Perspectives

"In many states, felony disenfranchisement laws are still on the books. And the current scope of these policies is not only too significant to ignore – it is also too unjust to tolerate...” 

        Eric H. Holder, JD, US Attorney General, stated the following in his Feb. 11, 2014 speech "Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks on Criminal Justice Reform at Georgetown University Law Center," available at www.justice.gov:

By this time in your life, you probably have already had your first job. If not, you will soon have to in the near future. When you fill out your application for a job, no matter if it’s for an executive position for Bank of America, or an entrance level position at McDonalds, one question is sure to be present: “have you been convicted of a felony?” 

Felonies are crimes typically involving violence of a serious matter punishable by imprisonment of a year or more, or in some cases even death. If a felon avoids death, and gets a prison sentence, they often times lose basic rights as an American which include but are not limited to: traveling abroad, voting, the right to bear arms or own guns, jury service, public social benefits and housing, and parental benefits. 

    Those that argue that these felons deserve to lose their rights as Americans say that these people are criminals, and cannot be trusted to handle the responsibilities that go along with freedom.  However, this belief undermines the entire justice system. The point of incarceration is to punish and rehabilitate criminals, and make them productive members of society. When the inmates are released they are not treated like citizens anymore, they become somewhat like an alien in society. By lessoning the opportunities for felons, we are creating harsher, smarter, and better equip criminals to send back on the streets upon release. 

Also, 30% of the African American male population is a felon. Low income inner city living, less than par education, and the lack of guidance is what sociologist say is attributed to the overwhelming amounts of Black men who have been, or are currently incarcerated. However, no matter what the reason this statistic means that a very large portion of the minority community cannot vote. It means that an entire group of people are almost not even represented in matters important to the community. 

It is no secret that the Justice System has problems. Technicalities can free you, or send you to death row.  This article isn’t to question the Justice System, however. It is to address the concept that prisoners still wear their shackles long after they leave the bars that have confined them. What is the point of releasing someone from prison, and sending them back to a society that is even less accepting than when they were first incarcerated? Denying felons jobs, housing, and the opportunity to get a better education will only lead to repeat offenders and crueler criminals. I understand that there are laws that everyone has to abide by, and the people that break those laws have to be brought to justice. But, after they have paid their debt to society, they should be welcomed back as members of that society.  

Anyone that would like more information on the Pro Con movement, visit ProCon.org