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 agree with you when you say that about Texas. That is where my son is now and because I was sentence to what is considered to be long term, I cannot see my son untill after I’m off parole. Or my son becomes of age at 21. Or untill I can come up with a lot moner for high price legal becaus the system won’t help because my son was afraid to talk to officer’s he is still with the child molester and because he (the molester) is the victim in my case I cannot contact the household or go back to prison.
@ilovebeeswarzone:
i hurt no one and to be honest when she found out what happened with me she wanted to withdraw the complaint, but the states attorny said it would create complications. Look i know im not innocent by any means but you know what i am not a a psycho or a nutcase to be honest i dont even care anymore screw the system that says it protects us all, or protects those with money i should say!!!though when i was a soldier it was ok to go places and do things that are ok but being a civilian and something struck me down in the prime of my life i got really not brake from it at all or understanding. whatever this is a sore subject , just let it go no need to reply.. what done is done!!!
Buddy
oh my, do you think your son is still being molested?
and afraid to tell, because he live with him as a father,
not good is in it
doc
I wish you the best to come in your future,
don’t give up.
if we cannot change the past, we have to live with it,
and make the best we can,
the light will shine some day,
You know guys I thank all of you for your imput. Yeah,life stinks a lot of the time. I am moving on I have to no other choice. I don’t know what to think. It is what it is.
Buddy
yes that’s the way to go,
concentrate on other things and move on,
it will brighten up your life,
best to you
I will say this buddy, your a bit older than i, but if you want my advice limit much of your interaction with the general public as needed, very hard as we age to deal with less than normal commonsense which many lack these days and everyone has an opinion!!! Cops get no love from me becasue they are alone just a heartbeat away from being criminals themselves!!!!Really man good luck!! by the way people this kind of post is not about past offenders buddying up its is about how society treats its past felons who have not reoffended and have done well since ones conviction! Just remember there will not be any love from anyone once your known as a EX-CON!
Its not bad being a felon in this country. Im a multi convicted violent felon. it has been 7 years since my offenses. I make 13.40 an hour get full medical,dental,vacation time annual raises. A bad bitch. ten years younger than me with women in line. A nice place a truck on credit. Just hang in there never give up and things get better!
Im am just one vessel within a giant corporation, a mere citizen, a tiny corporation who did not comply with their contract. To learn is to grow and to grow is to learn. One day I will be a king til then I will slave.
ME
MULTI Cconvicted violent felon,
nothing to brag about, hope you don’t fall back in it,
just be thankful to those innocent people who gave you that break,
and watch your ARROGANCE, IT CAN PUT YOU BACK DOWN IN HELL.
I think the system is set up wrong in many states and for states who offer second chance programs and offer forgiveness for 1 felony I say bravo because I believe all non-violent crimes should be forgiven of 1 felony and I also believe there are special cases like Dwayne Chapman who has been violent crime free for 20 years and is actually helping society by getting violent criminals off the street deserves a second chance. The guy never said he was perfect he works on being better ever day so before you criticize him there are always 3 fingers pointing back at you. Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone is caught making them. They are a family they work to help each other knowing none of them are perfect but are any of us? Depending on the circumstance prove you can be crime free like Dog has and that your giving back in some way and that has to start within yourself first. / Basically a person goes in to see a probation officer and the time is not very long the visit maybe half an hour to 45 min. when the time could be used to ask the offender what they may be interested in and even guide them to a website where they may point out careers that may coincide with their interests and this might show your interested in helping them find a job, or a a degree program or trade program matching their interest. This may guide the offender in a different direction. The same could apply to short and long term incarcerated people. Normally 1st time offenders go to their probation officer and they have to take a pee-tested on a routine bases and if you don’t have to go, if you have to set for 3 hrs. then so be it you can’t leave until you go. A lot can be done in between app t. especially if the offender is still there if they don’t want your help then move on but making someone aware of something is saying you may have given up on yourself but its never to late to have a new beginning and you may be giving them a glimpse of something to strive for and a reason to change their lives ./ Also when addicts are arrested they are tripping out or to stoned normally or drunk perhaps both and these people are sick. Drug addiction is a sickness as is alcohol. If they are rowdy ok cool off in the tank but they need treatment because they are sick and have no business in the regular jail or prison population. If they must go to treatment in handcuffs then they must but treatment is where they need to be and they should be in a treatment facility even if it has to have bars it is still the best place for an addict. This is an issue that needs to be addressed and putting an addict in jail or prison they are going to go off on the population then there is big trouble and probably a lot of blood mostly in the addicts direction. /If a person is focused and ready to start receiving an education in prison and willing to work hard then they want to do something with their life so have incentive’s inside to keep them focused and out of trouble and they could be credit based or for some who have no one to depend on it could be badly needed commissary items . These people will probably pursue an education upon release so follow up reinforcement programs are needed on the outside. If they are not getting focused on an education inside and choose to be in the abyss worry about those who are and maybe others will follow their example. There will always be some who never want help but there are many who do. Some have just been in prison to long and have paid their dues. God tells us to forgive but the only way that happens is if you help give someone a leg up and if a person has paid they have paid and should have a break and be able to get a job and be a productive member of society after they have. I think in the case of child molesters when they took the innocence or life of as child i think they gave up their rights for seconds chances. I also know in some cases people have been accused wrongly. / For offenders who have proven themselves to be employable, employers who are willing to hire felons can get a tax break and the program needs to work with employers about job opportunities and the ex-felons progress could be followed up with group interaction and feedback as a follow up concerning their jobs and any other problems the ex-felon may be facing. The goal is to get them oriented into society and working. Most offenders get out they may have something lined up they may not but in most cases they are let out, many have no skills, no family, or the family unit in shambles, no job and no skills, or they have been in to long and don’t know how to adapt on the outside and they are told, off you go and you wonder why they commit more crimes? They co-mitt crimes because there is no money and they can’t get a job and illegal activity brings bucks and that is what they need to survive so it is a vicious circle and you have to stop the circle. Just because you’ve been given chances in life don’t assume others have. The system could be more structured and education oriented while assessing other state models that are working like 2nd chances and follow up support programs to see what are the most successful programs per state and incorporate ideas from these models. Eventually the incarceration would lessen and so would the cost to the taxpayer’s. Those who go on to become educated can share work with and encourage the at risk youth in their communities many who have not faced the pitfalls of being in trouble or have been in trouble or incarcerated a leg up to thinking about more than just crime and in some cases gang affiliation.Personal success starts a chain reaction but poverty and the perils of it just keep a person down for the count. The US has the most incarcerated people in the world, in the entire world, just contemplate that thought for a moment. Something is not working. I’m only one person but I could think of many ways to make things better so if I can you can. This isn’t applied to one race this exists in all of our society regardless of race or color. Isn’t it is time for applying a different approach on giving ex-offenders a chance for redemption? Trust in God and Never give up HOPE.
Cat
great, YOU GOT ME SPEECHLESS IF I WOULD HAVE TO SAY SOMETHING,
I STILL HAVE TO READ YOUR MESSAGE AGAIN, TO DIGEST IT ALL,
you gave so much in theses lines, ideas, advices, reality checks,
learning how to, hope, challenge oneself, time saving trick.
and looking at the future in the face and liking what you see, and words of wisdom,
thank you,
ilovebeeswarzone thanks for the encouragement. I listened to the guys story of how he owns his own home and walked to work and doesn’t feel much for others who aren’t there yet ok moving on now. In many restaurants people get paid less than minimum wage for example $2.75 and they consider you will make the rest of your wages up in tips and there aren’t enough tables in the world to make a living on that. Some pay minimum wage but include rent, groceries, gas, or public transportation and see what you have left but remember you survived on a lot less and after what you have been through there is no obstacle to big to stop you from achieving your dream and you are never to old. Here is an idea this is an old video but meaningful never the less: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zMvktpKDmo and an article http://blogs.worldwatch.org/sustainableprosperity/an-american-mondragon/. if you don’t have a computer maybe a friend has one or the local library you can access one for 1 hr. at a time. Cooperatives are getting to be more cost effective and popular in this economy. Many ex-felons have learned a trade in prison for instance making license plates but the state makes the money. You may put your skills together in a way that you can profit. There are grants for ex-felons just type it in the computer but remember be prepared to do something because if you take advantage you only hurt everyone’s dream. You may be able to help yourself and later be able to help other ex-cons by showing them your not going to feel sorry for yourself your going to succeed in life. I know you will so I will say don’t forget those who are still struggling once you do. There is much info out there if you don’t accept defeat. I hope this helps. There are also ex-cons who helped many with legal issues on the inside but can’t become lawyers they may be able to help too with paper work so forth. They may give a shout out to this blog God willing. Hope this helps don’t give up where there is a will there is a way and the greatest enemy you have is the one inside yourself. There are also adult learning centers in almost every state and city so brush up they are willing to help you and they don’t care if you never finished school or have handicaps in learning, they also help you get your GED and if there are other tests you may want to take they may be able to guide you. Many test have pre-tests for practicing. These people are a gift to you take advantage of the gift and help yourself. You can do this!!!!!!
Cat
hi,
thank you for your last jewel, IT DID NOT REACH THIS FLOPPING ACES
FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASONS
BUT I’m sure glad it came on my mail, because it is yes like you mention
words of hope, the best I heard yet, short sentences but every words meaningful,
I hope all the 400 here received that link, it is indeed a treasure, from Maya Angelou,
best to you
Cat
your comments here gave me an idea, if there are 88.8 million felons here in THE USA,
I was thinking from what I have read here all along, they are smart all of them, more for some,
have a gift, an ability special to them, it is in their core, and they probably never found that special me in them,
any way, all that to say that some are leader and very gifted, and could start a company and hire felons only
to work in the needs of the company, and there are more than one if we calculate among the 88.8 millions number
imagine how many company they could start, choose the field your good at, but before that you all have to analyze yourself, search in your core to find your gift, okay how the heck do we do it?
well, here come the first company, an expert into how to find it, I have seen very smart people here,
and all we need is one or more to come in front and say; I WOULD BE GOOD IN STUDYING
PEOPLE’S CORE, THEIR INSIGHT, WHAT MAKE THEM TICK,
SO THAT THE FIRST JOB WE HAVE FOUND THE TOP PERSON FOR THE FIRST COMPANY,
AND WE MOVE ON TO OTHER GIFTED IN THEIR SPECIALTY FOUND BY THE COMPANY NUMBER ONE,
AND THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW, WE CUT THE 88.8 MILLIONS IN PART OF COMPANIES,
ALL SPECIALIZE IN DIFFERENT SKILL AND ALL HAVING FELON EMPLOYEES, AND DAM PROUD OF THEIR ACHIEVMENT AND IN NO TIME READY TO COMPETE WITH THE OTHER NON FELONS,
and as time go by the ethic which is a first priority is getting known and admire,
what does it bring? a smile on your lips, a pride of what you are doing in creating decent jobs
only for felons remember. and it grow and grow.
no questions ask on this, because some of you have studied to the top, able intelligent and gifted to be leading other,
possible? I am positive it is, and why not,
best to you
an idea is worthy of a thought or more,
now surprise me, and I will be so proud of you all who start to create a thought into reality.
the guy who talked to Obama was an idiot so to have him represent me and other youth makes my skin crawl
and with all do respect who ever wrote this article is times have changed thats all i can say…..
i want a job, i go out every day looking for a job , every day sure ill find one eventually i don’t let it keep me down
i was charged with having pills in my car i wasn’t robbing people i wasn’t hurting any one but my self.
with one bad decision, at the time i was in a tech school doing well i was living on my own and was working.
then find my self thrown in the system i was offered probation i took it i had a chance to get my record cleaned up.
i lost my job when i got out the school dropped me i had to reapply for financial aid and was denied
well i had 3 drug classes a week in the middle of the day 2 drug test a week at random 1 visit to the PO a month and had a monthly court evaluation, did i mention i had to pay for all this? good you say dose not come out of tax payer money fare enough, but then i had to find a job ok i looked and looked but no one could accommodate my busy schedule , then as the bills for classes and drug test added up when my monthly court visit came up the judge would throw me in jail for 3 days next 5 days then a week purely over the financial aspect well your taxes end up paying for it anyway… other than that i was doing well on probation finally 2 years go by i told the judge i cannot find let alone hold a job no one want to hire a 18yo now 20yo kid on probation that has an obligation every other day i was sentenced to a year in prison i did my time finished parole, on a side note other prisoners were constantly pointing “what are you doing here” “your not like us” “they royally F* you”
i mean here i am never smoked pot didn’t drink didn’t know what smack was, was in school was working
and now i have a number no rights and am ostracised from my family, over what? a few pills i was taking for anxiety that my mother gave me….
im 23 and have my whole life ahead of me i dont want a hand out or a program for felons
all i want is a chance and im denied that every day thus far
I think everyone deserves a chance to get back on their feet for whatever Felony they have been convicted for EXCEPT Sexual Assault on ANYONE Child on up. They have paid their DEBT TO SOCIETY. Shame on those that do not FORGIVE…JUDGEMENT DAY IS GOING TO BE ROUGH FOR YOU. God Bless and I will Pray for You!
@Cat: well in my case in 1992 i started driving tractor trailers and i had a bad reck in chesterfield co. va. i was charged with involintary manslaughter i didnt have the money to fight it so i plead guilty i went to prison and got out and was on parole and probation for 10 years i work a place or to and went back to driving and about 3 years ago i got some tickets and lost license and i worked at a place or to and i got my GED in 2011 and i been putting in applications for 2 years now and they all keep telling me we cant hire you cause you have felony.
@Chase:
I feel bad for people who make a small error in a legal calculation, and end up paying for the rest of their lives.
Back in the day sodomy was a felony now these sodomites can get married. Illegal aliens are getting amnesty but none for our citizens. Draft dodgers got pardons, ask Bill Clinton while Mohamed Ali served jail time for it. In the most liberal parts of our country you can walk down the streets with no clothes on, but where I live if you pee behind the bush, and get caught you can get arrested for indescent exposure, and probably have to register as a sex offender. There are a two system forms of justice, one for the elites, and the other for the citizens. It’s like the government wants to keep us down. What ever happened to cruel and unusal punishment? I’m convinced the most powerful form of love is forgiveness. God forgives but the government hangs it over our heads for life. The government hates people with power, this would include people with God, guns, and money. There are over 4000 laws on the books and 200 new ones this year. The best lawyers would be lucky to know 10% of these nebulous laws. It’s easy to mess up, and if you are young the system is stacked against you. The key for those who mess up is to start your own business or work for a company for many years. Or you can do want the government wants and that is to depend on the government (Welfare) who hangs that unforgiveable past over you head. People are born to work, that is God’s will, so for the sake of the people it’s time to remove the road blocks to suceed. It’s time to bury the ax for non violent offenders, and erase the past for those who made one small offense. After all the most criminal amongst us are those who legally spend our money, and put us into a financial debt, that is stealing, and that is what our government has done. You can be legally perfect, but morally evil.
Back to poor pity non-violent offenders. Make a mistake and you want everyone to forgive you. I agree pay for your wrong doing and the debt is done. They are violent offenders that is and should be what is doneat and paid for is just that. I have a violent offense in which case I was defending my son from a sex offender. No one gives me a break and I am 56 years old working farm with 20 years old. I have to push myself to the limit every single day of my life or look for work that no one wants to hire a felon that is old. I get tired of non-violent offenders thinks they are of any more in need of help what in your opinion should violent offenders do just drop off a cliff or something. 43 years I never broke any crimminal laws until my son was molested by his mother’s boy friend. I received 20 years for beating this man so quit crying in your beer and move on. Non violent offenders and drug users that got caught it is against the law you made the choice to use or did someone hold a gun to your head and make you do so. make the decisions like a man or a woman if the case may be. You play with fire sooner or later you will get burned.Defend someone that can’t do so for themselves then maybe I can see pity for you but trust me no one else out there will. YOU ARE A VIOLENT OFFENDER AND BRANDED FOR LIFE.
Buddy
HAPPY NEW YEAR,
NO YOU’RE NOT A VIOLENT OFFENDER,
YOU JUST GOT A MORON JUDGE,
anyone would do the same and worse to protect a son unable to do it.
so get that off your mind,
a real violent offender is one who want to kill for his own criminal urges,
a very dangerous person yes,
now don’t break the courage of other who paid their prices, they are down depress enough,
and no way should they kill themself, they still have a life to live and must never use violence
on any excuse, maybe they will learn to live with what they have peacefully with other people,
they are out of prison mean they where found not dangerous, they have learn that violence has no excuse in a society,
bye
Chase
you sure pay the big price, I wish you have something coming in the year we getting in,
you know the fact that they pay attention to you might be some test to see your limits,
I think you had another heartless judge,
they are just less human than other judge, and if a young guy talk back to them it’s a no no,
they think you’re arrogant, when it’s just that you want to explain you’re situation,
but if you find an inflated frog judge, anything you say will be taken against you, because he think of his supreme power over you because he know you cannot pay for a good lawyer,
take care loose the drug, you have the courage to make it without any drug,
only youR will alone and a prayer help a lot the soul, yes GOD IS AROUND, ASK HIM FOR GUIDANCE AND STRENGHT, HE WON’T REFUSE THAT ,
AN OLD CLICHE THAT HAS WORK FOR MANY ,
BYE
payton
hope you find more this new year , just don’t give up,
like that movie I saw sometimes ago, never give up, never give up ,
IT WAS REPEATED MANY TIMES IN THAT MOVIE, AND I LIKED IT
just a short sentence of 3 words which are uplifting,
take care,
best to you.
Yeah I forgot to pay for some items I hadunder the cart. i thought the sales associate rang them up !!! lmfao!!!
Johnny Kleptonot
geez, it happenned to me last year not because I’M A THIEF,
I NEVER STOLE A THING IN MY LIFE,
BUT THAT WAS A PACK OF BATTERIES, I did not notice in the cart,
and I was so far away from THE STORE, I KEPT IT,
Johnny Kleptonot
to continue the above i was cut of
i HOPE YOU DID NOT GET TOO MUCH BAD NOTES ON IT,
BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED MANY TIMES,
I RETURNED THE BATTERIES LATER AND WAS TOLD THAT
IT WAS A CURRENT HAPPENING
It happen to me too but the case was dismissed cuz it was at fault of the associate who is required to check all carts for items. Had to have been 400 dollars in items.
I’m a multi-convicted felon but I still have nice things, assets, value and a nice credit score. Being a felon never affected me much. When I was on parole I put 80,000 dollars down on a house and my parole officer wouldn’t let me live in the house. Can you believe how corrupt our govt can be? I have to admit there are obstacles. At one point in time I was running a Weebly website around Facebook trying to sell mushroom operations to citizens. Man was I desperate:) I had to have met a 100,000 felons on Facebook. I think we need to organize and set up legitimate companies for us by us. What do you guys think about opening a burger place designed like Subway? Well melt cheese inside the burgers so there is a lava explosion when you bite into them. Peanut butter jealousy burgers all that. Next thing you know the govt will be asking us for help. Then we’ll help a little but probably not as much as they want. I think success post conviction depends on you as a person. That’s why they set so many obstacles over your head. To make it challenging for free thinkers like you and I! We have 42 titles in our law-book and a million loopholes. There is always room for one more! Do your best not to judge others 🙂
Don’t talk about it be about it. Don’t wait for the government to help you when you can help yourself. Live, love, laugh. My ex wife runs to me wishing for a second chance after leaving me. I throw her a bone here and there but I get the youngest hottest babes.
ME
you seem to have found the way to make it happy,
yes for trying to have a busyness, hambergers like that look good and appetizing,
the food business is not anymore but was a 100 percent profit,
as long as you are not too greedy for more and break the law just to be even with the ones who caught you before, that kind of revenge tactic is used now by top leaders, but it will close on them one day
sooner or later,
best to you and all the felons here trying to find a job so hard,
keep in mind there is 23million other with no felony marks also trying, but you rank in front of illegals who came fraudulently, you rank in front of the immigrant newly arrived, because
you are true AMERICANS and don’t you forget it is a privilege given to you by birth,
and someday you will have a better focus on what is good for you to work at legaly and free,
and pleasant to go to.
I wish it for this NEW YEAR TO ALL,
Thank you ilovebeeswarzone that is kind of you. Not all sees it as you do because jobs wont even ask first felon oh no we can’t have something as vile as you around here oh that’s right I’m sorry that position was filled already I just now found the memo, I’m so very sorry.
Yes Chase please do loose the drugs you control them do not let them control you. No I’m not a drug user but I could have been I played with them until I seen them for what they are manipulating substance that makes you feel good. Everyone wants to feel good but if you are who you say then you will overcome. Buddy
To ME; I’m not sure as to what you are talking because they weren’t a hopping cart involved with me. I’m not a shop lifter and have never been acused as one. Unless they are another Buddy out there then you have my case all wrong. My case is aggravated assault on a child molester.
what get me sad is to see thousands of so call felons all having the same label,
as if you all lost your humanity when you Fell into hell,
you all have paid the price and came back to join the people
just as you have become one of them,
but they won’t let you, in your AMERICA, AS AMERICANS AND SOME OF YOU CAN NAME YOUR ANCESTORS OF MANY GENERATIONS,
AND I LOOK IN STAFF OF COMPANIES AND SEE FOREIGNERS IN YOUR PLACE, DOING THE JOB YOU SHOULD DO AND SMARTER,
IT IS TRAGIC TO MY MIND, AND I DON’T MISS A CHANCE TO STICK IT IN THEIR THROATS
IN THIS BLOG ON MANY OTHER POSTS AVAILABLE, JUST TO MAKE THE STIGMA DISAPPEAR FROM THE MINDSET OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALSO SIN, BUT NEVER BEEN CAUGHT IN BREAKING THE LAW,
BE IT ON A DRUG PARTY, OR AN DRINKING SPREE UNTIL THEY COULDN’T DRIVE BUT DID CARELESLY TEMPTING THE DEMONS OF DESTRUCTION, THEY DID BUT WHERE VERY LUCKY,
YOU DID SIN BUT YOU GOT CAUGHT LIKE AN ANIMAL IN A SNARE,
BUT YOU PAID BY BEING PUNISH FOR A TIME, OUT OF THE REAL LIFE, SEPARATED FROM OTHER SO CALLED PURE HUMANITY. AND NOW YOU DESERVE A CHANCE TO FREEDOM OF WORKING TO EARN YOUR LIFE NEED, YOU DESERVE TO LOVE AND HAVE CHILDREN , AND PROVIDE FOR THEM,
YOU HAVE PAID AND LEARN NOT TO DO IT AGAIN, THAT IS MORE SECURE THAN OTHER WHO NEVER FELL IN HELL BUT COULD DO IT ANY TIME, BECAUSE THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT HELL IS,JUST DON’T GIVE UP AND STRAIGHTEN UP TALL YOU ARE IN YOUR AMERICA, SHE BELONG TO YOU
AND YOU BELONG TO HER UNTIL YOU DIE, WHERE EVER LIFE TAKE YOU, STAY PROUD,
@<a href="
/comment-page-9/#comment-399839″>ilovebeeswarzone:
It is easy to go to prision I did a stretch. Getting back on level playing ground is hard. People are people we make mistakes. People judge other people. We can always correct or mistakes I was on parole for 3 years and I had a job all through my parole. I got off parole and kept a job and after I was off parole I found myself going down that same path of destruction. I wised up after I seen others I used to hang out with struggling. I remeber seeing ex-cons I was incarcerated with struggling. I told my self life cannot be misrable anymore and I will do what I can to make life better. I got a college degree worked full time and went to school full time I saved money I cut out the drinking and the drugging and put my nose to the grind. I got my felony expunged I graduated with business degree in accounting and a bachelors degree in human services. I broke the circle. I go into jails to talk to clients. I show my state ID and walk into professional visits no questions asked. I sit next DA who at one time reviewed my case and stuck me with 52 months. I help people get their lifes back together and this is what I tell them when they begin to complain: Get it together Hard work, dedicatin and a positive dream. During the recession I have stayed employed during the bombings of 9/11 while I was in work release program I stayed employed. When individuals can leave enablers behind for a period of time than they can live good and be free.
Strongbow
splendid, you know, you will be read by so many people here on this BLOG,
you have resolve, you refuse to give up to the label,
well we have to also recognize that you had also some luck
to be at the right place at the right time but even with some luck you made the rest happen
using that lucky open door, am I RIGHT?
I AM TRULY HAPPY TO HAVE READ YOUR COMMENT ,THE WHOLE STORY YOU GAVE US,
SO MUCH POSITIVE THINKING IN IT
which some other can cling to it, can pick up some clues, there are many on your story,
hope they come to tell us how they advance with those advices,
each of all who came and said it as it happen to them gave some clues,
we just have to study them and perceive on how it could be apply to their story,
which is different for each person, some are very low depress it’s harder to pick themselves up,
but they just have to put one step in front of the other at the time, no rush needed,
this is another of your clue which I sense, you did it in your own time which is different for each person
so each has to find his tempo and follow it not faster not slower, that’s what I understand
hope you have a better year again, and keep up with this BLOG, WILL YOU,
YOU BROUGHT HOPE TO OTHER AS A SELF DOER TOWARD DELIVERANCE FROM WHAT WAS
TO WHAT YOU WANT AHEAD OF YOU.
I am impress and I know other will,
bye
Hello All!
Its good to see people have overcome their situations. I’m a convicted felon and life is hard for me right now. Ive been in the medical field for 20 years and have been unemployed for 2. My felony is “Food stamp Fraud.” After my ex husband left, I had to get stamps so my kiddies could eat. I barely made enough to pay our living expenses and really needed them. According to the state of Ga, I made too much money. ($22,000.00 for a family of four) On my background check, “CONVICTED FELON” comes before my name.
I’m on probation for 10 years. It seems that all the programs that help felons don’t apply to me because im not felon “enough”. (I didn’t do hard time.) I’m not a danger to society. I’m a really good person. I will give my last to a stranger and stop to help people. My probation officer, who is overworked, only cares that I show up to my appts…she knows me as a number.
Long story short, I’m trying to start a non profit that will assist non-violent felons with resources. Felony Focused Resources, Inc. (Not an inc. yet but im trying hard!! I don’t have a job and its expensive!) I’m looking for any information (employers that hire felons, housing, education, etc.) in any state that will help the cause to reduce the recidivism rate. (Felony.Focused@gmail.com)
Desperate people do desperate things. Felons are people that have families to feed and bills to pay just like everyone else. Please don’t count us out because we made a mistake. Everyone, including our children, suffer from the mistake we made, big or small over and over again. Even after we’ve paid our debt to society.
Sha Pollard
hope you succeed beyond your dream on the new business,
it ‘s not an easy start but it’s doable,
I wish you a best year for it.
yes the label felon, force you all to start a business of some kind where your skills is best, and take other very skilled felon as your employees those can make you grow, and add to fill where your weakness are,
let us know about it and recruit them here, you have their profiles all ready for you to choose.
@Sha Pollard:
God Bless you Sha, God will make away for you, I’m sure of that. Can’t you hear God calling your name to move on with this project. You are so right, felons are people, and they have souls. Heaven will be filled with felons because God forgives them. With Jesus Christ all things are possible. You can move mountains with the Savior. My prayers are with you because this world hates Christians and criminals. Remember there were 2 of them hanging on a cross next to Christ on his last hours on this earth, so what does that say? I’m sorry i’m weeping as I’m typing. Don’t beat yourself up, because satan is the accuser of the bretheren. To think how far Jesus has brought me has totally amazed me. I’m not worthy yet he paid the price for both me and you. I’m here to encourage you. God loves you. Don’t let this world steal your joy.
@Buddy:
Buddy,
The world needs to forgive you also. But what is most important is that Jesus took our sins to the cross. I’m sure your are a great man. I don’t judge anyone. Our country is in trouble because no one trusts anyone anymore. They constantly run back ground checks on people for guns, and jobs. I can’t get a gun, but I can get God. There is no degree of sin and I’m sorry I came across that way. If you lie it’s no different than murder. Because the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Hang tough Buddy.
CHILL
nice of you to visit again to encourage other trying hard to have their lives back
after errors which many get away with while other don’t and pay for it a very big punishment too.
I WISH YOU A VERY GOOD YEAR AND YES , MAY GOD BLESS YOU FROM FAR AWAY YOU ARE LIVING,
BEST TO YOU.
@ilovebeeswarzone:
Hello ilove. I had a great year. I got a raise and a bonus in 2012. I got to speak at 2 big conferences last year. I managed a woman’s softball team and won the championship. God has been very good to me. This is why I tell these people in here not give up. He has raised me up to be a model citizen. You can’t let anything that happened decades ago stop you from achieving your goals or your dreams. If God wants me to be the president he will make a way for that to happen.
Chill I’m very happy that you had a successful time, and when it start,
no one can stop it,
you always manage to bring good feeling here and give hope to this POST,
WHERE MANY DON’T SEE THE END OF IT,
THEY MUST KNOW THEY HAVE FRIENDS WHO THINK OF THEM,
AND PRAY WITH THEM ALSO.
and just like the world was not created in one day, our lives need time to recover from
what got us down to begin with, and when that chapter is behind , they can turn to what is coming to them, and choose the best path to walk ahead toward full recovery, inevitably coming
Ilove, This world, and government offers no hope for those who commit a crime. Forever burned into thier past, so when they find thier way, this pitfall is ever before their steps. However with God all things are possible. My crime was small yet it can at any time rear it’s ugly head. God keeps telling me, it’s under the blood of my son. With those words of comfort I can move on. I feel worthy again and not sell myself short. God puts us in high places for us to serve him. I am redeemed, not by this world but by what Christ has done for me. I’m also into politics locally and God has put me there. I’m trying to help my community with the issues of the day. The best thing for people to do who have committed a crime is to volunteer for anything. Communities and Churches can use the help. They don’t judge. We should challenge our leaders to cut a break for those who comitted an offence and kept themselves clean for a period of time. We all need to work to make a decent living, and make the world a better place. With our pasts hanging over our heads people tend to judge that if they know about it. Just like Lance Armstrong, he was a great bicycalist yet there are those who judge see him as a doper. It’s not about our past, it’s where we are now. Are we better now than we were 10 years ago? With instant background checks it’s hard to move on, but we must remember it is better to be morally right than legally wrong.
This world hates Christians and criminals. Remember there were 2 of them hanging on a cross next to Christ on his last hours on this earth, so what does that say? Thanks for being here also for those looking for answers. Sometimes they need a voice of reasoning, an oasis in a cruel world. I’ll be posting again.
Chill
yes, you say the words so much better than I ,
I know that you come with a baggage of goodies for those AMERICANS here,
you are still far away from your beloved AMERICA, AND YOU TELL THE AMERICANS
THAT YOU CARE FOR THEM,
it’s very uplifting for all to know we are thinking of their great effort to get out and find a job they would be happy in, so many have acquire a super knowledge in different topics they will be very valuable for a great COMPANY WHO IS LOOKING FOR THE BEST, HERE THEY ARE, LOOKING AND WAITING FOR THE MAGIC CALL.
THANK YOU
I was convicted of a felony I did not commit, and now I have to live with the consequences of someone elses crime and that hurts bad. I don’t know where to begin to pick myself back up and go on, plus I have four beautiful children what do I tell them. Pray for me.
And I just want to add that people commit crimes every day, this including people who are in high places, people who are consideres to be good upstanding citzitizens, and that you would never guess who do wrong, and they will never get caught, and will never be punished, and this is not fair. I have not done anything illegal in my life and see people do things or talk about what they do and they don’t have a record at all, and probably never will. So people should not be so quick to judge.
Cocoa
no you will not be judge here, and I’m sorry that you where caught in some place to get you guilty
by just being on looker,
yes some in high place are chewing some illegal herbs and get away with it all the time,
who know is there a drive to arrest people who are innocent?
does anyone profit from that? who knows, are they getting paid by head count?
every thing is so negative in theses last 4 years, not much positive around and they feed on it like a revenge
they want to punish AMERICANS, THAT WOULD BE FOR GREED AND ENVY BECAUSE THEY ARE DIFFERENT, ANY IMMIGRANT COULD GET A JOB IN THE POLICE FORCE, AND MANY HATE AMERICANS, SO IF THEY ACQUIRE A POWER TO ARREST PEOPLE, THEY WILL,
and we have no way to contest they have the law in their hands,
someone mention you might ask your GOVERNOR TO HAVE A PARDON OR EVEN EXPLAIN YOUR INNOCENCE, TRY TO WRITE HIM OR HER A LETTER , IT MIGHT WORK, I hope,
don’t give up,
you are not on a death sickness, meaning you have more life to live, and things will change,
I wish you the best
I am not a felon nor am I related to anyone who is a felon. However, I doubt anyone but Jerome knows how hard he looked for a job. Strangers who assume things about another stranger are usually pushing an agenda. I think once someone spends the time in jail and stays out of jail for ten years or so they ought to be free of the felon lable and be regular citizens. Screwing up should not be the end of the conversation for the rest of their lives unless they continue to screw up.
Carol
yes, you said id better than anyone,
they paid, they suffer, they deserve their lives,
this is not INDIA, OR A HATERS COUNTRY,
THEY ARE AMERICANS, AND AMERICA THEY WOULD DEFEND IF NEED BE,
THEY SHOULD BE SHARING THE WORK FORCE AND GET ON WITH THEIR LIVES,
YOUR OPINION IS VALUABLE, THERE SHOULD BE MORE LIKE YOU.
BEST TO YOU.
To Carol and Ilove, I may add, those who made a mistake, and got caught know the consequences, and are most likely never to repeat those offences again, unlike those who never been caught. Politicans in high places are above the law, especially those who are of a particular party. Even when they do get caught they don’t pay the price of us common folks. However they will pay when they are dead and gone. So if this is home of the free and the land of the brave then why is this tyrannical government holding our past over our heads? They need to stop controlling us. This is not communist Russia, at least not now.
To Carol and Ilove,
I may add, that the ones who committed an offense and got caught are not likely to commit another crime because of the consequences of thier crime. However most of them are truely sorry and want to move on. So then they apply for a job, and all they see is thier past because the employer dosen’t want to hire them. So what do they do, they go back to crime to make a buck, or they rely on the government for assistance. If they want to work, let them work. God put us here to work for our daily bread, not live in the past like this tyrannical government wants.
I am not against our government nor do I hold them personally responsible for the laws and policies people have lobbied and supported in the past. Today we have laws on the books that make everyone a felon if they drink and drive a few times depending on the state. Imagine the high school kids ruining their entire lives, by going through this stage of their lives, unwisely. The truth is in this day and time people still need to write their state Representative’s and Senators. These laws are not changed by rants and angry blaming arguments on a form they are changed by systematically writing to people in charge. People who have remained crime free for ten years, after being released, should be restored to complete citizenship. Allow them to work without a felony on their record, let them vote, let them bear firearms, let them visit other countries, if they so desire. Ten years after being released is a long time to wait to get to start over with a clean slate but it is a starting point and it is reasonable. We just need to begin the process .