Should convicted felons be given a second chance? Barack Obama thinks so, and he thinks the tax payers should have to foot the bill. He made his view on this issue more than evident during a town hall meeting in Elyria, Ohio on January 22nd. Here is a excerpt from this Ohio town hall meeting, where a 29 year old felon who has never had a job in his life asks Obama if he will help felons get a job.
Jerome the felon asks Obama:
“I’m 29 years old, and I’ve never had a job in my life. I went to jail when I was younger. It’s like hard to get a job as a felon. Is this — any programs that hire people with felonies like something that — because it’s sad, it’s like — 29 years old, I’m 29.”
Obama Answers Jerome:
“Look, I’m proud of the fact that you’re bringing this up because there are people who’ve made mistakes, particularly when they’re young, and it is in all of our interests to help them redeem themselves and then get on a straight path. Now, I don’t blame employers obviously for being nervous about hiring somebody who has a record. It’s natural if they’ve got a lot of applicants for every single job that that’s a question that they’d have in their minds. On the other hand, I think one of the great things about America is we give people second chances.
And so what we’ve tried to do — and I want to say, this has been a bipartisan effort — when I was in the Senate, working with Sam Brownback; my Vice President, Joe Biden — passing a Second Chance Act that helps to fund programs that help the reintegration of ex-felons.
It’s smart for us to do. You know, sometimes people say, well, that’s just coddling people. No; you reduce the recidivism rate, they pay taxes, it ends up being smart for taxpayers to do.”
Shame on Jerome, if he really wanted a job he could get one. He is playing the victim card. In reality he is only a victim of his own bad decisions. Taxpayers already pay for convicts to be in prison, now Obama wants us to pay to get them a job? Don’t get me wrong, I believe everyone(well, almost everyone) deserves a second chance, but it is not the responsibility of everyone else to provide that second chance.
Now before you start sending me nasty emails saying “you are stupid, and you just don’t understand how hard it is for felons to get a job.” Please allow me to stray from the beaten path for a moment and tell you a bit about my own experience.
I am a convicted felon. Five felonies to be exact. I spent the later part of my teenage years (15-19 years old) as a drug addict. Between ages 18 – 19, I lived out of the back of an Oldsmobile, and skipped around from job to job (i kept getting fired for some odd reason, hmm) to raise money for my heroin habit. I continued this pattern of living until I was finally arrested, charged with 9 felonies, convicted of 5 felonies, and sentenced to 1 year and 2 months in prison. One day, as I was sitting in my cell, I thought to myself, “this isn’t the life I want. I want something better, and I’m going to get.” So I made a plan for what I was going to do when I got out, and I decided to use my time in there wisely by educating myself. I started studying college algebra, then moved on to calculus and finally computer science. I also applied for college while I was in prison, so I could attend as soon as I got out. My release day came, and guess what, I went out and got a job flipping burgers the next day.
I worked the early shift at my new job . Public buses didn’t run that early in the morning(in VA, if you receive a felony conviction you lose your license), so I walked to work, 5 miles, every morning. When my shift was over, I hoped on a bus, and went to the local community college to take a couple of classes. When I got out of class the buses weren’t running so I walked home, 4 miles, every night. This process repeated everyday for 9 months until I finally saved up enough money to pay off all of my court costs, and go through all of the red tape required to get my license back. When I finally got my license and my car back, I went out searching for a new, better job. I found 2 jobs. Who would have thought that a convict could get 2 jobs (Jerome couldn’t seem to find 1 in 29 years). I met a wonderful girl at one of these jobs, and we eventually got hitched! Fast forward 4 years and I am happily married, the proud owner of a brand new home, 6.5 years sober, have a good job, and I am almost done with a bachelors degree in computer science (I pay my own way through school, so I only take as many classes as I can afford).
I told you this story to tell you this. I know it is hard to get a job if you are a felon. I do understand. However, if you are a felon, you are not a victim of society, you are a victim of your actions. It is not the responsibility of tax payers to provide you with a second, it is your responsibility. In the United States there are infinite possibilities for a second chance, but you have to go out and get it. It will not come to you. Don’t let your criminal record hold you back, use it as a lesson in life. If you work hard, pursue your dreams, and strive to be a good citizen, good things will happen. That is the beauty of liberty and freedom, you have every opportunity to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get on the right track in life. How could you not love a country that has allowed a drug addicted, homeless convict to become a sober, homeowner, with a beautiful wife, and lives the American dream everyday. God Bless America!
Crossposted from Liberty and Pride
i’m also a felon i have not been able to get a job , it’s very discourging people who want to change don’t get the chance to do so.Yes i understand i did wrong in the past , but at the same time should i have to pay the rest of my life? So what are we left to do , nobody want to give felons a chance .
Sherry,
I keep running into others saying this in my area too. Instead of easier it seems to be getting harder for felons. Have you considered sending regular letters to your congress men? Maybe one a week. Its not an immediate fix but if one lady can fight school prayer by letter writing letters you might be a part of a change that helps you and many others.
sherry
please don’t give up looking, you know there are 23 millions like you looking,
this is a very hard time in the HISTORY OF AMERICA, IT WILL LIVE IN DAMNATION,
OF THIS ERA OF HOW THE AMERICANS SUFFER FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO FIND WORK,
BUT USE YOUR SEARCH AS A LEARNING PROCESS FOR YOUR FUTURE TO USE SOMEWHERE
WHERE IT WILL BENEFIT YOUR LIFE,
AH that is not easy to turn a negative into a positive,
I remember waiting my turn to be check for one job in particular, and the arrogant clerk I visualize look like a blown up frog asking questions, some has nothing to do with the job, I said to myself I don’t like him
I DON’T WANT TO WORK THERE and got up and left the jerk wondering why,
the day after I call to talk to the head of the busyness and ask him for the job and told him of the frog.
he ask me if I want to come he would see, and I got the job from the top guy,
from then on I always ask for the owner of the company, it paid of,
don’t let anyone humiliate you, you are an AMERICAN AND DAM PROUD OF IT, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP NO MATTER WHAT
LOL
Obama is a freaking IDIOT
1st he tripples the deficit .. and WONT STOP SPENDING MONEY THAT ISNT HIS TO SPEND
Then, He wants to raise our taxs to cover want he over spent
Now He wants business to employ Felons.
NO THANK YOU..
You want a second chance, you must prove you deserve it.. not have it handed to you at tax payers expense.
I have not nor will I ever Employ Felons. No Government Body will make me employ them either. I own 3 companies… and I decide whom I hire, not this joke of a government we have
Obama is ruining this country .. what a moron he is. I hope he does something to be impeached cus that is what he deserves .. to be booted out before he turns the US in a 3rd world country
As for Felons .. prove you worth. Prove you are good for something accept killing, stealing , beating or breaking every law you can cus you wanna be a dead beat and not work hard for a living
Go out … do community service on your own… prove you want to be a apart of society. Remember .. they put themselves in the position they are in…. they can get themselves out..if they really wanted to
I personally think we need to do what they did in the old days… make a state a penal state… send all the felons to that state and they cannot leave for any reason…. let the violet ones kill each other till they are all dead. thats the best solution 🙂
It must be nice to be so perfect and as perfect as you sound I’m damn glad I don’t know you, you sound and come off as a BIG JACKASS
gene
what the hell are you doing here attacking these people who are paid very hard the mistake, but have a smarter brain then you are showing,
I would never recommand each one who came here to tell their pain to ask you for a job, they are PROUD AMERICANS, they are better than you, and with the way you communicate, don’t be so sure to never fall in the hand of an officer which can make you a felon faster than you think
AND YOU ARE BRAIN STRUCK, you don’t talk to people that way, and don’t type either that way,
you are not bringing any good thing here, no body want to hear a guy like you
Joe
yes I’m glad too because I have a feeling you could knock his theets off and make him swallow his tongue,
and
get right back in trouble, but those asshole don’t deserve the attention,
they are the one to cause trouble and should get a taste of what it’s like,
best to you
I think those of us who are professionals in our field recognize frauds. Show me one person owns one business and can’t communicate without swearing and I will show you one unsuccessful business.
Secondly people who use their thinking processes know its the workers who pay taxes. Putting anything in the way of anyone being employed and you will be paying to feed and house them, in this country.
They paid for their crime, they served their sentence, and after a few crime-less years they ought to be regular citizens. Why? Because they are. Now all you need to do to get a felony is be a kid experimenting with alcohol and for the rest of their lives their supposed to kick themselves? Silly. Smart people employ good workers. period. Refuse to hire good workers your business suffers and you can pay more taxes to support the jobless you advocate not hiring. Sound like the logic thought out by an intelligent owner of three business’s ? no.
@gene: well i certainly hope your ass never gets charged and convicted of a felony, especially if you are innocent, i wouldnt work for your company neither, with a mind attitude such as yours it is a wonder your company has any success at all.
Gene you are so Sad, I actually feel sorry for you I hope for your sake that you get a wake up call before it’s to late for you to feel anything for anybody but yourself, God Bless
This is to the guy who had the 5 felony charges at the top of the page. Jobs are more likely to hire a drug addict and a murderer than a burglarer or thief that has only made one mistake. In my case I was wrongfully charged with burglary when I was evicted from my home and went to get my stuff the next day. Using my key to get in the house in the front door. I was 18 when this happened and I actually got hired on a job, they let me work 2 days and said “we cant take a chance with this record, if it was a drug charge or something we would not have a problem”. So to those who think its so easy because you are a drug offender with a felony in that area does not mean it is easy for every felon. I am now 26 in college full time working 3 part time jobs that i barely make 900 a month working and barely get to see my 2 kids. Now you tell me its easy after spending a month in my shoes.
Eddie
it show how many stupid morons are on the hiring offices,
and YOU ALLOWED HIM TO SAY THAT, without trying to explain the error
done to you,
and you never try to get your case recheck, where you live,
you didn’t know that label would stick with you forever, until you look for a job, that is terrible,
the fact that nobody inform you before they arrest you for that innocent action,
shame on that person who got you there, the officer should have use his brain and the judge even more facing a young AMERICAN FIRST ERROR AND BRANDING THAT BOY FOREVER,
THEY HAVE TO TAKE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY OF WHAT HAPPEN TO 88.8 THOUSANDS
OF FELONS BRANDED BY THEIR DECISIONS, WHICH FOR SOME LIKE YOU STILL SUFFER FROM
AND WHILE THEY ARE INNOCENT OF WRONG DOING, ARE MIX IN THE GROUP, WHO HAVE PAID THE PRICE FOR THEIR BAD ACTIONS, AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO BECOME A FULL PART OF SOCIETY,
THOSE REFUSING WORK SHOULD BE REMINDED THEY ARE NOT BETTER THAN THE YOUNG FELON WHO PAID FOR HIS SIN, IS THAT AMERICAN COMPASSION? SHAME TO THOSE REFUSING TO GIVE A CHANCE TO ONE ASKING TO WORK,
AND WE SEE THOSE HIRING FOREIGNERS WITHOUT BEING CERTAIN THAT HE DID NOT KILL ANYONE IN HIS COUNTRY, AND MIGHT KILL HIS NEW BOSS
I believe tha t felons should pay for their crimes but isnt that what a court of law is for.Isn’t that why they undergo sentencing.look I believe when people commit crimes that they pay for their mistakes through whatever punishment they are given by the courts .why then would society feel the need to make those peoples lives less signifigant than those with unblemished records.I was born in the united states of america. yet i don’t have the smae ability as a illegal immigrant from mexico who can come over here get a work visa and eventually become a citizen.i am a welder by trade yet i cant get the jobs that fit my profession due to past mistakes as a human being the same thing that every finger pointer in the world is who doesn’t have a felony.andf for those who say we shouldn’t get second chances let he who is without sin cast the first stone whether you got caught or not.you know its always better to try and see what things would be like if you were in those same situations.but also most people dont consider kids in these conversations.who thinks that our children should have to suffer in the wake of their parents mistakes. go ahead and give me your spirited opinoins. cnat for replies thank you all for listening .the change needs to happen i cant even vote due to past mistakes im made to not feel good enough to be a citizen i hope it changes soon if ever. and not jjust for me but also for my four children who have to live in the wake of ignorance from paranoid people.and they whatch as i settle not because i want to but because im made to by the laws for something that happened so long ago
Juan Hill
so well said, you are absolutely right,
you paid the price and you need your freedom
and you need it before the FOREIGNERS ANY ONE OF THEM,
WHY? BECAUSE YOU’RE AN AMERICAN,
THOSE WHO DARE DISMISS IT SHOULD GO TO PRISON SO TO SPEND TIME TO REFLEX AND BECOME ONE FELON,
HELL THE PRESIDENT HIMSELF SHOULD BE ARRESTED FOR SHOUTING LIES AND SCARE THE GOOD PEOPLE THIS IS CALL TORMENTING OTHER IN FACT TORMENTING A NATION, IS A CRIME AGAINST AMERICA., HE WORSE THAN YOU ALL AND SHOUD BE ACCOMPTED FOR HIS ACTIONS,
AND MANY OTHER IN HIGH POSITIONS WHO HAVE COVER UP CRIMES WHICH HAVE NEVER BEEN ACCOMPTED FOR SHOULD BE EXPOSE AND PAY,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENT
The biggest bunch of felons are the ruling class found in government. They make difficult rules for us that they themselves cannot keep. At the end of the day I get my daily bread from God and not from corporations or government. God gives all of us a fresh start, and everyone is a sinner even the legally correct people. If felons work and hold a job, pay taxes they too should be allowed to vote, and have full constitutional rights. After all they are Americans also.
the way GENE thinks is the way all these employers think that won’t hire anyone that ever made a mistake, and now wants to live a civilian life, but cannot. Constantly thrown into their face that they are no good monsters, criminals that deserve to be spat upon and rejected as evil one’s entire life. When they attempt to repair their lives and apply for work, they are only treated with contempt. Yet many of these people are humble and have turned to God, I tell u these “criminals” are forgiven by God, and will one day be granted relief from injustice and pain. I mean, at one time this was a Christian nation. has not anyone in unforgiving society ever read the Bible? what about the thief on the cross? He is in paradise. Hey, u perfect people, read the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector. all i wish that i could become a nurse but cannot get any job. I do not want to get a job so i can do something else wrong, i want to work to provide for my small children. you see how Gene thinks, well there is a glimpse of how so much of society thinks, but won’t admit it. change the laws, so felons are given more of the same oppurtunities as others, there would be alot less fear of being robbed, being attacked for belongings, less drug problems, because those who wanted to work had something more productive to do, and people would be less cold and less angry.Someday there will be justice and forgiveness. It may not be in this life.
I have 5 felonies, I recently graduated from college with a 3.40 gpa I have not had any criminal problems for over 14 years. I am now stuck with a degree that I can not use. Student loans are coming due. how am I to find a job with out the help from somebody Laws are there to protect each of us. Yes all the Problems I had were my fault. I am admitting my mistakes. I wrote bad check. I have paid my full restitution, done jail time, and home detention. I am not a threat to anyone, I would not hurt anyone, I am non violent but because of these felonies my degree is just a piece of paper. What are we suppose to do when we try to get our lives turned around and become productive members of society but NO!!!! I am at a loss and feeling so down I am not sure what to do anymore.
Ginger Fuentes
when you’re down there is not a good time to think of tomorrow,
you must be like a baby begin to walk,
and you start to move your body to acknowledge that you are living, dance around your place with music
which you will acknowledge that you are breathing, then you must look around
up on the ceiling and down on the floor and around you and open the door and come outside and breath
you acknowledge your five senses, listen and hear, taste your tongue, and smell the air ,
then start to cry out loud, as loud as you can, you acknowledge your feelings,
you start to smile wider laugh louder louder, you acknowledge your power inner soul
make you pray GOD is listening,
you will sleep better tonight, with all you’re new self, tomorrow is you’r new self rising toward a new life, hoping, that things will come to you in their own time not your time, but it will come, just go to it
with each step you will find it, and you will clime the mountain to see the LIGHT,
THIS IS YOUR TIME OF REFLEXION OF HOW YOU WANT YOU’R NEW SELF TO BE, TAKE YOUR TIME
WHILE YOU HAVE TIME, BECAUSE LATER YOU WON’T HAVE TIME TO THINK WHEN YOU BELONG TO YOUR WORK,
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU
Don’t wait for a job.if you get one great.But focus on your passion and create your own business.Believe in yourself I do believe in you…Look at all these rappers that people want to be most are felons and sold drug one name Jay z anything possible..if you a felon you cant spend like everybody else you don’t have enough coming in from dead beat jobs yo motto is save save save as much as you can.come up with how much money you need to start.start big start small start somewhere.first it starts in your mind..
I was just looking around to see if there was some program I could participate in to help my record clean and started reading through here. I see all different types of people with all different types of stories. I am 27 years of age commited a felony act in 2005 I was 18 going on 19 I so chose to fill a Rx that was fake to help a friend and I take full responsability for my actions I chose to do it nobody put a gun to my head. I was secentenced to 3 years in state prison suspended for 3 years of probation. While on probation I had two daughters that changed the way I thought and acted. I want more for them than to have a father they can’t see because of being locked up so I made a decision to change. I now have a new daughter and lost a job in georgia and had to move back here to wyoming. The job in georgia WAS NOT ALLOWED TO HIRE FELONS yet they let me work there because I work hard. Now back here I’m taking a job flipping burgers, you may not like the job you get but a paycheck is a paycheck in my opnion. I have not been in trouble in the 8 years from getting charged but I will never get my rights back because the state of wyoming does not grant pardons to felons is word for word what the lawyer told me. I don’t plan on doing fast food forever but its what ii have to do for my kids and wife
bubba
best of luck to you
you are smart , you can maybe considering having your own business some day
and employe felons who are no danger for society, no matter the label,
I wish one of this post could do it, in all the 88.8 thousands felons,
there are some who could,
a skill to help in services and there are many, from the top skills to the first step of the ladder,
if we know our skills along the know how, that’s a first step, the next one is to be willing to move
and work hard for any business even the most humble.
bye
My point of my last post was no matter what job you take from flipping a burger to insurance work to the oil field just work hard and someone will notice and maybe that’s all you need. A good reference goes a long way I have noticed I have had hard time I know how it feels I know it seems easy to give up but the easiest path is usually the wrong one. I hope everyony can get their rights back if they work hard for it. Nothing should be givin to anyone it makes it too easy to just go back to old ways and we all know that old ways didn’t work so change should be 1st on our minds. Thank you for reading and all of us just need to keep our heads up I will
bubba
yes you give good advices to all
and you’re right on,
Jonathan chaney
yes and once one get into the subject,
the rest come even ideas come even in the dream.
bye
And what might u say to those that already have a college degree and worked for an unknown corrupt employer that was doing illegal activities that u did not know about or did not participate in but because u were employed by them for several years were convicted of 18 felony counts. Therefore going to trial instead of being repeatedly threatened to take a plea bargain and say your guilty when your not and winning every single conviction except for one, conspiracy on the mere perception of associat.ion. My whole life was destroyed. A nursing degree, a real estate license that I can never use. My whole life following the rules, not using drugs or alcohol working since the age of 15 to be destroyed by a prosecutor making a facade of a stories of what he thought portrayed out as a scene! I’m sorry but its not “your innocent until proven guilty” in America… Your guilty and you better hope you have a good damn lawyer to prove your innocent and even with that the justice system still fails you. Don’t tell us your grand story about going out and getting it! I had it and it was taken from me a victim of a malicious greedy individual. It doesn’t even pay to do every
Thing right by the books. This thing that happened to me could of happen to anyone, your mom, your sister, your wife. I don’t deserve to be scorned the rest of my life for something I did not do and the system failed me in. I know now, experiencing this first hand, that I have a totally different outlook on this conviction shit. I know know how many 100’s maybe 1,000 of individuals are sitting in jail or have been punished wrongfully. This discrimination of banishing people from earning a decent living or rehabilitating back to society in a lawful way needs to change. If we can pay tolls to have roads fixed and those tolls are never terminated than I’m sure society can help out. Lets start with cutting back on all the increases legislation and congress got and put it towards something that really needs it.
GUINEABRAT
THAT IS SO WRONG, AND OTHER ARE LIKE YOU HAVING A WRONG CONVICTION,
WHAT IS THIS WITH THOSE PROCECUTOR, IS THAT BECAUSE THEY COLLECT MORE IF THEY WIN THE CONVICTION OF THE INNOCENT PERSON THEY HAVE THEIR HANDS ON.
IT MUST BE ADDRESS, THERE IS TO MANY NON FELONY LABEL FOR LIFE,
I am interested by the GEORGE ZIMMERMAN CASE, WHICH TO ME IS AN INNOCENT MAN,
BUT HE IS BEING DRAG OF AS A CRIMINAL, PUSH BY THE BLACK ORGANISATION BECAUSE HE SHOT A YOUNG BLACK WHO ATTACK HIM, HE SHOT BECAUSE HE COULD NOT TAKE HIS BEATING ANYMORE HE SHOT HIM TO SAVE HIS LIFE, HE SHOT HIM AT THE LAST MINUTES OF HIS PERCEIVE COLLAPSE, HE THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO BE UNCONSCIOUS,
THEY PUT HIM IN PRISON FOR A QUESTION OF MONEY FOR A LONG TIME,
NOW HE IS HOME RESTRICKTED, WHAT A SHAME FOR THE JUSTICE TO LET HIM DOWN,
THERE IS MONEY UNDERNEATH THOSE PEOPLE ACTIONS, THEY ARE NOT ALL HONEST BECAUSE THEY STUDY TO GET THE RANK AND AFTER THEY USE THEIR POWER OVER SMALL DEMEANOR TO LEAVE A PERSON BRANDED LIKE AN ANIMAL TO BE BUTCHER,
WE SHOULD HAVE NAME OF THOSE YOU KNOW WHERE ABUSED BY THEM AND REPORT THEM,
THEY DESERVE SHAME AND BE DEMOTE BY THE SYSTEM,
I think if you feel unjustly convicted come out with the name of the procecutor and or the judge
because they abuse teir power and they must be publicly expose and report to the GOVERNOR,
DON’T LET A PERSON VILE LIKE THAT INTIMIDATE YOU,
REPORT AND EXPOSE THEM UNTIL YOU GET ANSWER,
ayo. imma tell u somethin. na what i mean? i found some books. knowhat i’m saying? amazon.com or try to get from local library. knowhat i’m saying? here’s links muthaf—-s!!!!!!!
The Ex-Offender’s Job Hunting Guide
Best Jobs for Ex-Offenders
J
this is the max, so hard to think it’s really there,
did you report it to authority? if not it should be told because it’s dangerous for the young
teen and children,
thank you for giving it here, because someone will take a look at it,
take care
Hey guys. I found an interesting article and decided to give it to you guys after I remembered this blog. Just some interesting information, 62% of employers hired a person with a felony. mostly for drug-relatred offenedses. They decided to hire the person because the person has the qualifications to do the job. PEmployers are not more likely to consider to hire convicts for some persoitions over sovers. The biggest pieces of advice are to be honest and upfront. 66% pof employers have no formal policy for hiring gfelons. 73% of companies do bakcground checks. The study was done in 2009 . Here is the linke: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:VUPfawGAO_kJ:www.dartmouth.edu/~ips/page159/page162/files/employer-survey.pdf+Dartmouth+EMPLOYER+SURVEYS+REGARDING+EMPLOYMENT+OF+PEOPLE+WITH+CRIMINAL+HISTORIES&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh0mYLkhdejZaAys_M5dhpDGKOk7Jbnr-TmQ2Dd5LnshayjIyZJJ99F2mGOG_FlHMwv4L_qHUCWJ6E959k8AXiAQ0mljLS0gLrGfbuCXxNGBDlsOT6-AnTVrvKYYtGgb8-_JCCS&sig=AHIEtbTNiK5nJd7bYT6Pp2W3Y-ZqcYqk7w
John A. Kinsey
wow, that’s great, the ice is broken
thank you
by the way,are you sure DARMOUTH IS IN THE USA?
I KNOW ONE CITY IN CANADA,
BYE
@gene: What three companies do you own, Mr. Angry Idiot? I want to make sure neither I or any of my wealthy, Democrat family and friends ever utilize any of them.
J
I must apologize for what I READ, I MISTAKENLY READ SOME BAD WORD,
THIS IS A GOOD INFO THANK YOU, DISREGARD MY OTHER ANSWER TO YOU,
MY MISTAKE
NICE OF YOU TO BRING IT ON.
Jonathan chaney
I WAS THINKING, that if there was a fund made up especially for one felon to open a busyness oriented only on felons to work,
a secure job which the one start it would be giving a certain amount of jobs, to profit from the fund,
that fund would come from each felon, even a bit of there income would grow as all chip in
to make an interesting down payment big enough to get the wheel rolling for good,
and be trust to become an enterprise gaining respect of people to adopt,
am I dreaming in color for thinking it is possible?
now this would always be for felons to work,
but of course with a policy demanding a screening of the felon , by other felons,
meaning no hard crimes endangering society would be taken in,
but the young who did smaller degrees crime or be caught with other criminals.
we would have to start with a business of screening felons into different label which they the justice department and government fail to do, which is causing the problem of having
all felons a dangerous label.
just here in this post, we have many very smart people who would fit my idea,
the first step is needed, for one, and more after,
we need ideas, creativity, look big beyond your scope, visualize it done,
a leader with the right mindset to prosper.
@bubba:
Bubba, I would apply for a presidential pardon. That will open doors for you.
Dear fellow criminals,
Imagine the feeling of never being forgiven. Well we have been given a great gift. In this world we are not forgiven. The federal government will never replace God almighty. Imagine if you never committed your crime, and your record is erased clean. How would you feel? Relieved, forgiven, handed a second chance. Well guess what you can be forgiven, and given a second chance. Jesus paid the price for us. Our records are erased clean. Take that and make the next step, pray to God for guidance. God calls us all to do his will, and no criminal record can stand in your way. If God wants you to be a rocket scientist don’t let your past dictate your future. I know I didn’t. I never mention my past, I moved on and doors opened up. Your work ethic will break any barrier that satan puts in our way. Remember no one is perfect. The bible says “For all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God”. So how is the legally pure better than the forgiven sinner ? Only the pride of the legally pure is what is keeping us down, and at the end of the day we have eternal life, and they have shallow unforgiveness.
The government is putting road blocks in our way, for what purpose? Power, control. I know most of you don’t want food stamps and welfare, and that is the real testimony of you true character. Real evil is embraced by this government, gay marriage, amnisty for criminal illegals, Pro-abortion, amnisty for draft dodgers. So everyone gets amnisty except who? We the people, the ones who beg for mercy. Trust me God has a special plan and purpose for your life. Open up your heart to him and watch where he takes you. it will be beyond your wildest dream. Trust me I’m living the dream.
What Sean discusses in his article is only half truth: yes convicted individuals should exert willingness to change, but our laws are set to continually punish convicted individuals through life-long inhibitions, such as glass ceilings in their career success. Do you think a reformed, rehabilitated individual convicted of a felony, who is behaviorally acceptable, have a snowball’s chance in […] at campaigning for presidency? The point is, they have permanent limitations, even though punishment has been served.
From my standpoint, we are not collaborating enough to fix this problem. Organizations do not want to take risks with hiring individuals who have been convicted (although, I cannot find any statistical data stating annual percentages of crimes committed on-the-job), the non-convicted do not want to bear ANY financial responsibility toward the reintegration process of individuals who were convicted (leaving the convicted individuals battling against a “glass ceiling” with career accomplishments), most felony records are life-long (which implies permanent, life-long punishment from the disabilities that linger with it), and the millions of Americans with the decision making power are too reluctant or ignorant to contribute.
One solution I have thought of is a goal-based system that redeems the positive status of an individual who was convicted of a felony. One example is an education program (paid for by the convict through personal means or institutional loans) which contributes to personal and societal production. Upon graduation and completion of the program, full public eradication of ONE felony is achieved. Of course, the seriousness of the felony matters, although, with enough “brownie points” earned through various approved redemption programs (besides the education idea), any felony offense could qualify for eradication (much like the religious Christian method of asking for forgiveness, where God forgives all sins of the sinner, if truly repented). Someone who has been convicted earns full forgiveness by his works.
Redemption programs serve four purposes, from my present understanding, but may serve more. One, the individual exerts willingness to change. Two, it puts the individual in a position of greater self-worth, especially if graduating college because the market value of education in an information-based economy. Three, it reduces the desire to recite poor decisions that could result in another felony, ergo reducing public and employment risk and financial responsibility, and increases personal responsibility to himself and others. Four, this will set apart convicted individuals who desire a better path from those who don’t.
What does everyone think (with true and honest consideration on the matter)? This is a “draft” idea and can be refined to something ultimately acceptable, which may help reduce overall crime, from recidivism, potentially provide a stronger economy in the long run, through education and community contributions, and strengthen our society as a unified people.
@ACuriousMind: Amen ACuriousmind.. That would mean less on the government system and they would rise above their past. The government is all about power and control. I’ve seen the legal system destroy the lives of the innocent as well as those who made one small mistake. If the system forgives those who messed up perhaps we can have more productive citizens. George Bush messed up and he rose above the legal crap and became a 2 term president.
@Chill: Thanks Chill,
I really think this would be a great first step and it focuses on more than one problem: citizen and societal well-being. The government would benefit from that solution as well. Educated individuals make more money, meaning more taxable income. If you like that idea, you should hear my idea about a new tax system for the government. It’s fair to all.
I have a felony, I go to college at a Christian University and I do not know what to do because I know every door will be shut because of a stupid mistake as a young rebelious teenager. How is it, a person who made a mistake is suppost to pay for it the rest of their life? How is it we are one nation under GOD yet we are one nation in a judgemental society? People change, thank GOD people change. It makes no sense to me with all this “equalness” stuff happening, how can a offender be left out, IF they have paid their dues, why can’t we move on from this? I talked to a lawyer not to long ago about my conviction. He said there is nothing that can be done. But he also said laws are being changed so how do we change this? There is a hope , what must one do to get this ridiculous thing turned around?
I’m a nurse and my boyfriend’s nephew was asking me about his felony, so I thought I would search for information and found this blog. He was thinking of several career options, including accounting and nursing. His probation officer suggested that he become a nurse, because the probation officer heard of the nearby hospital taking many felons. I’ve heard of nurses before who were convicted of felonies. I was convicted of a DUI and lost my nursing license. I got it back after I went off probation, but that was a misdemeanor. Coincidentally, my cousin is a convicted felon (must be in the DNA). He is a restaurant manager, so that is one career that you can have with a felony (and he did three years in prison). A friend of mine who works for a bank said that his best bet would be to find a job with a small company. She said that not one of the big four accounting firms would take him, so accounting is not an option for him. Another friend of mine who is an electrical engineer said that many of the positions in his field (computers and whatnot) require a security clearance and that something as small as bad credit will get you eliminated from getting a security clearance.
You now I am a felon like many on here, I’ve only been in trouble once in my entire life, I graduated high school, joined the army. I was 22 when I made my mistake, even worse I cheated on my loving wife. That’s the real crime I chose to do. I didn’t know she wasn’t old enough. She lied to me. She looked old enough, acted old enough, was mature enough. Now I don’t have many of the issues in here do besides finding a job. Me and my wife met overseas, came back and got immediately married, wasn’t the right thing for us then but through our daily struggles we now have 3 wonderful children together. Our marriage is stronger than it ever has been. However if I didn’t have a loyal and forgiving wife, I don’t know where I’d be right now. People don’t give felons a second chance, they damn sure don’t give sex offenders a second chance. Now before I I get accused of protecting sex offenders, Most In my eyes should be in jail for life, the child rapist, molesting ones. Rapist well that was wrong they definitely should have a hard punishment, but they still deserve a second chance, then there are the ones that are the ones that are young and sleep with the to young(knowingly or not). In todays society, I bet 20% of males are sex offenders and probably 10% females are sex offenders just for sleeping with someone a few years younger than them. Im not saying its right I definitely do not want my 7 year old to be 15,16, to be hooking up with 20yr olds. But fact is the world is sexualized at a very young age………… not to long there were fifth graders having an orgy in a classroom….anyway I digress. Oh another thing. 80% of Americans are sex offenders, ever pee outside? Ever flash your tits in public, called someone a whore or sexy. its all a sex offense and if wanted, could be pursued in a court of law. Oh ever have none missionary sex with your husband or wife, That’s also a sex offense in most states. Its easy to be on the other side and be judgmental. Fact is they say go to college get a degree etc etc, well I know a lot of felons that do that. Most of them especially right now do not currently have a job in their respected field. A lot of none felons do not have jobs in their respected fields. In todays times Its hard for anyone to get a job. Especially felons…….Now ive had two jobs since being out of jail. Worked at a gas station and was a server at Ihop. definitely not big money making jobs…Its possible its hard no doubt, but it is possible. Now what really bugs me are Christians(which I am one), Where are the none judgmental, forgiving, Christians out there? How would god and jesus approve of your actions against those that have made their mistakes? I know a lot of Christians that have the power to hire but they don’t, there are many reasons why felons and none felons cant get jobs, but its definitely harder on the felons, AS IT SHOULD BE, you made your mistake no matter what it was, You do have to prove it, prove you’ve changed prove you used your mistake as a key life changing attitude changing etc etc, but how do you do that, If you aren’t given a fair shot at it. That’s all I want is a fair shot. There are many things that I’m slowly learning to live without. Like not being able to take my kids to the park, Not being social because of the looks and judgments. 2nd chances are earned, but ive earned mine. I did my time there is my first point, Ive stayed out of trouble theres my second, My wife has forgiven me that’s my third, and God still loves me and holds a place for me theres my 4th. doubt anyone will finish this but who knows thanks for reading God bless, Hope everyone has a good day.
Allen
hi
you too have a good day, and why not go to the park with your children?
your fault is not written on your clothes,
is it because people around know you as a felon?,
so what, they are sinner but not being caught probably most of them, you don’t need to talk to them,
or associate to them, just stay with your children,
it’s hard yes but time will change things for you,
and no one know how, or when, but time is a healer for all people,
you too deserve to have a good day, I wish for you and you’re loved one,
nobody is pure enough to throw the stone,
bye
Allen
check our other POSTS, there is a lot more that are all interesting,
you might be interested too.
that go for everybody here also.
I cant go to the park because I am a sex offender that’s a pretty standard rule from what ive noticed. heck me and the kids are separate from their mother right now because I have to apply to the state in which my wife just got stationed. First they want an address which I don’t know yet because I don’t know their specific rules and requirements, so when I call I get told that cant really tell you anything until you get assigned a PO, so use your best judgment…….seriously?
I have 3 kids that would love to see their mother everyday, especially when she is deploying to Afghanistan in july. this is a big problem for felons also, they get the runaround never a straight answer, for a nation under god, where the teachings of a brave none judgmental none sinner jesus are the WORD, there are very few courageous employers, people out there, I get so tired of being told oh its not hard you just aren’t trying hard enough, All I can do is put in applications after that its up to them to call me back. only two that ever did were the ones where I knew the bosses. I digress, have fun rainy day here.
Allen
why do you say you’re a sex offender, now you’re no more it,
just say you made a mistake at 22 years old, and you paid for it,
and now you want to know this, but you need to wait for you’re wife to give you the info,
then you call them,
you had sex with a miner, you didn’t know and didn’t ask, but that was before today,
so you are no more label that,
and carry on without that label from now on,
the sex offender are the one we think are raping children, and teen in spite of the teen will or not,
you don’t look as you rape her, she was willing, yes?
but it was wrong for you, who got you caught in that label?
your family or the girl family or you got caught by police?
any way you paid for your mistake and now you live under your own name,
leave out the sex offender that you’re not, and in your search for job, stick to the, mistake at 22 of not knowing the age of the girl.
and you’re not alone, many did the same but where not caught.
bye
As I read this, I think of my son. We all make mistakes. Some go against the law, some go against our morals. Some people are caught and some are not. Some pay for their mistakes with jail. @gene, I never thought this will happen to me. Never say never. One day you might wake up and find yourself or someone that you love in this situation. Would you think the same way? I think NOT. My son has a graduate degree that he cannot use. His crime is not a crime in many countries and is a misdemeanor in many states… but yet this is a ‘federal’ crime even though, the prosecutor and judge agreed that it could have been handled by the state. He served his time (he was made a “model” as the Judge stated and given a 2 years sentence where it could have been none). He cannot find a job that will allow him to support himself. The only job he got was from someone that knew him before, a 15 hours a week job. So tell me… why the laws don’t allow for forgiving of the first non-violent crime? Why employers don’t look at the potential and give second chances? Why is it that the U.S has the most prisoners? Perhaps we are NOT the country of second chances.
equalitytoall
yes the young are the most vulnerable ,
they wander away from the family base as soon as they have a chance, some of them know only from restricted rules of a scare parent over protective, which is worse just like the thousands of OBAMA restrictions choking the good tolerant people, rendering them angry and hungry to get out of it,
which mean break one of his multi thousands of laws which you cannot escape from breaching,
same of the young from the same regime with their first chance to taste the ” must not”,
just to feel the freedom, be it alcohol making him an arrogant little punk he was not,
and ending in prison for beating one refusing his second drink demand,
or anything else, just to taste the feeling of having done what the parents told not to do.
this is the time of the young emancipation, and who is best is his companions , some wild
and appealing for the clean cut new free boy man,
unfortunetly they are being target easy and end up being caught,
and label for life, unable to find jobs into the arrogant JOB MARKET SINNER THEMSELVES BUT DO NOT WANT THEM TO BE REMINDING THEM OF THEIR OWN CORRUPTION, which is like having a mirror in front of their own face,they cannot tolerate being told they are also but not label felons.
best to you
Jan,
How do you know that you cannot be an accountant? I want to know, because I am in college with a major in business and I want to be an accountant. I have a robbery on my record from four years ago. I called up the Board of Accountancy and the first person that I spoke with said that I could be an accountant. If you don’t know, Jan, then does anyone on this board? I want to know, because if I can’t be an accountant, then I’m going into finance.
Thank you.
Hi, while I am excited for you. And yes someone decided to give you a chance! I have been a felon since 1998 of a forgery, and aid and abetting to fraud, Since then I have worked in some of the best hospitals and positions as a temp on long term assignments 2 years max in different places as a loyal employee. I was always asked to become a permanent employee, refferred by managers and supervisors, I applied. Upon running my background I was always shut out, and thrown under the bus due to my past, regardless of the time, work, and dedication I put into these places. So does there need to be second chance laws with stipulations, yes it should. Although I hold a B.A. in Allied Health Science, a Surgical Tech certification, and a diploma for medical coding. NO ONE I mean NO One has given me a chance with all of these credentials I hold. We are aware of the choices we made and we are not looking for a hand out but a little push back in society, where we can pay taxes and put some of this money back in circulation, and help feed our family without government asst. Though I will never give up but it is exhausting. So, yes I feel something should be in place so that we may have the chance to be law abiding citizens once again
Procter
you are doing the right thing it’s them who are not doing their side of helping you,
so don’t give up ever it’s you that have to be the strongest to show how weakling they are,
you see, this mindset come from far down the generations,
am I right? and I would like someone to tell me how long and how far it goes,
and which PRESIDENT started it, and which GOVERNOR refuse the call for help to erase
that heavy burden on the shoulder of those who recuperate from crime and never did anything wrong since so long, yes you deserve a total blank from the big search centers like GOOGLE, I am using them myself and satisfied of their services, and I would like them to have their limits on that data which is so armful to the felons,
if they knew the wrong they are participating in, maybe they could set a time short enough for the non offenders to have their chance at the AMERICAN DREAM of success, by working hard at it.
what I would like is one of our POST here and the one who is the AUTHOR of this POST would be so thrill to learn that one started a busyness and hiring felons here,and SEAN would be so happy to know that we broke the ice with one business MAN or WOMAN and looking here four people,
then some other would feel they cando the same,
it take only one to be in front start the business with the skill he knows best, and serve as an example for other.
best to you.