Nobrainer’s Think Tank

Tonight’s Dateline NBC program is “To Catch a Predator 4.” The gist is that “consultants” from Perverted Justice pretend to be young girls online trying to catch pedophiles — which they do, very well apparently.

But let’s be more specific. All these guys are caught trying to have sex with underage teens… underage teens who claim to be home alone and looking for sex. Some of these guys are driving many hours to do the deed.

First, I have to question the consultants who work long hours pretending to be teenagers seeking sex. Aside from when I was a teenager seeking sex, I have never, ever, had any reason or desire to be in — or pretend to be — in that situation again.

Second, this probably has a lot of parents all worked up about all these predators. Where does this problem pop up, however? Where teenagers are seeking sex with adults. I’ll say that again so it sinks in: teenagers are seeking sex with adults. If you are a parent of a teenager, you don’t have much to worry about if your children are not actively seeking sex. If they are actively seeking sex with adults, they’re probably doing the same with guys their age. You have much bigger problems than what some pervert elsewhere wants to do.

Finally, if all these guys are driving hundreds of miles, I’m betting that the actual incidence and/or availability of teenagers seeking sex is quite limited — I’m just guessing here.

Sadly, this is the best thing on TV tonight. Although, this sting is in Ohio. I’m secretely hoping someone I know (and preferably hate) from back home will show up. We shall see.