Hiring felons

[FatKid]

Once someone has paid their debt to society is it fair not to let them have the same job opportunities as the rest of us? Not being able to attain a job with a higher pay grade then McDonalds probably has a great deal to do with recidivism. Whether they just got out or especially if they have kept their noses clean for a few years i think they deserve the chance to support themselves and their families.

[Zip Goshboots]

Listen, FatKid, stop making sense! What do you think your plan would do to the prison industry? We have an entire middle class of mostly white prison administrators and probies and all that is supported by the criminals who can't get out of "they system" once they are in, and all those middle class people buy cars, houses, imported junk from China, drugs and prostitutes. They also gamble, buy porn and sex toys, smoke and drink, and then probably go to church and donate there. Look at all the trickle down economics your plan would be hurting if people actually weren't being marshalled into our country's jails and prisons.

You need to do a lil research before you post opinions that go against everything America stands for!

[FatKid]

You've got a point there. Even though the system is self sustaining i don't think letting people get back into the real world would really hurt the system all that badly. There will always be bad people that just can't stay out of trouble with or without the "help" of the system.

[Zip Goshboots]

You've got a point there. Even though the system is self sustaining i don't think letting people get back into the real world would really hurt the system all that badly. There will always be bad people that just can't stay out of trouble with or without the "help" of the system.

"There will always be bad people"--nice. If the "bad people" are treated the right way from the start, then you cut off a lifeline to The System--a lifelong client. The point is, prisons and The System are not deterrents; it's just another form of welfare for all involved. You cut off the lifelong client, then the system breaks down.

As for the so called "bad people"--outside of the Jeffrey Dahmers of the world, and politicians, they can all be helped and treated along the way and yeah, one real big starting point would be that if they go to prison, do their time, and improve themselves while there, they ought ot have full rights restored. That would probably eliminate about 50% of the recidivism right there.

[FatKid]

Much like every other system run by the government that directly involves the people the prison system is a failure. It is neither a deterrent or a rehabilitative environment. The same can be said for the welfare system. It is a catch fall that never runs out all be it a lowly existence but an existence none the less but a the same time as soon as someone in the systems tries to make something of themselves making a little bit more money all help is cut off to the people who actually deserve it. So i guess you are right Zip, its all a self sustaining circle jerk.

[Uncle Mxy]

Should private insurers be allowed to raise rates for those who employ felons?

[Zip Goshboots]

Should private insurers be allowed to raise rates for those who employ felons?

Good question. But lemme axe ya dis: Would the (theoretical, I admit) reduction in recidivism and crime mean that the private insurers would be paying out less in the way of settlements and claims in the first place?

[Fool]

It most certainly would.

[WTFchris]

Once someone has paid their debt to society is it fair not to let them have the same job opportunities as the rest of us? Not being able to attain a job with a higher pay grade then McDonalds probably has a great deal to do with recidivism. Whether they just got out or especially if they have kept their noses clean for a few years i think they deserve the chance to support themselves and their families.

I suppose it depends on the crime. A child molester shouldn't have the same chance at a day care as a normal person.

If someone was a juvenile and stole something maybe that's another story.

On the other hand, they should not get the same exact chance as someone who has not committed a crime. I deserve a better chance for making the right choice not to commit the crime in the first place. So, if you have the same level of qualifications, I expect the non-felon to get the nod every time.

[Uncle Mxy]

As it stands, many liability insurance policies prohibit hiring of felons -- full stop. And, there's all kinds of fun laws pertaining to negligence in hiring. A "soft on crime" label doesn't get people elected. Most employers really don't have much of a say in the matter, if they want to operate legally and sign typical contracts.