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- Jun 22, 2013
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This poll is raised to address an issue of concern after noting replies in a recent thread about a California city passing a law making it illegal for landlords to do a criminal background check before renting to a potential resident.
I have seen other issues at various times concerning how Society should deal with people who have been convicted of various crimes, served their punishment, and been released back into society.
Most often, after claiming agreement with the thread title, the actual reaction is to support restrictions, impediments, and otherwise act in ways designed to continue to punish after release. Thus a criminal record becomes a sort of scarlet letter, once noted imbues pariah status on the individual.
Briefly, an individual who is convicted of a crime faces roadblocks in housing and employment when released. Housing and employment are the mainstays of a successful life. They lend stability, improve and maintain self-confidence, and encourage good social behavior.
But many people, out of fear, distrust, or a sense of social retribution, act to discourage reintegration into society. Jobs are denied, housing refused, leaving few options but homelessness and/or a return to criminal behaviors.
IMO this is wrong-headed, and detrimental to both the individual involved and Society as a whole. It acts to encourage a cycle of criminal recidivism, until there is nothing left to do but permanent incarceration at our expense.
Thus the question: Do you believe in, and advocate “Commit the crime, pay the time, WELCOME back to ALL Societal rights and privileges?”
Yes,
No,
Other, explain.
Full disclosure: MY vote is YES, because I've seen this cycle acted out in my neighborhoods, and in my professional experience. I know that desperate people will act out in desperate ways, unless they see some kind of light at the end of the tunnel.
I have seen other issues at various times concerning how Society should deal with people who have been convicted of various crimes, served their punishment, and been released back into society.
Most often, after claiming agreement with the thread title, the actual reaction is to support restrictions, impediments, and otherwise act in ways designed to continue to punish after release. Thus a criminal record becomes a sort of scarlet letter, once noted imbues pariah status on the individual.
Briefly, an individual who is convicted of a crime faces roadblocks in housing and employment when released. Housing and employment are the mainstays of a successful life. They lend stability, improve and maintain self-confidence, and encourage good social behavior.
But many people, out of fear, distrust, or a sense of social retribution, act to discourage reintegration into society. Jobs are denied, housing refused, leaving few options but homelessness and/or a return to criminal behaviors.
IMO this is wrong-headed, and detrimental to both the individual involved and Society as a whole. It acts to encourage a cycle of criminal recidivism, until there is nothing left to do but permanent incarceration at our expense.
Thus the question: Do you believe in, and advocate “Commit the crime, pay the time, WELCOME back to ALL Societal rights and privileges?”
Yes,
No,
Other, explain.
Full disclosure: MY vote is YES, because I've seen this cycle acted out in my neighborhoods, and in my professional experience. I know that desperate people will act out in desperate ways, unless they see some kind of light at the end of the tunnel.