[TheeBadOne]

MIAMI — Some of the worst sexual predators in Florida (search) are taking college courses and U.S. taxpayers are picking up the tab.

Federal law enacted in 1994 prevents state and federal prison inmates from getting financial aid. But Florida law, enacted not long afterward in response to a gruesome child rape and murder, allowed jurors to confine the worst predators in mental health facilities.

Offenders housed in these centers are not called "inmates" but "residents." According to the letter of the law, that means they qualify for Pell Grants (search) dispersed by the Department of Education (search).

Family members of victims are outraged over the loophole, but at least one convicted -- and now released -- sex offender said he is entitled to the money and thinks it's a better investment for the state to have the cash go to his education rather than to his housing in an institution.

In the past year alone, 54 sexual predators residing in one mental health facility have received about $200,000 to take college courses. Congress is likely to consider amending the law when it returns to Washington, D.C., next year.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,105994,00.html
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We do live in interesting times. A single choice of work, "resident" vs "inmate" makes all the difference.

[Balog]

I long for the days when rape and the like were punished by death.

[MicroBalrog]

In the past year alone, 54 sexual predators residing in one mental health facility have received about $200,000 to take college courses. Congress is likely to consider amending the law when it returns to Washington, D.C., next year

Which means these people are ill.

[Balog]

Poor babies. They rape children, but it's not their fault.

If you define "mentally ill" as the desire to commit certain types of crime, then you've given a group of criminals blanket immunity. :barf: :barf: :barf:

Insanity should be considered a complete disconnect from reality. And even then I could see an argument for killing the people so disconnected. A rabid dog may not understand it's actions, but releasing it isn't an option.

[MicroBalrog]

Insanity should be considered a complete disconnect from reality

Or the inability to control your own actions.

[Balog]

Poor impulse control is a Get Out of Jail Free card now? :barf: And even so, they're still no different than rabid dogs.

[MicroBalrog]

Poor impulse control is a Get Out of Jail Free card now?

I think the problem of those people goes beyond impulse control, but I'm no expert.

[Nightfall]

I long for the days when rape and the like were punished by death.
I'll second that.

[mrapathy2000]

whats this have to do with guns?

besides the fact those offenders probably deserve to meet one loaded.