"Reduce Crime Recidivism by Providing Ex-Offender Support: Obama will provide job training, substance abuse and mental health counseling to ex-offenders, so that they are successfully re-integrated into society."
I have a close friend that is undergoing hardships due to his record being blemished by a crime he committed several years ago. He simply can't find a job. Me, not being able to relate, was somewhat unsure on what advice to give him. But prison exists for two reasons as my former criminal law professor noted. The first reason is to deter. Meaning, the law smacks you on the hand, and locks you up for a brief time in the hopes that you will never be back. The other reason is to simply punish the victim for criminal activities.
However,
It does seem unfortunate that those who have excepted the deterrence, who have learned their lesson, and have repented still have to pay the price for their past actions. The truth of the matter is no legislation has truly addressed the "reintegration" process. And I agree, some businesses cannot afford the liability such as financial corporations or companies that process privileged material. But could not America create a reintegration program that could give employers some incentive to hire ex-felons?
It would seem fair to me. Again, I'm speaking because I know this individual and I know he's learned his lesson. A lifetime punishment just doesn't seem fair, just or balanced.
I agree. I have relatives in the same predicament. It's unjust that after commiting a property crime at age 18, she is now, at age 28 unable to get a job and support her daughter. She goes to get a job, they like her in the interview, they run the background check and... no dice. It breaks my heart.
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