How do you feel about "To Catch a Predator"

[everythingsxen]

There is something a bit disturbing about the way it is executed..

Even though I think pedophiles should be exterminated, there should be some sense of legal decorum and I dislike the combination of entertainment with the legal system.

[SeattleGirl]

1. I can't watch it.

I think pedophiles need to be caught, but I'm not comfortable being a spectator to it.

[Zookeeper]

2. I'm happy to see the pervs arrested....

but, I'm not that interested in watching the program for very long. It becomes repetitive, which is a sad comment on just how many predators are actually out there.

My teen daughter thinks it's hilarious, though. She can't believe that those men actually think a teenaged girl would be interested in them.

[MonkeyFunk]

3. I think it's hysterical

I mean really.... do these guys REALLY think a 14-year old wants to screw them? Most of them have even seen the show! And they still show up.

One guy had already been caught once before by the same show!!

That being said, while it's entertaining, it does step a little too close to entrapment for my comfort level.

[Crabby Appleton]

4. I'm for catching pedophiles, against it as entertainment

[hfojvt]

5. They are not pedophiles

since a 14 year old is not pre-pubescent.
The age of consent in Canada, Brazil and Deutschland is 14.

Nor are they a danger to anybody unless there really are 14 year old girls who would invite a 30 year old stranger over to their house for sex - a premise I find very hard to believe. Maybe the guys could tell me different. Perhaps the Dateline is not their first time. I might be surprised. I would have bet that there were very few guys stupid enough to set up a sex date with somebody they have never seen who claims to be a 14 year old girl. It's a mixed up, rolled up, shook up world.

[Zookeeper]

7. 14 is not the age of consent in the U.S.

Some of those predators admit to repeatedly seeking out teens.

As a parent, I'm infuriated by these selfish pervs that think they have a right to damage the lives of children or teens. Tempt them, arrest them...get them the hell off the street and Internet.

Any man who thinks he can have harmless sex with a 14 year old is in the throes of self-serving delusion.

[jarab]

6. The host is having more fun than should be legal ....

I don't like it, btw.

But, if it "prevents" one crime, then who am I to protest.
I think it really tries to embarrass the perpetrators, hoping that other potentials will hesitate before they hookup on line.
I've thought one of these fully-clothed criminals might eventually be one who isn't as passive as the host thinks all are, whipping out a 357.
I've yet to see a cop inside the premises, so I'd say the host is in danger (somewhat); but, perhaps NBC isn't telling us whether they go to extreme untold measures to privately protect him (the host) as he slinks forward from his hideaway.
"Bet you didn't expect me, did ya?!

I've seen it enough, and I now avoid it.

...O...

[Heidi]

8. History has shown that the threat of humiliation doesn't deter people from committing sex crimes.

I don't believe MSNBC has any real interest in preventing minors from being exploited. They're in it for the audience and the advertising dollars.

[xchrom]

9. making vigilantism entertainment.

in a weird way it appeals to that john wayne sensibility of the ''red blooded'' american viewer.

[Heidi]

10. Agree.

I loved it when Michael Moore asked the "Cops" producer why they don't make a series that goes after corporate, white-collar criminals. The guy's response was something along the lines of, "Tell me how to sell it." :eyes:

[xchrom]

11. lol -- indeed.

of course if the guy would just watch The Donald -- he might get a clue.