I am not opposed to the hiring of ex-offenders but I am irritated at the thought of it because even with all my expereince in the field at the age of 42 the feds consider me to be too old to work for them. If they are going to employ ex-offenders they need to make adjustments to the age requirement as well.

I think that this is a good idea.  Even though it may be risky, these are chances they should take.  It is a good opportunity for the criminal to get their life in order and it may also be possible for the offender to know something that they don't know.

I Think that it is a good idea to hire felons. I think that everyone deserves a second chance. And I also believe if the feds give them a chance that may open up the door for other employers to give them a chance.

I think its a good idea to hire felons. I think everyone deserves a second chance. I also think if the feds give them a second chance maybe others will also give them a chance.

I think the government should start hiring ex-offenders but I also think they should lighten up on some of the drug restrictions that cause applicIants for federal jobs not to be hired or even considered. I have never been in jail but when I was a juvenile I was involved in drugs. I have not used since I was 20 but to be hired for certain federal jobs you cannot have used marijuana over fifteen times in your lifetime. I am current a Criminal Justice student who has turned her life around and it depresses me knowing that b/c of what I did as a juvenile I may not be able to get a job in the criminal justice field and spread may lessons and knowledge to other people. If they are considering hiring ex-offenders then they should also consider hiring those who have never offended. I can tell you when you are 16 you never know how many times you used and you definitely do not consider how it will affect you in the future.

I do feel that state and federal government should take a proactive approach to hiring ex-offenders.  However, there are areas in which they should not be hired - law enforcement, corrections, other security sensitive areas.  Their past involvement in criminal activity leaves them to vulnerable to coersion by their former associates.

Once you do the time, you should be able to get a new start.

Sometimes it seems that the prison system purposely creates a revolving door for felons.

I personally am a convicted felon because I choose to shoot off a fire arm in the air at my ex husbad after repeatedly beating me. I called the Police several times in which I was told they could'nt remove him because he lived there and that I would have to take him to court. however it is a good ideal to hire felons not only for a second chance  but HOPE as well. Just because your backgroung is not squeaky clean it doesn't dictate that your'e a bad person, Mistakes happen beyond your control but what matters the most is how you learn and utilize the lessons learned from your mistakes. I am currently an active member in the church community and employment has been very hard for me to find.

It would be an excellent idea for ex-offenders to be given a chance for redemption.  I live in California and it is the worse area for ex-offenders to live if they assume that they will be welcomed back into society or given a job for that matter.  The federal government gives tax breaks to businesses that do not take advantage of this situation because the media has sensationalized "ex-offenders" so much that they are not given a chance.  I as an ex-offender has felt the sting of the denial to allow ex-offenders to live a redemptive life.  I go into prisons and speak on life changing experiences because I abused drugs, and my crimes were drug related.  However while in prison I received an associate's degree, and post-release I have completed a bachelor's degree in business management, and a master's degree in education with the hope to teach in corrections as an example to those who come after me. You can do, it takes time and you must stay positive but I have found that it cannot be done in California.  Somewhere in God's earth society must begin to realize that their views, and the barriers they present only continue the cycle of punishment.  It is one of the reasons that some inmates come out with negative feelings because if they give it a try; they are struck down for the trying.

As an ex-offender and one who has experienced the negativity that society relays to those who have been inprisoned I believe that the federal government should do more than offer tax breaks to states to hire ex-offenders.  Some states such as California doesn't even have advocates in EDD offices to assist ex-offenders even though they advertise assistance.  I earned an associate while incarcerated, and a bachelor as well as a master degree since my release.  I go into prisons and speak about changing their life, hoping that I give them something positive to look forward to. However California is not the state that will allow this to happen for them.

I think The Federal Government should hire ex-felons. I am an ex-felon, Class C, but it does not matter it is still a felon. I am also a retired Veteran. My offense was 5 years ago, but that does not matter. I still get that criminal look from employers when I am in an interview. If war broke out that required a felon to be drafted is that diffirent than hiring him. You mean a man can serve his country and may die for his country but he can not serve in the federal government after he paid the price for his offense. If the  Federal law has made  an adequate sentence for a crime and a person serves that sentence, which says that he can now enter back into society, why then does the Federal Government tell that indivdual by actively supporting not hiring them, that he is not fit for society. What is The Federal Government telling the companies of this world, that those who have made poor choices in this world will never change and should never get a second chance. How much money should be spent by govenment agencies, like Welfare, Unemployment, and others to support these beliefs.

Let's face it, as we have seen in this world and will continue to see in this world that every person no matter what level of society or influence can make poor choices that result in a criminal conviction.

As someone who has just plead guilty to embezzlement to avoid doing a possible 14 years in prison, I am not even sure where a felon can get a job.  How am I supposed to repay my debt when the federal government won't even give me a chance to prove I am a good person?  

Being a convicted felon and a business owner I can see both sides. When I was first released work was very hard to find and what was available was the work no one else would do. Once I proved myself to the employment agency the jobs got better. This is my fifth year in business and it has been really slow. So when I saw things slowing down I started looking for a second job. It was like I had just gotten out again, but with a wife and four kids you have to do what you have to do. Here is the thing when you're young almost everyone does things they could get in trouble for the only difference is in the ones that get caught and the ones that dont!!!!!!

I think as a x-felon, your being punshished for the rest of your life, you never get all your rights back, and people tend to want to use you, when they do hire you, making you do all of there dirty work, and it's like Mike Richardson said in his comment...when he talks about people that do things that they could get into trouble for but they just never got caught! I remember the Federal Judge that Sentenced me telling me that yes Mr.Gatewood, I have done things in my life that I could have got in trouble for...but i didnt get caught, you did!  And then he changed my life forever. Giving me that federal jail sentence that follows me for life, and I know what I did was wrong (selling drugs and guns) but it's like you pay for the rest of your life.

I think this is an excellant idea as those offenders who develope legitimate ties to society are the ones who will be less likely to reoffend.

This world is of itself.  The judges protect their kind, but God protects and forgive every mankind.  You sin, the price to pay is asking for forgiveness and making an adjustment of correction in your life style.  God forgives you and set you free from the sin.  God always gives another chance.

This is a world of injustice and favor.  Therefore don’t depend on this world to forgive you and grant you another chance.  God will work in out, if you hold a little faith.  We all have sinned, but of this world sin and crime is different.  God says, “No one sin is greater then the other”.  Don’t be conformed to this world, but in the Word of God.

Those that judge and never forgive, it will come the day, that they must face the One who holds this world in His hand.

To all of you just hold on a little while longer, and God will work it out for you.  Be true to Him and serve Him, and no system can ever hold you under, but slow you down.  Being slowed down doesn’t mean you are held back.  Be determined in your work, and keep the faith in your struggle and that door will soon open in Gods’ time for you.

Today you are blessed; therefore continue your work and He will continue to guide your path.

Be of God and trust you must go through a storm in order to appreciate.

HC Virginia

For everyone that work to hold you down, the pressure only gets stronger within you overcome.  Therefore my friend, continue to work forward and trust in God and believe in your ability to overcome this situation. This too shall pass.

That same judge that sentenced you is the same judge that worked behind the doors to get his/her relative off to another chance.  The difference is, God is working it out for you in His time.  His time makes a person appreciate with a conviction of what He can do.

Be a witness for God and work that job being a trash collector until God is ready to move you to another level.  No job is less then if you do it in the glory of God.

HC Virginia

i agree with everyone here i myself being a felon it is very hard to get a job  and i thought when we did our time that was that  we paod our debt to society so  shouldnt that be enough for everyone  i guess not  man they should really do something bout this i.e .  the government

This government is a joke when it comes to exoffenders.Certain states you can't vote if your a exfelon but don't forget to pay taxes...oh thats right  you can't get a job...isn"t this a form of( Double jeopardy). This government would rather give companies a tax break to hire exfelons than to leed by example and hire us (exfelons) themselves.

I have applied many times to different positions in different federal agencies since 2003. I have yet to be considered for any positions. I know that a record of a sex offense in 1990 is the problem. The federal, local and county government must be willing to help professionals like me to live a decent life. It have been almost impossible to find employmetn in which I can make a decent living to keep up with the rising cost of living. I am a college gradaute who is not willing to work in Burger King just because I am a fellon.

I HAVE A SISTER WHO DID TIME AT A DRUG REHABILATION CENTER UP NORTH. SHE FALSELY CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING. SHE SOLD A 10 DOLLAR BAG TO AN UNDERCOVER COP. ONLY TO GET A SMALL AMOUNT FOR HERSELF. SHE WAS CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING, NEVER BEEN OUT OF STATE,BY PLANE OR CAR, SHE WAS JUST AN ADDICT. SHE WAS SENTENCED TO A HARD PRISON AT FIRST AND THE COUNSELORS THERE SAW THAT SHE JUST NEEDED HELP AND RECOVERY. SHE SERVED 12 MONTHS AT DELANCY  AND HAS BEEN OUT OVER A YEAR AND HAS HAD A PROBLEM GETTING A JOB BECAUSE OF THE LABEL THAT SHE HAS BEEN GIVEN. DRUG TRAFFICKING. MY SISTER IS A GOOD PERSON AND HAS BEEN SOBER EVERY SINCE, BUT SHE CAN'T FIND A JOB. I BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES.SHE WILL MAKE SOMEONE A GOOD EMPLOYEE, IF SOMEONE WOULD JUST GIVE HER A CHANCE.  

Alot of the comments have been from one time felons, not people with extensive records...I too have one felony on my record and have found it impossible to find sufficent employment. Going to prison wasn't my punishment , getting out with a felony on my record was. It's a terrible feeling being knowing that no real company will give you a chance to prove you have been and will be an excellent employee. The feds should hire us, lately we're more honest than 75% of them!

I landed a felony conviction when I was 19 for attempted robbery, did felony probation for 2.5 years and never once violated.  Now I'm 31, and have since lived a responsible and crime-free life.  For the past 9 years I've had to work as a full-time pizza delivery driver, because all attempts at finding a better job have failed due to my conviction.   This conviction is a life-sentence and has cost me more than I have ever imagined.  My inability to find better employment has caused my 7 year girlfriend to walk out, shattered any hope of retirement and has killed any form of comfortable living.  My future died when I was 19, and unless a miracle happens I'm sentenced to poverty and loneliness till death.

God has judged them, his appointed law enforcers has punished them and man maid life wants felons to suffer until Death. Where does it end. Are we so blind that we cannot see the family's of these people we so proudly refer to as felons, have we forgotten that there blood flows the same as ours i most certainly hope not. For if we cannot  forgive and hold on to hate are we not all felons.

I can really relate to the comments said so far.  As a convicted felon from 14 years back, I have never been able to find sufficent employment, and doubt I ever will. I can surely understand how some people would rather go back to jail than to deal with the reality of the world as it is now. I'm 51, multiple health problems, and this is the final nail for me. If there ever was help for those like me, I would surely like to get hold of that resource.

For 5 years I have been drug and crime free .I have not been able to get a job even as a garbage man in florida .I can not get housing besides motels effiencies.I have even been denied work in daily laboe sweat shops.If I had no family I would of returned to crime immediately,but god has a plan for exfelons.I try to believe that god has something else for me daily and hope that one day I may be able to be a garbage man or work at a gas station.

These are great articles I wish our LAW MAKERS in Washington would take heed to what is said.  We spend MILLIONS on prison but nothing on finding meaningful employment.  By denying quality employment we force these individual back into a life of crime to keep the prison industry going and that is a DAM SHAME!!!

Excons do not need handouts they need jobs so they can make it out there without work ,we create a more dangerous enviroment for everyone to live in.

I THINK THATS A FANTASTIC IDEA .IF ANYONE KNOW OF PLACES THAT HIRE EX-FELONS PLEASE SEND ME A E-MAIL.ONE_HRD_WKR@YAHOO.COM/ONEHRDWKR@GMAIL.COM.   I REALLY NEED SOMEONE TO SEND ME A BLESSING.IT SEEMS NO MATTER HOW MUCH SCHOOLING/EDUCATION I GET I'M  STILL  HAVING TROUBLE WITH GET A SECOND CHANCE.

work in virginia, thank you

PLEASE HELP ME, I HAVE A 10 YEAR OLD SON AND A MOTHER WHO NEED MY HELP. I WAS CHARGED WITH DRUGS  5 YEARS YEARS AGO,I'AM 33 YEARS OF AGE. I NEED A JOB  IN ORDER TO TAKE CARE OF MY SON  BECAUSE I DONT WAS HIM IN THE SYSTEM..IF I COULD GET A GRANT OR WHERE I COULD TAKE SOME CLASSES,AND WORK IT WOULD BEN NICE.  I JUST NEED A CHANCE PLEASE HELP MY PHONE @202-409-4044 MY  IS . EMAILbljh52@hotmail.com.....

please help

I am a felon and there is no ex. You look for a job and put it on your application and you not get hire.  I was told that when i got out and i am still unemployed 5 months later.  I can't change what happen but i still look for work. I do fill out everything on a application even the questions (have you ever been convicted of a crime?). I won't lie and if that prevents me from having a job. Then so be it.  I am a veteran have maintained a job until this happen. Worked at multiple fortune 500 companies as production, maintenance, test tech. It does not matter because when i worked there and you were a felon appling for a job you did not get hired.  They don't discriminate they just hire someone else.  Oh by the way married and 3 children, on food stamps tanf, medical card. when i took the plea agreement i was told it would be probation, it ended up with 5mths in a camp losing my good job.making 60 thousand a yr. Now the state and government supports us because no one wants to hire a felon. And i have put in application to the feds but no response just like here.

Being an ex-offender I relate to many of the barriers and labels we have to endure. I got released from Federal prison June of 2000, with a successful supervised released completed. I have refrained from any type of criminal activity and am determined to stay free. My passion is to let career criminals know that there is a chance for people like us. We can be free and productive, it is not feasible but it is attainable. I still  have major barriers even though I have educated myself in a field I am a specialist (Addiction Specialist) I have a hard time finding employment. I just happened to stumble into this Offender Employment by mistake... thank God I can talk to others that can relate.

I think this article has vaild points.

I believe ther should be a "special" union for non-violent felons..Someone like myself with a felony possesion of marijuana when i was 18, have now been 10 years since the incident.  I can get interviews at great companies if I lie on my application (lying is bad), and be highy reguarded to be  hired, but as soon as my record comes up its a no-go because i lied. However if I dont lie I wouldn't even be considered for an interview if i was honest. I pay taxes to a government where i have no voice to vote.  I have two children now and have been with my wife for over nine years, I know I made a mistake, but come on.. where is the justice? I could go on forever on this topic, but who cares?  

I think it is a good idea for exfelons to be given opportunities for employment, both private and government. If a person can't work how can they become productive citizens.  Perhaps we would have fewer reoffenders if we helped these people find work so that they can have a normal life.  One or two mistakes should not ruin a persons life.  If they are willing to work and become good citizens they should be given the chance.

I agree with everything everyone is saying. Being a felon myself, a single mom with two teenage kids and not able to find a decent job in the state I live in is really tough and gets to me at times. I have made 2 stupid mistakes in my lifetime and pay for it daily by not having a job-a good job with the benefits and decent hourly pay. I know I made the decisions I did and paid for it. Now when will I get the chance to support my family and be off welfare and prove myself to someone that I am trustworthy and can be counted on? I am older now and can see the mistakes I made. I am more willing now to learn from my mistakes than I was 10 years ago. I wish we were given more chances at jobs and life in general and not grouped like we were some sort of plague.  We all  have P.O. 's to report to and have  restrictions on us, so you would think we would have ample job opportunities or a community willing to give us a chance.

I just want to know who to talk to about this,somebody is out there to help and  I would greatly appricate a chance at my turn to have a good job

I'm a pardoned convicted felon and I still catch heat as if I was convicted today. I've done everything that others claimed would get me on track. However, many companies still reject my applications based on felony convictions while overlooking a full pardon and the ton of work I've done for the community. My crimes were back in the early 90's and I was 17 and 19 years of age. Two theft by taking (auto) and I was pardoned in 2003 for both convictions. Today, I'm 33 years of age and as strong as ever when it comes to motivation, self-determination, and prayer. I will not allow others to cause re-incarceration. I have become a very good public speaker and my message will continue to move people in a positive direction. I think the Feds and any other employer should hire people based on the bottom-line. If the person looks like a potential asset to the company than go for it. Don't overlook a person based on mistakes in the past because if God did it to all of us we'd all be up a stanking creek without a paddle. It's not to promote crime or those who do it but to lower the crime rate by keeping those who are serious about improvement focussed and on-point. And those who are up to no good will stick out like a person up to no good. All of my hard work has placed me in a college textbook, newspapers, magazines, and radio. I'm here to help so let me do it without the extra hardship created by people who don't like success stories that involve a felon. Encourage peace and Spread love

My story is unique within itself and I bring a lot of energy to the table. Key word my name and you'll find out more about my journey and how it affects re-entry. I also write inmates to encourage them to do the right thong now and upon their release. Employment is hard to gain for felons but it only takes a few new school tactics to get it together. A portfolio is one of my favorites and it says a lot about my skills and what I represent today. Show the interviewer the real you instead of the mistakes made in the past. Drop old ill-habits and develop new ones that are to your benefit. I stopped a few things over 15 years ago like using profanity, eating pork, using the 'N' word, and drinking alcoholic beverages. It has helped me stay on track with the important things in life. Encourage peace and Spread love

look i am in a terrible situation im 32 yrs old and i got in trouble when i was 18 yrs old and ive paid for it ever since i have felony convistions on my record and i have been turned down so many times its not funny i feel that the system is way to hard on white collar crimes and a felon shouldnt live his whole life as a felon if he only committed crimes at one time in his life  i can just about do anythiing in the working society and multi talented in many things but no where to start if any one reads this and can give me a shot i love to travel and work abroad and  for my resume  rickard648@hotmail.com 8652374438 would like to have a chance

i love my country.how come i cant serve in a forward opperation for the military?instead you send a 20 year old to harms way instead of someone who owes a debt to his nation.im not talking about creating the dirty dozen.im still of age for enlistment,but continually get turned down because i have multi-convictions.im willing to serve and give to this nation that i love.any comments?john perry moore .email me at; luonluonvieclam@gmail.com

As an ex felon I am now feeling the pain. I was convicted in 1993, did my time and released in 1999. I was able to get a job within about a month back then and did very well for myself. I switched companies in 2004 because I got a really good offer doing the same thing. 3 years later they find out about my past conviction and I am out of a job.

It has been since august 2007 since I last worked. After not being able to find work, I decided to go to Truck Driving School. I paid cash and was told that as long as my conviction was 10 years or older I had nothing to worry about. Well, guess what. That was a bunch of bull! I have been turned down buy every companie out there. I have tried driver services, recruiters, you name it! What am I suppose to do?

markdebidawson@yahoo.com

All my civil rights have been restored except for gun rights,this is what it states on the paperwork, but i have no right to have a good job?  after 10 years of no convictions the record should be sealed to non federal employers, the background checks in the state of FL are allowed to run rampid, and if they are permitted to pry so deeply then they should be subjected to suppling the same information to the person appling for the job, i should know about the company i may be working for and what wrong doing they have done, and what there credit scores are. I often wonder how many of these company owners are convicted felons, or what crimes they have committed and not been caught for, and the same goes for the federal jobs.

People make mistakes for many reasons, These people who constantly whine about felons and not wanting them to have any kind of productuve life, i also wonder how many of them have broke the law and not got caught, they are just so perfect, until if happens to them or some one in there family.

I really like this idea because i have a felony on my recoadr and knows how har it is to get people to give you a chance. I know first hand and it is a shame cause you do something stupid when you are young and do your time but you never get a second chance to prove your selfe to work anywhere that you can make a good liveing in time and age for your family.

I'm a convicted felon out of Volusia county (Daytona Beach,FL) My covictions is 10 years old. I did my time, but did I really? I'm still paying for it today! I have not been arrested for another felony since then and can't even get a job at a gas station. I believe felons should get a second chance. I believe the laws need to be changed, once you have been released from prison, parole or probation, after 5 years your record should be cleared.

I think that all people who are quilified for the position should be able to work.  People seems to forget that all felons are not bad; they have just mad a bad choice at that time, and they do change, so they do need to be givin  a chance and the government need to do something about this. When felons get out of prison or jail and work is hard to find this will lead them back in the  streets be cause no work is given to them becuz of the criminal history .

I think that all people who are quilified for the position should be able to work.  People seems to forget that all felons are not  all bad ( they are human also). these people should be able to build a life as well as you and everyone else. They have just mad a bad choice at that time, and they do change, so they do need to be givin  a chance and the government need to do something about this. When felons get out of prison or jail and work is hard to find this will lead them back in the  streets be cause no work is given to them becuz of the criminal history .

I also think this would be a great opportunity for CERTAIN felons. As long as they werent repeat offenders. When we are young we do stupid things and havent lived life until we learn from the mistakes that were made. Thats what makes most people who they are today. I also think that something that happend when you were young should be held against you for the rest of your life. If people werent given any second chances in life I think all of us would be in serious trouble;)

I just sat here and read most of the comments made here.Being a felon myself i understand the struggle we all go through.  Since i have drug and crime free. when i was released everyone said you still have a chance at good life, get an education, i did, i got married to succefull women i had a beutiful son, but what i have done for the better has no barring on the one mistake i made years ago, if it were just me i would be like whatever, but this disadvantage affects my wife and kid, and i cant deal with that. It seems like they tell us to do right thinking we will do wrong, allowing them to give open ended promises of change your life and you can still be succesfull (syke) go ahead and try i still am but loseing steam quickly any advise would be great and thanks for listening

I have 5 ex- felons that have been working for me for over two years.  I send them out for sales traning, education in our market, pay them well and offer them full health benifits.  I have had nothing but very good resullts.  Everybody show to work on time, they all treat each other and my customers with respect.

My questions is?  is there some type of Tax break i can get fo a small bis owner offering this.  I have been told there is sothing, but i can't find anything.  The State is Conn

I am an ex-offender and have been blessed to find very good jobs.  The problem is that they are very few and far between, and many jobs available to ex-offenders are very low paying.  But even before that, you have to make it past a background check which from recent job searches, varies so much in how far a company goes back, to what the offense was to how many you can have in your lifetime.  I was recently turned down by a truck driving company that offers to be willing to hire someone in my position. My application only went as far as the recruiter, it was never reviewed or anything, the person saw I had a record and simply turned me down.  Something should be done about those like me who did something stupid, but have had no more problems with the law.  I've even worked with other ex-offenders and we were the best workers.  Yes everyone should get a second chance and if that person makes bad on it, then it's their loss.  But for those like myself who know what a second chance is worth, we will make the best of that  opportunity.

My contact information is twainsims@aol.com for anyone who has information on how this develops and/or companies, especially in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area who will hire someone with a conviction.  As much as possible I will be on the lookout also and keep others here posted. Thank You.

GIVE THEM A CHANCE. BESIDES, THEY WOULD BE BETTER AT A FEDERAL JOB BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN THERE....AND DONE THAT. WHY WOULD THEY WANT TO GO BACK IF THEY CAN BE PRODUCTIVE IN SOCIETY. IT WOULD MAKE THEM WANT TO CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

OBVIOUSLY, NOT LETTING THEM GET FEDERAL JOBS HASNT HELPED ANY SO FAR!!

BEING A FELON I THINK WE ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN THE REST OF THE WORLD WE JUST GOT CAUGHT LOL BUT THOSE OF US AS MY SELF THAT HAVE LEARNED FROM PAST MISTAKES FIND IT GOOD THAT WE CAN GET A JOB IN A GOOD FIELD WITH BEBIFITS BECAUSE AFTER ALL WE RUN THE INSIDE OF THE PRISON SUCH AS LAUNDRY LIBRARY,FOOD,CLEAN UP MAINTAINENCE FOR THOSE THAT HAVE THOSE PROGRMS AND ETC...

It is so easy to put someone in jail/prison and that is only doing more harm than good. Give some opportunities to make that person feel better about themselves and make something of themselves. Putting them behind bars only will cost the people more money to take care of them.  It is very hard for someone with a felony to get a job.  God forgives so should we.

P;ease help me get my 25 tear old son a job.  He is eligible for work release and needs work,  He made a stupid mistake and wants to get a new start. He is truly a hard worker and a good person. Please e-mail me at tearoses410@aol.com if you can help.  He is excellent on the computer and also knows everything about the car business. Please give him a chance to be proud of himself again. Thankyou so much.

My son who I just spoke about  -  That job  - if you can hire him  We live in Delaware County, PA   that is very important -  a work release job   -   he would be so grateful.  Please help him.  When you meet him you will see-  he  just screwed up and is remoresful and wants to do all the good things he was raised to do.  We all deserve a second chance.  Thankyou for listening.

I say hooray and it's about time somebody thought about us

ex.offenders.  I am a convicted felon one time but people treat like I might go off the deep end again, I never hurt a child, old person or animal, it was a domestic dispute gone wrong and what people don't realize is for some of us we pay for our crime

every time we fill out job and housing applications, or go on job

interviews.  I am a honest person, I don't steal so why do people treat me like I do????