistakes but are now attempting to help someone else. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom