I have mentioned that, after the elections, I intended to begin a push to modify the way felons are dealt with in our country.
I had intended to be more journalistic in my initial approach, but circumstances have changed.
My UserName (FeloniousMonk) probably tells you a lot. I am 63 years old, and convicted of state and federal felonies over 35 years ago. Since that time I have not received so much as a speeding ticket. Until about 10 years ago, I made good, upper-middle class wages. Since then, with the advent of cheap ($25), quick background checks, that earning ability has dwindled down to social security. I have an economics degree from a top 5 university.
I ask you to read this diary as an early summary of a situation that may define the issues involved for felons in our country. I also ask for your guidance as to how to proceed.
But to the story that causes my earlier-than-planned diary ... below the fold:
I was taking a lady home today. She (L) helps us around the house sometimes. Her cellphone rang and I could hear a sobbing, almost hysterical female voice even while driving. It was L's daughter.
L's daughter (Ld) has been in the local junior college for a social work degree. The program requires a period of internship for credit toward graduation. L's daughter (Ld) was beside herself because all her time and effort toward a degree would be lost because her internship was denied because she had felonies on her record.
But, get this ... the State of Florida has financed her education for that degree. Now, the State's criminal laws prevent her from obtaining the degree it financed.
Let's get this straight. I am not telling you a story of how a person has been wrongly accused. I am telling you a story of how a person who has made mistakes, and is trying to make a productive life, is being denied that opportunity ... an opportunity financed by the State. L's daughter is 22 years old.
I have not yet had time to interview L's daughter, but have no reason to suspect chicanery. I intend to follow up. What I have heard so far is the following:
- L's daughter (Ld) was in a foster program from age 16-18 due to her unmanageability,
- Ld graduated from that program honorably,
- Ld went to the local community college to enroll in their social-work degree program,
- Ld was accepted into that program, but funding was needed,
- Ld met with appropriate community college authorities, who, subject to her promises to NEVER be involved in her previous (felonious) actions, agreed to fund her education,
- Ld, after honorably completing earlier requirements, applied for an internship,
- Ld, was unanimously denied internship opportunities after a background check revealed previous felonies.
Now, if this were YOUR daughter would you feel something was wrong here?
Should we, as a society, consign all felons to lives with no job? Before you answer, think what options are left those people.
Please, this seems to be the perfect example of how our system has gone wrong as it relates to felons rights. All advice and discussion are welcome. I know this is a touchy subject, so, please, try to be a bit sensitive. I'd like the people involved to be able to read your comments without trauma.