Do Felons Deserve a Second Chance, Obama Thinks So [Reader Post]

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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

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I appreciate your article and where you are coming from but I do have some issues with your story and how it relates to felons today. I can only assume that your felonies were committed some time ago. It didnt used to be hard for felons to find work however over the last ten years it has become extremely hard due to cheap background checks as well as the recession. With the unemployment rates as high as they have been employers can be pretty picky now. I can tell u that Ive always had steady work however unforunately Ive gotten all those jobs when they either didnt ask or I lied and they didnt check. Ive been turned down from countless jobs especially manufacturing when Ive been honest. Im am slightly curious if one of your felonies were drug related and if so how were you able to afford school. I dont know how long its been in effect but drug felons aarent able to recieve financial aide for college. Private loans or cash is about the only way and you have to have the credit for private loans. Idk it just seems to me your story is a rare one in this day and age and Im guessing your felonies are at least 20 yrs old

This subject is always a touchy subject when it comes to felonies. I have 1st degree felonies and was convicted at 16 now I’m 35 and still have an issue with receiving a job when I apply for certain positions. I tried to get my record sealed and I was told that I can’t. I tried to get my record expunged and I was told that I can’t. I talked to another lawyer to get a pardon done and I was told that it will cost me 10k to 20k to get it done. If I can work and pay taxes to our so called government then why can’t I get any relief or forgiveness from our also called government that is so called “FOR THE PEOPLE”. Yea right. I’m just saying why should I have to pay taxes to a government that does not acknowledge that I have done my time and trying to move on with my life. They want you to forgive them when they still millions of dollars but dont forgive those who have committed as the say a more serious offense.

Fl

Florida,
My big issue is this government they pretend they are God. Giving away my money for hard work, to people who refuse to work. Here you are wanting to be a productive member in society, and all that government does is throw something up in your face for something that happened decades ago. The government will pardon illegals, draft dodgers, and homosexuals even though sodomy laws have been broken, or any other political issue just for votes. It is corruption in it’s purest form. It is a double standard to say the least. Pardons for illegals and NOT OUR CITIZENS ? We all paid for our crimes hundreds of times over, and we can’t take it back, and all we want is to move on. Even though you paid for your mistake they want you to pay money to make that mistake to go away. Well I won’t let something that happen in my life decades ago control the outcome or the path that God wants me to be be on. Back-ground checks is the new norm, even though they can’t get the health-care computer programs right. Christ died on the cross for my sins, and I’m forgiven, but the government won’t forgive those of their pasts. We are asking for a government that is responsible for the murder of millions of babies a year for mercy ! We have to remember something when Christ hung on the cross for our sins, there were two criminals next him, I was one of them. But amazing grace made me a new person, he will do the same for you.

I’m just curious why you think that your God isn’t trying to use your government to grant people the second chances that they should have? Isn’t God all-powerful? Doesn’t he move in mysterious ways that you and I as mortals cannot possibly comprehend?

Or is the part that bothers you about it that it just might infringe on your money?

Mathew 6:24
“Man Cannot Serve Both Mammon and God”

Either be a Christian and become willing to help others, or stop using trappings of holiness to give your articles false trappings of faith.

You’ve been blessed by God to have received so many gifts, and yet you want to stop God from giving those gifts to others because you disapprove of his methods. You are a hypocrite, sir or ma’am and you should be ashamed of yourself for trying to deny others the chance to experience the things you’ve gotten. Especially if your only rationale for this is that they didn’t earn it like you did. Frankly, I believe very little of what I see on the internet anymore so until I see you post your criminal record in full, I don’t believe your five felonies story. It just seems like add-on filler you’re using to prop up a very lame argument.

Joe
hi,
nice of you to comment here with us,
you said it, GOD move in mysterious way, I’m here to know it also,
we cannot blame GOD for our misfortune, he is a GRAND SCALE DESIGNER AND CREATOR,
HE DEPEND ON YOU AND ALL CREATED TO HELP SHAPE OUR FUTURE ON OUR OWN,
it”s a masterpiece very difficult to finish, and we must finish it and sign it,
and talk to GOD and say, WOOPS, DIDN’T I FINISH IT THE RIGHT WAY,
YOU GAVE ME A MOUNTAIN TO CLIME, AND I did clime my MOUNTAIN,
[ WHO SANG THAT SONG? OH YES ELVIS] HE SURE DID CLIME HIS MOUNTAIN,
but I think you are very young yet very smart and you just begining to clime your MOUNTAIN,
keep climing, HE is in front of you holding your hand,
BEST TO YOU,

Ilovebeeswarzone

It may sound simplistic but I never gave up. It took me 2 1/2 years to find a job, but I always kept my spirits up and emotions in check. That is the same reason I survived my ordeal. Yes, I went through background checks and eventually someone was willing to hire me for my worth and the value I could bring to the company. It has become increasingly difficult to find work now specially if you have a black mark. My suggestion is to not give up and value yourself and your skills. Know that the job you seek will appear soon and don’t fall into the trap of self pitty and anger, it won’t help. Improve your skills if you can, I got my MBA. Don’t give up and never lose faith. Value yourself and others will also.

Bryan

Bryan Miller
YES
that’s what the other felons want to hear and feed on it,
it is difficult and more for some than other,
but difficult is the same if more or less,
you stayed in high spirit and kept improving your knowledge,
that was the key, and one day the door unlock for you,
I am happy for you so much, and I appreciate that you came back to share and provide the hope,
to so many others, I hear one hundred thousands of them, TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET,
every day, many for errors non dangerous for the other civilians,
as a matter of fact< they are less dangerous than the illegals coming with a blank sheet in this AMERICA
they also try to find a job, but the COMPAGNIES SHOULD GIVE THE PRIORITY TO AMERICANS,
BEST TO YOU,

Hi Ilovebeeswarzone,

Freelancing has its ups and downs. For one, it is not steady work. For another, good portion of my time is spent drafting SOW’s. Nevertheless, I enjoy the freedom it allows because, to my clients, I am just some anonymous geek doing work for them at some remote location. For this reason, I can concentrate on my work without worrying about if my co-workers are watching me.

Before deciding on which cert to get, ask yourself of you with to work with databases or applications. True, “code is code is code” but the end product should be something that excites you.

I feel your pain about the depression. I too have thought (on several occasions), “Wouldn’t it be so much easier just to end it all?” My response is always the same…that is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Until someone has walked in your shoes, it sounds trite when they tell you things will eventually get better. Ilovebeeswarzone, I’ve worn your shoes pal. Things WILL eventually get better. Here in North Carolina we have something called a Certificate of Relief that allows petitioners to have their record expunged if certain criteria are met. I would advise you to look into your state’s laws and see if they have something similar. If so, this is something you can file on your own without incurring the cost of an attorney.

As for freelancing, it maybe something you should look into while you are applying to “brick and mortar” jobs. To gain experience, start with Entry Level positions through staffing firms. You may only work 3 to 6 month contracts but each position will be different and your breadth of experience will help you in the long run.

Bryan Miller: Congratulations on graduating and good luck in your future!

Jason

Jason
thank you for such good ideas, you have found a business and own it and that free your mind
to take on the other work,
great ideas, and many will appreciate it, in theses times of few jobs ,even half jobs now the new trend,
ANY GOOD IDEAS WORK FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO TRY IT,
I must say that i’m here as a friend trying to boost moral, because i understand that any one can make a bad move and get caught, I remember my seventeen years old and alone and hard head know it all,
i was spare from falling into wrong places, because I feared the GOD WHOM I ASK TO PROTECT ME,
and he did TILL NOW BEYONG MY WILDEST DREAMS,
i DID READ THE TEN COMMANDS OFTEN, IT DID ME GOOD,
BYE

To all those of you who say that there should be no second chances even after a number of years…I say I hope you get robbed and raped by a convicted felon who can’t get a job. Morons.

Brutus
There is no obstacle in life that you cannot overcome. I faced certain death and refused to give up. My life has been one obstacle after the next. I have always faced them head on and believed in myself and my ability to overcome them. I’m certain that one day you will look back and marvel how your faith and mental tenacity helped you overcome this particular situation. These challenges help you become stronger and give you lessons we could not learn otherwise. Unfortunately, we as humans learn the hard way. But I cannot change anything that has happened in my life nor do I dwell in thinking if only I would have done things differently. It serves me no purpose and that sort of thinking only distracts my attention from what I need to do in the present. Hang in there, keep fighting, believe in yourself. I’m certain that you will soon get a job. But 90% is mental, the only one that can stop you is you. I wish you the best of luck and hope you write me soon that you have gotten a job and things are looking up. I’m always here. Love and Peace

Bryan

Bryan Miller
thank you, I bet you can boost a car also,
best to you, for boosting those AMERICANS WHO REALLY NEED IT,

Brutus
I CAN SAY, that we cannot afford to let anger eat our brain alive,
there will be time enough when we are dead,
now as long as we are alive we have too much to do, yes?
yes even if we don’t move an inch, our brain is working hard
and faster than we can ever beat his speed,
CHECK IT UP AND YOU WILL FIND A TREASURE IN YOUR HEAD,
here is my discovery on it: some time ago i saw some work made with glass of many colors,
I saw the sun thru that design, and i was conquer , i wanted to make a lamp for the nice old base i had inherit, i look for a place teaching the know how and i found one, it was the less of teachig because i notice they wanted to take us students into another class and costly, she would not answer our questions even
the basic one, well never the less i was hook and found a store who where selling the stuff, i was flaberglast
looking at all the tools and colored glass plates, i start to ask questions they where answered,
and i bought a couple of books, and went back for advancing my wish to make my lamp,
one very precious advice i recieved was, if you want to make a stainglass project, you must first see it all done in your mind, i discard it because to me it was impossible to see a project finish before i make it,
time pass that bug got me thinking, and thinking the colors the designs while looking at my two books,
and it came in my mind all made up, and i begun to work buying tools as i got better and needed to pursue
the design,, i made more than one in a few years, bigger was my most liked,
TIFANY the MASTER OF STAINGLASS ANTIQUE, OKAY FOR ME,
IN ONE OF MY 2 BOOKS THERE WAS ONE INTRICATE DESIGN FROM HIM, A GIGANTIC DOME LAMP
IT WAS A VICKING RESTING IN A WOOD HIS LONG WEAPONS AT HIS FEET AND HE WAS LOOKING AT THE FIRE HE HAD STARTED, AND WHITE SMOKE OVER IT, AND BEHIND WAS THE MANY TREES
IN A WAY THAT THEY WHERE BACK IN A CIRCLE,THE MULTIPLE COLORS, FREAKE ME,
I WAS BURNING TO DO IT BUT NOT THEN IT CAME LATER AFTER SIX LAMPSHADE I MADE,
GAVE SOME AS GIFTS KEPT SOME STILL TO NOW, AND THAN
i WENT FOR TIFANY LAMP SHADE BUT i DID MORE PRACTICAL , THAT LAMP SHADE WAS TOO BIG FOR ME, NO I MADE IT AS A PANNEL WITH A FRAME A BOX STYLE AND A NEON LIGHT BEHIND,
IT IS BEAUTY, AND SPECIALLY WITH THE LIGHT ON THE BACK,
IT’S THE ULTIMATE PROJECT,
AND YES I COULD SEE IT MADE BEFORE STARTING IT,
THE TIME LINE WAS NOT DICTATED BY MY WISH TO DO IT, IT CAME IN MY MIND SUDDENLY AFTER YEARS ,WHEN IT SEEM READY FOR ME, THAT I FOUND THE POWER OF THE MIND IS A TREASURE TO DWELL INTO,
BEST TO YOU,

Well, I would like to know how can man Judge another man’s destiny. I made mistakes in life’s journey and ended up with a theft felony of some clothing from Dillards Department Store, “basically some material”. and I am not dismissing what I did was wrong, but I was addicted to crack cocaine, a whole different world from where I came from. I was a small town country girl, naive about things going on in this world because I had been sheltered all my life by a grandmother born 1900. Nevertheless, I ended up in prison over my mistake for 4 1/2 years, asking God for understanding and wisdom. God gave me plenty of life lessons even in that place. I paroled out in 1997, I went to work, but the devil was against me because I no longer desired to follow him, so I lost the job. I started waitressing at this chinese restaurant, but people will take advantage of you if you don’t realize God is not in a box. I left that Job and started to college. In 2005 I received my Associate Degree, and decided I would not stop there, after all I was not getting any younger, I was 42 at that point, so I continued my education and received my Bachelor’s Degree in 2007. I have a job, but society will not allow me to have a place to live. Every Apartment Complex I apply at inform me that they hold a felony against you for a 100 years, when is it over, when does society not acknowledge that a person have been out of prison that long, that it is human to make mistakes and it is Godly to forgive, because when you forgive others, you receive forgiveness for yourself. I’m disappointed in the United States of America not just for me, but for many, including the Soldiers whose battles continue after the war and after the scars. God Bless them and I’d like to say God Bless those who are not willing to give second chances. I pray that when those who are able to make a difference for even a few doesn’t, that they are never faced with some mistake, tragedy as addiction or worse, or maybe a dear, dear family member will find themselves in my shoes. Believe it or not Karma is something else. May God Bless you and Keep you and make his face shine upon you. I forgive you, when the time come’s forgive yourself. I do have a mansion waiting for me and someday I will live there rent free.

Donna Bryant
YES I’S tragic, so many are rejected, unbelieveble,
if only some could start a business and hire only felons who pass the test they demand to work at that business,
i repeat myself , i said it before, but someone has to think of it seriously, and take the step,
which is the one most difficult because it take courage to open a new business, but i don’t see no other answer,
hope you find something that you can put your knowlege to spend better days at work,
the key is not to give up ever, just keep thinking of the military who recover from great pain and wound,
it’s unbelieveble to even comprehend the spirit they have to fight another war their own war to achieve healing and a better life,
if they can do it, we all can, only time is our friend, we must walk with time and be patient,
best to you,

Happy thanksgiving to all. I’m thankful to God almighty who helped me move on to realize my dreams. There is a verse in the bible, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I belive I have the answer to keep people from repeating crimes. Just have the government pardon their past for the first offense after a number of years of clean living. Let these people who made mistakes move on and quit throwing their past in their face. I don’t know why they do that except to keep people down and dependant on the government. Break these shackles and be free I say.

Chill
YOU ALWAYS COME FROM FAR AWAY TO BRING WORDS OF HOPE HERE ,
THE BEST TO YOU FOR THE HOLLYDAYS COMMING SOON,

@Donna Bryant:
Donna, May the God of peace and mercy flood your life with riches and blessings. May the blood of Christ cover your sins so well that a background check can’t even find your mistake. With God “ALL” things are possible.

@ilovebeeswarzone:
Thanks Ilove. God has a special plan for us all. We maybe knocked down but I’m back up off of the canvas.
I’m not quitting as long as God gives me a breath and a voice.

Chill
WASN’T IT SMART OF GOD TO PERCIEVE THAT YOU WOULD NEED A SKILL
SOMEDAY TO HELP OTHER HUMANS, AND HE DID GIVE IT TO YOU,
AND IF YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO SEE ALL WHO TOOK YOUR WORDS AND APPLYED IT,
YOU WOULD BE HAPPY, BUT ONLY GOD KNOWS THAT,
BYE

Donna Bryant

I’m happy to reply to you and help in any way I can. I’m humbled and flattered that someone planned to 

put our conversation on his wall. I took the CPA exam(many years ago) and passed all four parts in one sitting. I lost my license. So being bull headed that I’m and determined to find a way and never give up. I took the Enrolled Agent (EA)exam last year. I passed it and now it has opened new opportunities for me. Your future is your hands and the only one that can stop you is you. Find the inner fortitude and go for what you truly desire. I’m certain you will succeed. 

Best

Bryan

I’ve been listening to K-Love radio station. It is Christian music that is so uplifting. There are songs with positive messages. Here is an example: It’s by Matthew West.

Hello, my name is regret
I’m pretty sure we have met
Every single day of your life
I’m the whisper inside
That won’t let you forget

Hello, my name is defeat
I know you recognize me
Just when you think you can win
I’ll drag you right back down again
‘Til you’ve lost all belief

These are the voices, these are the lies
And I have believed them, for the very last time

Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed,
And I have been set free
“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King

I am no longer defined
By all the wreckage behind
The one who makes all things new
Has proven it’s true
Just take a look at my life

What love the Father has lavished upon us
That we should be called His children
I am a child of the one true King.

K-Love had a drive called Angel Tree. It is used to buy children Christmas gifts whose mother or dad is in jail to let these children know that their parents didn’t forget about them. It’s a gift of hope and you can share the love of Jesus to the prisoner who believes that no one loves him or her.

@ilovebeeswarzone:
Thanks so much Ilove. Encouragement is what we all need. Thank you for all of your kind words.
Have a Merry Christmas and to all of those who post.

Chill
THANK YOU FOR THE NICE WISHES,
here”s like a boomerang, sent right back to you,
AND TO ALL THE BLOGGERS HERE HOPE ALL WILL HAVE A GOOD CHRISMAS
ONE WHO WILL MAKE FORGET THE HARDSHIPT OF LIFE, EVEN BRIEFLY,
BUT HOPE IT WILL BRING GOOD HAPPENING TO MAKE THE NEW YEAR CATCH UOU WITH A SMILE
AND HOPE,
SEAN YOU HAVE MASTER THIS POST TO MAKE IT LIVE FOREVER,
SO TO BRING HOPE TO THOSE WHO COME HERE, AND MORE WILL COME BECAUSE THE ECONOMY IS DOWN SO LOW, SO THEY CAN LEARN THEY ARE NOT ALONE,AND THAT WE HURT WITH THEM,
THIS AMERICA IS SICK AND WE MUST TOGETHER TRY TO HEAL HER WHICH HAD ALL AMERICAN
WHO WHERE BORN ON HER SOIL BE FINDING A JOB FOR THEIR FAMILY IN THESES TIMES
AS A PRIORITY,
BECAUSE THEY HAVE PAID DEARLY THE PRICE OF FALLING DOWN, AND HAVE WAITED SO LONG NOW, THEY MUST JOIN THE AMERICA THEY LOVE WHO HAS FORGAVE THE ERRORS AS MUCH AS
THESE FELONS HAVE FORGAVED THEIR AMERICAN NEIGHBORDS FOR PUNISHING FOREVER
AFTER THEY PAID THEIR TIME,
MY WISH IS TO GOOGLE TO DELETE ALL THE BACK LOAD OF
WHAT LABEL THEY KEEP ON THE CITIZENS,
AND DOING IT, WILL GIVE THEM A NEW START IN THEIR LIVES
GOOGLE YOU HAVE THE POWER TO DO IT, AS A GIFT TO AMERICANS IN DISTRESS,

Hi guys,

I just landed a job as a Support Lead for a small transportation company (about 400 employees). As the Support Lead, I am responsible for supervising, training, and coordinating the activities of a team of Support Analysts.

Under the general direction of the Director of Operations Services, I have duties of instructing, directing, and checking the work of Analysts. With Director’s assistance, I make decisions on interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. I provide input to the Director of Operations Services as it pertains to the employee annual performance evaluations.

Additionally, I assist less experienced Analysts in problem resolution, resolve complex problems of users of services and am responsible for meeting service levels. I also work with software systems engineers to resolve more complex problems.

Jason

Jason .M
WOW, I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU, CONGRATULATION,
AND ONCE YOU’RE ESTABLISH, MAYBE
YOU CAN TAKE SOME OTHER LESS FORTUNATED,
ON JOBS FINDING, FROM HERE ON THIS BLOG,
AND WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO KNOW THE GOOD NEWS AGAIN AND AGAIN,
YOU HAVE A GOOD PLACE THERE, IT WILL GIVE YOU WORK FOR A LIFETIME,
TAKE ALL INTEREST ON IT, PROTECT YOUR LEADER, AS YOU WOULD FOR YOUR BROTHER,
IT’S FOR YOU AND ME A REAL GIFT TO HEAR IT, A CHRISMAST GIFT IS IN IT,
YOU ALREADY HAVE YOUR WISH, SO I WISH YOU HEALTH AND STRENGTH,

This Christmas season I have learned so much. I have learned that the most discriminated groups of people in America are Christians and criminals. I believe a lot criminals become Christians. This is because a Christian will welcome a criminal and won’t judge that person. The Christian through acts of love give that person a kind word or perhaps even a job. That criminal remembers that act of love and turns his or her life around. The Christain knows that Christ died for his sins and faults and therefore won’t seem upset with people with a criminal record. Christ forgives our sins the government doesn’t, so my allegiance is with Christ. Everything I have ever owned or earned came from God and not the government. If the government wanted to do themselves a favor they would forgive these people who have went a long time without committing a crime. This would remove the shackles and would make these citizens more productive. They would make more money and at the end of the day the government would collect more tax money. Forgiveness is the best policy, and not beating people over the head for the smallest offenses for the rest of their lives. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to all.

Chill,

Short answer is YES.

Long answer is you will be able to find a job if you are willing to work for it. Like you I also have a felony conviction. I made a mistake, I paid my debt, and I am moving forward.

Many a recruiter has told me to go into trucking, or construction, or even start my own business. When I explain I have 20 years in the IT industry, as well as business management and supervisory experience, I am told that I probably won’t find a job. I saw that as short-sighted.

I bring a lot of skills to the table, with experience in various industries. Additionally, I have owned and/or operated multiple small businesses which shows I have an entrepreneurial spirit. Any employer would greatly benefit from hiring me…on paper. However, the stigma of “convicted felon” overshadows my resume. Therefore, I had to sell benefits not on the resume. For example, there is a $2500 Federal tax credit given to employers to hire felons. A lot of companies aren’t aware of that.

Additionally, because it’s not as easy to compete in the job market, I was willing to take a lower salary to “get my foot in the door”. Also, because I know I can’t just walk out and find another job, I will have to be the ideal employee: arrive early, above average productivity, volunteering for assignments, staying late, little to no sick days, etc.

If you do those things, and have the desired skills, some wise business person will see the benefit in hiring you. The idea you have to sell is, “It’s nothing personal, it’s just business.”

Good luck!

Jason
YOU ARE GIFTED ON MANY IMPORTANT CLUES TO ENTER THE WORK MARKET,
WOULD IT MEAN THAT THE EMPLOYERS ARE DEMANDING MORE FROM THE FELONS?
i think it would be highly unfair,and to those not gifted to sell themselves,
unfortunetly that could occur maybe more than we think, that is abusing those people,
WE SHOULD BE ALERT OF IT IF SOME HAVE BEEN IN THAT CASE , and to expose those people who’s
job is to hire employes, because sometimes the top head of the business is not aware of it abuse,
but won’t be excuse if it is expose and will have to pay dearly for omiting to check on his personal, having the task to find good needed workers, and having abuse their position, by not hiring the felon from light
pass felony paid their time,which does n’t create a threat to the company,
hope you all have a good holyday, and chrismas and new year,

Chill

I tried to get my license back in Texas and got some very important people to recommend me. The boards response that they didn’t believe I had changed or had any life changing event to merit it. I guess they did not read my book. LOL. I have found ways around that and for people to value me for who I’am and for my work ethic.

I will be concise, people will always tell you what you cannot do. I don’t listen and never have. I only believe everything is possible and can be done. It may not be easy and I may fall down a few times. But I will always get up, because in my heart I know I can. It is your determination and faith in yourself that will determine the result, not what other say or believe is possible. This is the philosophy that I developed as a child.

The only way your dream is unattainable is if you believe it is. Otherwise, everything is possible. It takes time and unwavering determination and fortitude.

Listen to your heart, not what others say.

If I told you in 1994, during my captivity that one day I would be writing you this e-mail, you may have laughed or said highly unlikely. But here i’am, because I always believed and had the faith that I would survive and overcome that episode.

Hold your head up and high and your dreams close to your heart.

Bryan

Bryan Miller
that is a curse to see the expansion of labelling people by what we read on them,
not by who they are , or have become, after paying dearly and have waisted that time,
to wait for being set free and see they are no more freeed by the society,
who put them all in one pack, no matter if they did something to defend themselves from being attack,
the fall in the same label as the hard core crminals, who are so ruthless doing their despicable crimes<
those would have deserved death penalty< to separate them from the other who did some small crime not by endangering the citizen,
the label has stuck in the mind of society, because society is scare of that being rob and have had a gun threatening them,
is scary, and that fear is never forgotten, so it’s difficult to re enter but some can do it by exemplary behaviors, to show their determination to tell they had made an error and have been punish enough to deserve the forgivness of their peers, by showing it with their actions afterward,
so people think this person is worthy of joining them, WE ALSO UNDER ESTIMATE THE ABILITY OF THE CTIZENS TO FORGIVE, AND UNFORTUNETLY SOME REHABILITATED
WILL RUN IN TO ONE WHO HAVE NOT TAKEN OUT THE LABEL, AND THEY ARE DOING MORE WRONG BY DISCRIMINATE ON THE OTHER, WITHOUT ANYTHING TO HOLD THEIR THINKING,
WHICH IS, HE WAS SO HE IS,
I have seen this with my own eyes,
I WISH A, BEST OF ALL THIS YEAR CAN BRING YOU AND ALL WHO COME HERE,
AND YOU WON YOUR CASE AND DESERVE IT,
YES YOU SAID IT, NEVER GIVE UP THERE ARE OTHER TOMORROW’S COMING TO YOU,

I’m surprised that people are finding jobs on here. I’m having the hardest time. I was turned down for 4 straight interviews. The last interviewer told me that I was the most qualified out of 4 applicants and he still turned me down.

I did find one light of hope, though…

58% of organizations allow their candidates to explain circumstances related to the charge which is GrEAT for me because IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MISDEMEANOR. Here is the article:

http://www.shrm.org/research/surveyfindings/articles/pages/criminalbackgroundcheck.aspx

Bye

Need hope
HI,
that is a plus, new to many and very helpfull on many,
it”s a start on the right direction,
thank you for telling here, it”s important,
hope you find what you need,
NEVER GIVE UP,
I WISH YOU A GOOD YEAR WITH GOOD SURPRISES COMMING TO YOU,
you know that time is maybe on your side sometimes,

I can’t find. job anywhere. Every job has an application that says “have you ever been convicted of a felony?” I check off “yes” and never hear back from them. The background check supposedly catches everything. This happened 7 years ago for me. I waited 7 long years. Now, background checks are going back 10 years. Soon, they will be going back for life. I just want to die. I am going to commit suicide if I don’t find a job soon. Life is not worth living without. Career.

CANT FIND A FUCKING JOB ANYWHERE
IT’S HARD ON ALL WHO ARE SEARCHING NOT ONLY THE FELONS,
BUT KILLING YOURSELF IS NOT THE SOLUTION EITHER,
YOU MIGHT END UP IN HELL WHERE IT SURELY WORSE,
SO DO YOU KNOW YOUR QUALIFICATIONS? AND ARE YOU READY TO MOVE TO WHERE THE JOB DEMAND?, ARE YOU IN CONTROL OF YOUR ANGER? BECAUSE THERE IS ALWAYS A MORON TO
MAKE A PERSON CLIME THE WALL, IN WORKING PLACE,
IS THERE A POSSIBLITY THAT YOU ARE GIFTED WITH A SKILL TO MAKE THINGS FOR OTHER AND SELL IT FOR A PROFIT, WHICH IT’S HARD TO START BUT LIKE THE CREATORS BEFORE YOU THEY DID NOT GIVE UP AND SAID THEY WANT TO KILL THEMSELVES, NO THEY TOOK ALL THE BLOW
AND ONE DAY THE LIGHT BECAME SO BRIGHT FOR THEM,
SEEK WITHIN YOU WHAT YOUR SKILLS ARE, YOU HAVE SOME, LIKE ALL HUMAN,
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR ANCESTORS WHO CROSS THE SEA TO COME IN AMERICA WITH
EMPTY POCKET AND TOOK A LAND AND WORK THEIR ASS TO MAKE HER FERTILE AND PROVIDE FOOD FOR THEIR UNBORN YET CHILDREN, AND CENTURY WENT BY AND YOU ARE HERE HAVING THE PROBLEM DIFFERENT BUT A PROBLEM IS A PROBLEM ON EVERYTHING
WHICH IS NOT CLOSE TO OUR GRASP, WHO SAIS IT WON’T CHANGE, YOU CANNOT SAY THE FUTUR, AND THE FUTURE IS SO CLOSE TO YOU, MADE UP OF MANY TOMORROWS,
RISE UP, YOU ARE AN AMERICAN, IN THIS AMERICA WHO SEND HER SONS TO THE MOON,
STUDY THE PROFILE AND LIVES OF THE ACHIEVER OF AMERICA, THEY ARE MANY ,
GOOGLE IS FREE FOR ALL WHO SEEK ANSWERS, DO NOT STAY IN A SPIRIT OF DEFEATIST,
FILL YOUR MIND WITH THOSE PAST AND PRESENT CREATOR, IT’S STIMULATE YOUR MIND,
DON’T FORGET GOD DID NOT GIVE UP THE CREATION, HE TOOK THE TIME NEEDED TO DO IT,
HE LOVE FOR US TO ASK FOR OUR NEEDS,
YOU WILL BE SURPRISE TO BE BLESS WITH SOME GOOD THINGS BY HIM,
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US HERE,
CHANGE THAT DEFEATIST NAME BY A HOPE FULL NAME, DON’T LET NEGATIVE THOUGHT
STAY IN YOUR MIND, CHASE THEM OUT,
CAN YOU CHECK WITH US, LATER, THIS POST IS SPECIALY FOR FELONS AND Some found work,
read there is 637 other comments, of all kind of people, it might help one to start a business and hire the felons only and prove the citizens that they paid their faults and are no danger to society,
because we know there are some dangerous who will have more trouble,
best wishes for this new year coming

I have read this blog, and I find it truly depressing. While on one hand it is encouraging to see people trying to lift others up, the “collateral consequences” of a felony conviction are anything but civilized. That is why they call it a “civil death.” We are dead to the rest of society. Without going into much detail, I was convicted of a lesser included felony offense after being acquitted of the original charges brought against me (never saw that coming)!! This is what happens when over zealous prosecutors are bent on making you an example, even when you’ve never been in trouble before. At the time I was a military surgeon, having spent over 10 years in medical school and residency learning to save lives and caring for the most greviously injured service members in combat. In fact, the night before my “incident” I saved the life of a mortally injured child. Despite all of the challenges and because of my reputation as a good surgeon, I was able to continue serving my patients , and I retired from the military (I’m very fortunate to get a pension). However, since leaving the service, I cannot get hired even though there is tremendous demand for what I do. Despite being upfront with administrator and having stellar performance appraisals and letters of recommendations, people won’t even call me back. My family and I are currently living with my in-laws until something more tangible materializes. During this time, I have gotten a crash course in criminal justice. According to DOJ statistics, there are between 2-3 million incarcerated felons and 20 million ex cons. That means that 1 out of every 15 people have felony convictions. It is probably higher when you exclude minors in the 300 million Americans we have now. Despite being the “land of the free,” the USA incarcerates more of its citizens than any other country. Why is this? A large part of it is because the criminal justice system is an industry that pays a lot of money to lawyers, judges, paralegals, law enforcement, prison communities, etc. How do we fix it? Simple, there is strength in numbers. I suggest ex felons physically relocate to a state that allows them to vote. Then by virtue of influence, force politicians to change the laws. There is no reason that a first offender shouldn’t have their record expunged after completion of their probation. Screw up again or repeatedly, and it’s on you. Every felon I have ever met has some unique talent which could be put to use. But when the barriers are so high, it is no surprise that recidivism or reoffending is so high. People forget that the state of Georgia started off as a prison colony. Any way, I’m finished with my rant…

DoesItReallyMatter?
YES IT DOES,
because you are still alive and able to change some minds with your rant you call it,
NO RANT TO MY PERCEPTION, only a sadness so deep, IT AGAIN BRING TEARS IN MY MIND
2TO 3 MILLION INCARCERATED, AND 20 MILLION EX CONS, this is more apaling than i THOUGHT,
I was saying 10 THOUSANDS FELONS ,from a read from someone,but 20 MILLION IS even worse,
something must be done, even more, i did suspected the procecutor doing it for the money and power
they get, but it”s not only that i think, yes the votes if you have it would help,
but the need to shout the number on and on, could have an impact , THE NEED TO SHOCK THE SOCIETY WITH AN IMPACKT TO WAKE THEM UP, TO THE PROBLEM,
in the mind of the SOCIETY at large, we also didn’t count those who where not caught
for infractions even minor, wich they have comited < if we go by the OBAMA book of regulation
which countain many thousands of infractions which one cannot pass by but breach at least one of the many thousands,this to be destroy would help many from being procecuted,
and yes the procecutors should be reevaluated, if they do not do it themselves,
thank you for the information, it;s mind bothering to read the numbers,
you have a point by giving it,out in the open, it is shocking,
the leader could also become felon by their actions or non actions,
20 MILLION EX CON OUT TO FIND A JOB, AND BE REFUSED,
THAT IS OUT TO SCARE THE SHIT ON COMPANY WHO DID REFUSE IF THEY ARE EXPOSED,
THAT IS THE REAL WEAPON OF TODAY, AND IT WORK PERFECTLY, and the leader should stop helping other country until he fix this crisis, of 2o million ex cons,
we must think of AMERICAN IN THIS CRISIS,
AND TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE FIRST, and close the border to illegals,
because ALL AMERICAN SUFFER, can you hear that?
it’s a prioity to be dealt with now, do you get it ?
I”M TARGETTING THE GOVERNORS OF STATES, TO GET INTO ACTION, AS OF NOW,
JUST COME HERE AND NAME THEM, WE WILL EXPOSE THEM,
THAT WOULD BE A START, AND ANY GOOD IDEA WILL WORK , AS THE PRESIDENT BUSH WAS SAYING, BRING THEM ON THIS POST, AND DON’T ANYONE GET DISCOURAGE, TIME IS YOURS
TO LEARN MANY SKILLS MANUAL ALSO AND TECKNOLOGY,MORE UNTIL IT PREVENT YOU ALL TO THINK OF YOUR STRUGGLE TO FIND WORK, WHICH THE NON FELONS STRUGGLE ALSO,
BYE,

The situation of a convicted felon or any person with criminal record, is indeed complicated to say the least. The million dollar question is, ‘why won’t a business hire a felon or even a person with an arrest”. Some reasons include fear of lawsuits, theft and violence. Even when a law protects a business from lawsuits and violence and theft is highly unlikely, the bottom line seems to be that people in general, just don’t want to deal with it period, as a hiring manager for McDonald’s restaurants says in an interview HERE

So what can be done? First, let’s get one thing right, we live in a ‘fake’ culture where most people, educated and uneducated alike, understand that we Bullsh** each other. In the business world, people understand that the smiles are ‘fake’ and that there is no trust (to a certain extent of course). Society as a whole, understands that criminal record or not, people can be and are often corrupt (in one shape, form or other) if the time, place and circumstance is right (for them). For example, walk into any company where everyone had to pass a background check or security clearance and ask employees to write their social security number on the lobby wall or the alarm code to their house. I mean why not trust everyone right? They all passed a background and security check didn’t they?

I’m afraid the solution to a critical circumstance of a felon like myself, is beyond a matter of proving a right or wrong of the matter. The ‘scary’ thought may be that people just don’t care, including …..the felons themselves. It’s a phenomenon that has occurred time and time again in history, on both large and small scales, both social and personal. Nearly all of us can recall a situation where we thought to ourselves. “Why didn’t/don’t they just do ‘something’ about it?” Here is when we say “If that were me, I would….” So what does this mean for the felon? Well, with all due respect to the physically and mentally disabled, we are/we have, a handicap and most people are not concerned about our well being nor will bother with it, just like you and I (perhaps not all of you) don’t fight or actively care about the well being of the physically and mentally disabled (‘That’s a hard pill to swallow’). We just ignore it simply because it’s not our problem per se (this is stated with no implications of people being good or bad)

@DOESITREALLYMATTER Our situation as a felons might compare to that of an impoverished nation or people, a persecuted religion or race, where overcoming the adversity can and does happen, where victories and stories of success occur on a relatively small scale, often times on an individual level, whereas the group as a whole, is unlikely to be ‘relieved’ from the situation, though it is possible through an (usually) extraordinary event. The bottom line is… one of two decisions can be made, either to ‘keep kicking’ or to stop running.

I’ve been watching football today and yesterday and have seen running backs who keep kicking, even when 5 guys (often bigger and stronger) are holding them at a standstill, sometimes even pushing them back and nearly to the ground, but because that running back, kept kicking, because he didn’t give up, I’ve seen them break free and run.

@isthatme: …just enter the link without the http:// beginning with www

Correct, people valued me and the services I gave them. Not getting the CPA license back was non-issue. I still had a very good accounting practice.

Bryan

If God wants you all to be something or do something he will make it happen. God’s will is more powerful than man’s phoney laws. If you got caught with pot you go to jail, now it’s legal in some states. So if it was wrong 20 years ago why now is it ok? My issue is man’s laws are not perfect and neither is back ground checks. Just because a person can pass a back ground check doesn’t guareentee that person is beyond committing a crime. A person who has made one mistake is more aware of making the second mistake. That is all I’m saying. My favorite bible verse is I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me. Bryan and Jason have the right attitude on how to pound down the road blocks that the “System” puts in our way. Work hard and go the extra mile that in itself will remove the stigma that society puts on the criminals. If the government can give amnesty for non citizens, then how much more should they forgive our citizens of the one crime they have committed. If you want fairness, then lets start there.

Thank you for posting this, I have recently applied for my second Master’s, but I was not sure if I will be able to go back to school because of my felony, but not drug related. As I was completing my application I was dreading the fact that I had to answer yes I have been convicted of a felony. Thanks for giving me hope.

I’m a felon. And I find this very inspiring.

GLENDA
go for it, if you have question to answer write: AMERICAN WITH ROOTS ON THE GROUND,
LETS SEE WHAT IT WILL GIVE YOU,
IF THEY HAVE THE ARROGANCE TO ASK,
THEY DISERVE THAT ANSWER,
IF IT’S THE EMPLOYEE OF THAT BUSINESS ASKING SOME MORE TELL HER YOU WANT TO TALK TO THE OWNER FOR MORE CONFIDENTIAL ANSWER, AND START TO ASK HER QUESTION ,LIKE WHY IS THAT QUESTION FOR, HOW LONG DID SHE WORK THERE,
YOU ARE AMERICAN AND IT’S NOW A MUST TELL, WITH ALL THE ILLEGALS INVADING YOUR AMERICA, YOU MUST HAVE THE PRIORITY ON JOBS, OVER FOREIGNERS, KEEP YOU HEAD HIGHER THAN THE ONE ASKING, YOU HAVE FALLEN AND YOU HAVE RISEN, THATS MORE THAN THAT ONE ASKING, STAY PROUD, BECAUSE AMERICA MUST NOT BE BROKEN BY THE SYSTEM MARXIST, AND
SOCIALIST COMMUNIST
OF THE ADMINISTRATION,
YOU ARE ONE OF 20 MILLION, THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG VERY WRONG, WITH THE CITIZENS OUTSIDE THIS CROWD, THEY ARE AFRAID OF ALL OF YOU, AND ONLY PART OF YOU ALL ARE DANGEROUS,,
BEST TO YOU,

You don’t need a CPA license to own and accounting firm. In fact i found it easier without one. I got my EA license, so at this point I’m not going to pursue my CPA license. You need to be creative when presenting yourself to employers. Do me a favor send me your resume to my regular e-mail address asmartconstructionllc­@yahoo.com. Wether you have your CPA license or not, you have to sell yourself. In the past couple years i interviewed many CPA’s and would never higher anyone of them. I have had bookkeepers who were better accountants than CPA’s work for me.

Bryan

Bryan Miller
HI,
did you hired a felon?
i go for what you mentioned, not hiring the one you interviewed,
because it made me think that one who is looking for work after waiting x years,
is surely not to par in an interview, because of having waited so long,
and definitely cannot land an interview as well as another but might be a better candidat,
this is very important to those who hire to be smart enough to percieve the distant approch,
from the one being interview, and the enterviewer must not judge one which i profile,
and enphasize on the ability of him, instead of his presentation as oppose to other candidates who never had so many hard times and are like you more talkative, you would recognise that but a member of the company might judge him by his presentation which like i said is not perfect,
that’s why i ask if you had such candidat to interview,
BYE

[Weekend Wisdom] “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” –Michael Jordan

Bryan Miller,
thank you for that one, i like it and MICHAEL JORDAN TOO,

second chance for felons is a great idea

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