Tyson, Rape Isn't Funny Anymore

by Michelle Simonsen 

Imagine you decide to go to the theatre to see an alleged, “One Man Act”. Imagine how you might feel after you find out that this "performer" is a convicted rapist? How would you feel when you found out that this person has to register as a sex offender in every state he works in?

After learning this information, I am going to assume that the majority of law abiding citizens would be up in arms over this performance in their cities. You think to yourself, "Why would anyone pay to see a sex offender ramble on about their poor, hard life?"  Wouldn’t you question the theatre owners and promoters and demand an explanation for why they are giving this rapist a platform and getting paid for it?

Well guess what. This really happened. People did see this convicted rapist, and they paid up to $250 ticket to listen to this longstanding criminal and sex offender justify himself. All on your dime, he's getting some sick pleasure out of exploiting his criminal acts and assassinating the character of his victims. Did you know this monstrosity started on Broadway? The infamous and controversial director, Spike Lee is producing it.  Thanks to the Hollywood machine, this rapist will be touring 36 cities, banking the bucks and getting crazy, wild publicity out of it.

Who is this performing rapist? His name is Mike Tyson.

It is of my opinion that entertainment executives, investors and the entire Hollywood machine have ignored that Mike Tyson is a SEX OFFENDER. He is a rapist. He is a self-admitted violent man. The movie “The Hangover” became less funny when I saw that ugly tattooed mug appear on the screen ruining a perfectly good Phil Collins song.  Why do the powers that be in Hollywood think it's a great idea to idolize and capitalize off a monster? What part of rapist do they not understand? He’s not an “alleged” rapist. He IS a rapist.

Every sexual assault survivor got a big slap in the face last month with a ugly wrapped package of the NBC network, and its television show, Law & Order: SVU (Special Victims Unit.) The sick irony? Tyson played the victim of a prison rape.

Did I miss something? Was this supposed to be funny? Were these people serious? Tyson playing a rape victim?!

In the video below, Marcie Kaveney, a sexual assault advocate, called for a Petition on Change.org asking NBC recast Tyson's character.  When asked why would NBC do something like that (casting Tyson as a rape victim on a very sensitive show), Kaveney stated, "I can't even say because they haven't even come out to say anything.  They never responded to the petition, they haven't responded to any interviews...all I can think is ratings.  Maybe they thought with it being controversial that it would get ratings and new viewers."

HuffPost Live interview discussing Tyson starring in Law & Order: SVU

 

"Inappropriate and insensitive" discussing NBC, Marcie Kaveney, Change.org

Petition to Recast Mike Tyson--Change.org

Why is man who is a criminal, a rapist, a violent animal, and a loose cannon being celebrated on screen and on stage? I would surmise that NBC doesn't care about the viewers who were deeply offended by their choice of casting. However, the bottom line is always ratings and money. 

 FORGOTTEN VICTIM, DESIREE WASHINGTON

In July 1991, Tyson was one of the judges for Miss Black America. Desiree Washington, Miss Black Rhode Island, was introduced to Tyson and later offered to take her for a ride in his limo to see Indianapolis. Desiree testified that Tyson made sexual advances towards her in the limo where she rebuffed him and he stated to her,  "Oh, you're not like the city girls. You're a Christian girl."  Tyson told the limo driver he needed to stop at his hotel room and insisted that Desiree come with him. 

She testified that upon arriving at his hotel room, she excused herself to use the bathroom, and when she emerged she stated to the jury, "I glanced over and saw the defendant in his underwear...on the bed. He was just sitting there.... I was terrified."  Tyson pinned her down on his bed and raped her despite her pleas to stop.  "It felt like someone was ripping me apart," she said.  After the rape, she ran out of the room and asked Tyson's chauffeur to drive her back to her hotel. Tyson's chauffeur, Virginia Foster, confirmed Desiree Washington's state of shock. Dr. Thomas Richardson, the emergency room physician who examined Washington confirmed that Washington's physical condition was consistent with rape.   (Source)

Tyson was convicted on the rape charge on February 10, 1992 after the jury deliberated for nearly 10 hours. Tyson was sentenced to six years, but only served three, and was released in 1995. 

AN ANIMAL OUT OF ITS CAGE 

After being released, in an interview with Fox News Anchor Greta Van Susteren, Tyson was asked if he raped Desiree Washington. His answer? “No, I didn't rape that slimy bitch...just a lying, reptilian, monstrous, young lady. I just hate her guts. She put me in that state where, I don't know, I really wish I did now. Now I really do want to rape her and her (expletive) mama."   Source

He’s so full of hatred for being accused of this crime and “that woman” ruining his life. He’s no rapist! Right? Yet, in 2002 he was quoted as saying “[He] called me a ‘rapist’ and a ‘recluse.’ I’m not a recluse.”  Freudian "rape" slip?    Source

TYSON’S “RAPE LIST” 

Tyson happily brags in the same Van Susteren interview that he wishes he’d raped every single human being he’s ever seen, met, or had even minimal contact with, ever, in his entire lifetime. 

"Yeah, um, that lady, what's her name? Who walked my dog that day one time? I wish I raped that bitch good…and that Hilton bitch, what’s her name, Paris or Rome, I wanted to rape her one time but didn’t, I forget why, I think I was tired or something. And my cousin Veronica, she woulda' been good to rape. And my old mailman, Hank, back in Green Point [Brooklyn], I wish I’d raped him, too. That woulda' been funny, raping the mailman. His little mailman helmet woulda' fallen off and maybe I’d pick it up and wear it while raping him. Yeah, that woulda' been funny." 

Tyson also threatened Van Susteren, "After this interview I’ll probably look back and say, 'Damn, why didn’t I rape that Greta Van Whatever bitch, too…That woulda' been funny, raping that Greta lady while she tried to ask me those stupid questions. I mean, yeah, um, raping everyone from my life is all I think about." 

Others on Tyson’s “rape list” included his “bitch fourth grade teacher Ms. Hoffman, bitch choreographer Debbie Allen, Robin Givens’ greedy bitch mother, that fat Mexican bitch in that burrito place near the gym, that bitch Celine Dion, that Trista bitch from The Bachelorette, and former UN Secretary General Burtos Butros Gali.”   Source

NOT ENOUGH OUTRAGE

So with all the above in mind, why haven’t we seen more outrage about Tyson cashing in on his infamy? Why are Mr. and Mrs. John Q. Public giving their hard earned dollars to watch this so-called “entertainment” by a convicted rapist? 

If you think Tyson is “reformed”, think about this. He once stated in an interview, "I wish that you guys had children so I could kick them in the fucking head or stomp on their testicles so you could feel my pain because that's the pain I have waking up every day."

So, Why is Mike Tyson relevant?

We, the entertainment consumers keep him relevant. Do your part, don’t take part in watching SVU, do not see his “one man show”, write an email or tweet to Spike Lee @SpikeLee, or go to his website directly at: http://www.40acres.com. Voice your opinion to him! 

Write the executives at NBC and tell them how disgusting they were to think it was ok to put a sex offender on their show and portray him as a victim. 

Do they all think we’re stupid?  I know we aren't. Stand up and have a voice. What’s going on here is NOT ok. Not everyone has succumbed to society’s decay of moral values. Let’s show those people pulling the strings behind the magical curtain what is acceptable and what isn’t! We bear responsibility too, because this is everyone’s problem. Whether you think it affects you or not, it does. 

NBC Executive producers, Law & Order: SVU

Dick Wolf

Peter Jankowski

Warren Leight 

Bob Wright,Vice Chairman and Executive Officer 

GEChairman and Chief Executive Officer 

NBC Universal Headquarters

30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112

E-mail: robert.wright@nbcuni.com 

Phone: (212) 664-4444

Fax: (201) 583-5453

Spike Lee's Twitter @SpikeLee

Michelle Simonsen is an outspoken activist and true crime blogger well known for the grass-roots campaign,"Boycott Aruba," surrounding the time of the Natalee Holloway disappearance.

Trick or Treat: Halloween Safety

By: Gaétane Borders 

Many people do not know that there are special laws that apply only on Halloween night? States like Missouri, Illinois, Maryland, and Louisiana have all implemented various rules and regulations specifically for Halloween night. These laws are designed to make parents feel safer by restricting the activities of convicted sex offenders. However, they are not without controversy.

Most Halloween laws mandate that convicted sex offenders stay in their house on Halloween night, and prohibits them from answering the door to trick or treaters. Other states may require sex offenders to post a sign on their door indicating that candy will not be handed out at that residence. In Maryland, state officials created a stir when the signs that they distributed to sex offenders were pumpkin-shaped and bright orange.

Regardless of whether your state has opted to implement a variation of this law, next Sunday is the day when little goblins, pirates, Cinderellas, and otherwise disguised children will go door to door on the hunt for the best candies. Parents need to know that it is not all fun and games because there are dangers of which to be aware. As parents and concerned citizens, we cannot sit back and assume that the authorities will closely monitor the activities of these criminals. Instead, there are specific things that we can do to help prevent tragedies. I encourage all parents to do the following:

• Visit websites like www.familywatchdog.us to see how many pedophiles live in your community. Make it a point to review where the offenders in your community live so that you can be sure to avoid their residence. (You’d be surprised how many offenders may live in your community! I plugged my address in this morning and found that a couple new individuals had moved into my small town. The sad thing is that this map only shows the registered offenders.) 
•  Make certain that a responsible adult accompanies any child under the age of 12. 
•  Children should also understand that a parent must review all the candy received before they eat it. 
•  Teens who choose to trick-or-treat must go in groups, and need to know not to enter anyone’s home or car in anticipation of candy. 

If you find that your immediate community is not safe or conducive to trick or treating, you may opt to drive to another neighborhood. However, please note that young kids in particular also get a kick out of getting dressed up and scavenger hunting in their own home. In addition, many churches, malls and businesses schedule Halloween activities where they hand out prizes and sweets as well. There are, indeed, many options available. Pick the one that’s best for you, and most importantly….be safe!

Gaetane Borders is the President of Peas in Their Pods, and organization which brings awareness to missing children who are often not eligible for an Amber Alert or who have simply "fallen through the cracks."

The Tragic Loss Of Sarah Haley Foxwell

By Cynthia Caron

At only 11 years old,  young Sarah Haley Foxwell, was eagerly looking forward to Christmas.  Hugs and whispers with her friends as she spoke of the neat things she would love to receive for Christmas and eagerly awaiting Christmas morn to rip the wrapping from her presents.  Unfortunately, Christmas morning did not happen for Sarah.  Instead, her body was recovered from a field in the Rum Ridge area of northern Wicomico about three-quarters of a mile south of the Maryland- Delaware state line.  The news of Sarah's death was a shock to the more than 3,000 volunteers  who put aside their own Christmas plans and gathered that morning at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in order to help search for Sarah.  Her young body was discovered by police officials who will carry the horrid memory of happening upon the lifeless body of a once happy giggling child.  A candlelight vigil was held the evening before.

Thomas J. Leggs, 30, lived in a building on the grounds of his parents' Salisbury, Maryland home, not far from the residence in which Sarah resided with her Aunt along with her younger sister.  Her aunt is the legal guardian for both Sarah and her sister while her biological parents live out of state.  Sometime on Tuesday evening, December 22, Leggs came into the home by utilizing a key that was hidden on the premises.  It is stated he removed Sarah from her bedroom.  This was reported the morning of December 23 when it was discovered that Sarah was missing.  The evening of December 23, Leggs was arrested and charged with burglary and kidnapping in Sarah's disappearance.  During his police detainment he was very uncooperative and refused to divulge what he did with Sarah.  Leggs is listed on sex offender registries in both Maryland and Delaware, however, that did not prevent him from the charges of abduction and murder of sweet Sarah Haley Foxwell.  Authorities will not disclose how Sarah died.

Another young life lost to a monster that we call a child sex predator.

How can parents protect their children?

·         First, understand that nobody is immune from the potential tragedy of a child abducted from their family.  It can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time.

·         I cannot stress the importance that parents need to be proactive in knowing who lives near and where their children play.   When planning a purchase to buy or build a new home, the first place a parent needs to research is the registered sex offender registry site provided by the government.  It is free. The following link will show you detailed information on sex offenders who reside in your neighborhood.  Be sure to check this site monthly. See http://www.familywatchdog.us/

·         Consider installing alarms in homes with small children.  For those that may find alarms costly, check your department stores and discount stores as they carry window alarms that are very inexpensive, some as low as $2.00.  Always be sure that all entry doors into your home are locked, especially at bedtime.  Hang decorative door hangings in the entry way into the children's sleeping quarters. These can be bells, bamboo sticks and other noise-making items that can alert you to someone entering or exiting the child's room.  (Just be sure to use these for older children. Young children and toddlers can be accidentally choked should they become entangled.)  Consider a laser beam alarm across the doorway.  These are also inexpensive, however, it would not do well in homes with pets that may roam from room to room.  Baby monitors are extremely useful and should be used until the child is of age in which they may need their privacy.

·         Another useful item is a bed alarm.  These are used by parents who may have children who tend to wander, sleep walk or children prone to having seizures.  They fit under the sheet and an alarm sounds when pressure is removed, such as a child is no longer resting on the mattress.  These can range from $90 - $300 and can be purchased from most medical supply stores. 

·         Never give out information to others regarding passcodes to garage entries or hidden keys" to your home, except to family members and very trusted and perhaps to a very well known neighbor.

·         Always, at all times, know who your children are associating with and NEVER allow a minor child to play and sleep over at your home without the permission of their parents.  It is not up to a minor child to tell you, the adult, that they have their parents permission to spend the night.  You can be charged with interference should the family of the child wish to press charges in the case of a child spending the night in your home without their parents permission.

·         Make a firm family rule that computer time is always in the presence of the family.  Children and teens should not have computers in their bedrooms that give them access to the internet.  If you have an older teen and allow a computer in the bedroom, be sure your teen is aware that you have the right to check all their social networking sites to be sure that they are utilizing those sites properly and not at risk of divulging personal information.  Teens and children need to know the importance as to why they should not divulge personal information. Make sure you have that conversation with your children.

·         Always keep your children within your site, know who they are playing with and where they are at all times. Never allow solo walks, bike rides or letting children play outside alone.  Predators look for "easy prey" and a child playing alone is an easy target. 

While we know that we cannot be with our children 100% of each moment, we can utilize common sense and help to look out for one another.  Should you see a child alone, find out where the child lives and perhaps have a talk with the parents of the child.  We need to not look away and start being proactive.  It's the children we want to protect even if it means having a neighbor growl at you for "being nosey."    For more safety tips and ways to protect your children, please see http://www.lostnmissing.com/15.html  You'll find informative video's and eye-opening re-enactments of potential child abductions and the outcomes.

Adults need to work together towards the safety of our children.  Let there be no more Sarah Haley Foxwell's who have to die by the hands of another monster.  Support your local legislation in having stricter laws for child sex predators and do not stand for "slaps on the wrist" from your local judicial systems.  Speak out!  Our children and their lives depend on us, the adults, to keep them safe.

Incarnation NOT Rehabilitation

By Sheryl McCollum

He came in through the window – no forced entry - he kidnapped her – assaulted her - then he killed her.  The victim was in the sixth grade.  She was in her own bedroom.  This known sex offender should have been in prison – not out dating the victim’s aunt.  By the way ladies, these offenders are not dating you, they are targeting your children.   

Sarah Foxwell’s body was found Christmas day.  The suspect was not cooperative with police.  Imagine that!  A known sex offender not helping the police! 

                    

Thomas James Leggs Jr is the suspected killer.  He is a registered sex offender in two states (Maryland and Delaware)!  The police have reported that they are interviewing possible additional victims.  Standard police procedure is to look for additional victims because there are likely more victims.

Let’s review:

Registered sex offenders repeat offenses.   
Regisrated sex offenders kill innocent victims while on these registries. 

If you have a loved one that is a sex offender and you are standing by them while they are getting rehabilitated – I am fixing to offend you – stop reading now!

Sex offenders can’t be rehabilitated!

If someone is attracted sexually to 5 year old girls no amount of counseling is going to stop that attraction.  If someone has the ability to sexually assault and then kill – we can’t help them with therapy!  They are sick and twisted and must be kept away from innocent people.  Let’s stop letting these dangerous criminals out of prison and lock them up where they belong. 

Parents and guardians are better educated about sex offenders and no longer leave children alone in the toy section but the offenders have become more brazen.  They are coming into the home in the dead of night taking children from their room.  This is not a new phenomenon. 

Remember Polly Klass, she was kidnapped while having a slumber party with friends.  She was inside her own room with friends playing games.  Richard Allen Davis had a history of violence against females – a long history.  He was on parole when he murdered Polly.

Then there is Elizabeth Smart from Utah that was also kidnapped from her bedroom.  Elizabeth was not killed but was held captive for 9 months by her kidnapper.  Brian David Mitchell at the age of 16 was caught exposing himself to a child.  Stop right there – sex offender!  He of course was sent to live with a grandmother – the cure all for bad behavior. 

The list goes on and on.  Sex offender registries are a great tool for law enforcement and to the general public but they only inform us they do not protect us.  We should know who these criminals are but they should not be among us free to repeat their crimes and harm our children.  The only way to protect us is to keep them away from us!