Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
First, this is regarding government so there goes that argument. Second, why determine that a convict isn't eligible for a job simply because they have a conviction? You realize that someone could go to jail for say 3 years due to DUI's but that has no bearing whatsoever on their eligibility to possess a certain job, right? Unless of course it's a driving job, then that would be considered job related obviously.
It also tells the employer if they will show up regularly without transportation, they might have a drinking issue and come to work intoxicated. Etc.
People talk through both sides of their mouth. One they want individuals to be responsible for taking care of themselves. On the other hand, they don't want the "box removed." If a person cannot get a job because employers don't want ex-cons, how will he support himself and stay out of trouble. How will he be able to buy food, get healthcare, and a roof over his head. Not being able to take care of oneself through employment will cause a relapse into criminal behavior (recidivism). Then the taxpayers get to pay all over again to keep him in prison.
Getting rid of the box you have to check on job applications if you're an ex con. Starting with federal jobs. Obamas slogan is "Ban the box" that asks for criminal history.
Dear phonelady61, please tell us how it's a good idea to keep 5.8 million ex-felons from ever getting a job, because that is what happens when employers automatically trash all applications where the applicant admits a prior conviction. What do you think those 5.8 million will do when they can't get a job
They will be forced to do the jobs at allegedly "Americans won't do". Things like picking fruit or manual labor.
Yeah, I don't get the "I paid my debt to society" argument.
Yes, you paid your debt to society. No, that doesn't mean that your criminal records should be forever hidden from public view.
It also shouldnt mean that you get disqualified from every job you apply for because you check a box. I've seen people get busted for things that are typically regarded as misdemeanors, go to jail, do their time, get out and be unable to find work or a place to live because of their record. Its like we as a society incentivize and dare people to back to breaking the law.
Studies have shown that checking that box means youre pretty much **** out of luck, regardless of your other qualifications. You cant work, you cant live, what do you expect someone to do in that situation.
It also shouldnt mean that you get disqualified from every job you apply for because you check a box. I've seen people get busted for things that are typically regarded as misdemeanors, go to jail, do their time, get out and be unable to find work or a place to live because of their record. Its like we as a society incentivize and dare people to back to breaking the law.
Studies have shown that checking that box means youre pretty much **** out of luck, regardless of your other qualifications. You cant work, you cant live, what do you expect someone to do in that situation.
I expect people to live by the rules. If you can't "play with others", you don't belong. Coddling criminals makes law a joke. People need to know there are consequences for breaking the law. It is not fair to those of us that follow the rules, pay our taxes, and don't look for shortcuts.
The box allows employers not to waste time on applicants they have no intention of hiring anyway. Why incur the cost of processing a new hire and pay for a background/credit check on someone not eligible for the job? If there are 50 applicants for a job, time is money.
Its about allowing an applicant to get their foot in the door, being able to interview, explain their situation...etc, studies have shown that if these people get that opportunity, their chances of being hired increase considerably whereas the box is just a mechanism to blacklist people right off the bat and never give them a chance.
People talk through both sides of their mouth. One they want individuals to be responsible for taking care of themselves. On the other hand, they don't want the "box removed." If a person cannot get a job because employers don't want ex-cons, how will he support himself and stay out of trouble. How will he be able to buy food, get healthcare, and a roof over his head. Not being able to take care of oneself through employment will cause a relapse into criminal behavior (recidivism). Then the taxpayers get to pay all over again to keep him in prison.
I think it's just a difficult issue. Public Safety vs unemployment. If just one newly hired ex con goes baserko and hurts people they work with or the public there's an out cry. But, what do we do with all the well meaning ex cons?
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
