Are Any Offenses Unforgivable? Peter Yarrow to be Honored

Posted by fac-admin on April 22, 2014 in Press 

Peter Yarrow, one of the lead singers of the iconic band Peter, Paul and Mary, is scheduled to be honored next month by his alma mater, LaGuardia High School, for his contributions to “Peace, Love and the Power of Song”.

The singer, who wrote such classics as “Puff the Magic Dragon” in the sixties, went on to become a political activist, opposing the war in Vietnam and in 2000, co-founding Operation Respect, an organization that brings programs of tolerance and respect to diversity in schools and camps.

In 1970, Yarrow served three months in prison for taking “improper liberties” with a 14 year old girl. This offense has caused uproar amongst some parents and students at LaGuardia, who are outraged that a sex offender will be present at the school, let alone be honored.

The controversy prompts the question; are any offenses unforgivable?

Convicted felon rapper 50 Cent, who used to deal drugs in school and was even arrested for bringing a firearm to class, last October produced a television series called “Dream School” which focused on changing the lives of teenagers facing challenges.  Apparently, he’s been forgiven.

Peter Yarrow committed his offense over four decades ago. Since that time he’s gone on to advocate for peace throughout the world, committed thousands of hours of service to numerous communities and pioneered an in-school program that has improved the lives of countless students.

If it’s possible for one individual to redeem themselves and be recognized for turning their lives around, why can’t another?

 

http://floridaactioncommittee.org/are-any-offenses-unforgivable-peter-yarrow-to-be-honored/

 

Florida Action Committee (FAC), founded in 2006, is a state-wide consortium of concerned citizens and professionals whose purpose is to promote the prevention of sexual abuse while preserving the safety and dignity of all citizens through carefully structured laws targeting the truly violent, forced, and/or dangerous predatory acts of sex. FAC believes that many aspects of the current approach to sex offenders seriously undermine justice and actually increase the threat of sexual assault against others, particularly children. FAC opposes a publicized registry of sex offenders and seeks to bring an end to the humiliation of people who have already paid for their crimes. FAC asserts that only by supporting justice for all people—offenders and victims alike can a truly safe society be built and secured for all Americans.