Articles like these are very intriguing to me because of the fact that i know people with records who are stuck with terrible jobs the rest of their lives simply because they let their young hormones and stupidity land them three meals and day and a warm place to stay for a couple years. As a matter of fact, some of the nicest guys ive ever met have seen the other side of those bars and did something wrong to end them up on the other side. They did their time and when they returned to society, they were too scared to even look at a joint. It really is a hit and ,iss with the punishment of prison. I truly feel sorry for the men and women who will never have the chance to work their dream job and provide for their families and make up for all the time they lost due to stupid decisions. A lot of people will argue that that was the decision they made and now they have to deal with the results but I truly think that some people live everyday in a disheartened pain knowing that society has labeled them for the rest of their lives. FIRE002
Lincoln seems to have a powerful story. It’s kind of sad of what prisoners have to go through when they get out of prison. But its reality when they leave to go back into society. No employers seem what want to handle the situation of an ex-convict as an employee on the payroll. I know it’s not fair. But it does seem like some states are relaxing their restrictions on certain work trades so they the ex-convicts can make a decent living wage so they can make it on their own with a decent living wage. I think that it is good while they are trying to piece together their life back together with education and other programs. But society needs to come up with a solution for this problem. Otherwise I think that if we didn’t give them a chance all we would be doing is adding more people to live homeless and that just creates a whole bunch of other problems. But, why does it seem like it takes prison who most people to see the light? Maybe some just need a rude awakening by a family member or some kind of intervention of a loved one for someone to see the light. Navy002
I think it is really sad that we have to push freed convicts to the wayside, just because they did something wrong and learned from it. The man featured in the article, Meko Lincoln, seems like a nice guy and he took advantage of the rehab process in prison, but he’s still neglected by employers because of this unfair law of restricting people with criminal backgrounds. According to the article, there are over 10,000 regulations ban people with criminal records from acquiring occupational licenses. Apparently, only people with “good moral character” can get these licenses, automatically excluding people with criminal records. I’m certain people who take advantage of the rehab process can have the same good moral character as everyone else without criminal records. These restrictions make it harder for former inmates to move forward in rapidly expanding industries like human services, health services, and mechanical trades. Unfortunately, many states have these barriers because of the tendency of recidivism or reoffending. Even though Rhode Island is currently on the front lines of criminal justice reform, they still have these restrictions in place. These restrictions should be the first thing to be repelled for the good of not just people leaving prison, but also for everyone in the community who might need the extra help. -OUTATIME002
I think a lot of times people forget that people can change. There are so many ex convicts who have done their time, and are ready to move forward in their but they can’t. I don’t see a purpose in holding a grudge on someone who committed a crime when they were younger and not the brightest. They repaid society by doing the time, so they should get a fresh start when they come out. This however is sadly not the reality. I work in a restaurant, almost the whole kitchen staff is ex convicts. If you went back there you would have never of guessed that, because they are all very nice, and hardworking. For most of them this is the best job they will be able to get, and it's sad. According to the American Bar Association “Across the country, more than 10,000 regulations restrict people with criminal records from obtaining occupational licenses”. I think all of these regulations are unnecessary, and that these ex convicts deserve another shot to get it right. To say that all people who committed a crime years ago don’t have good morals, even after going through rehabilitation programs is just ignorant to me. People can change for the good, and once people realize that the U.S. will be a better place. - CRJB002
Many ex-prisoners have a hard time finding a job when they are released back into society. Many jobs exclude people with criminal backgrounds. The article states that across the country, more than 10,000 regulations restrict people with criminal records from obtaining occupational licenses. These restrictions makes it challenging for the formerly incarcerated to enter in fast-growing industries such as health care, human services, and some mechanical trades, and many other occupations. I think when a company is trying to find a good employee that they should look at the person first if they have a criminal background. I do agree that not all formerly incarcerated people come out of jail a different, good person but I think it is a good idea for someone to be judged on their character rather than their past. I went to Peoria county jail to watch several inmates graduate from a program that helps them gain a different mind set and help them change into a better person, and I hope when every single one of those inmates get release that they will be able to find a good job. They worked hard to be able to graduate from that program and they deserve a second chance in the world. They deserve to be able to get an education and better themselves outside of prison. JU002
I do feel bad for the people like the two mentioned in the article/video because they are the few that have been able to change for the better but they can only go so far due to their criminal background. I do believe that people can change and those two did like I am sure many other ex-convicts have. It is sad to see the ones who actually do change aren't able to get the jobs that they know they deserve. On the flip side there are some ex-convicts that dont deserve that I feel, I say that because some people just never learn and only they can make that change. Some people just dont want to change and they stay in that lifestyle but it sucks for the ones who do change. I can see why good paying jobs are hesitant on hiring those with criminal background but that is almost judging a book by its cover or lets say its first chapter because a lot of these people that have changed did their criminal activity when they were young and dumb. People cant just always assume that if you have a criminal record they cant change because in some cases people do change. Those who word hard and stay out of the criminal activity should be rewarded and be able to get a good job to support themselves and their families. I feel that if we some how change the regulations or show work places that they really have changed it will be better for a lot of people. -wags002
Many people think that when someone gets out of prison they should change their life around with no problem. Sadly it’s not that simple. A lot of places don’t want convicted felons working at their company or maybe the hiring manager just doesn’t want them to be around anyone. Which is why many of them go back to what they were doing that got them sent back to jail. It’s easy and quick money. But if the person that’s trying to turn their life around it’s going to be a rough time. Especially for places like Rhode Island that exclude people with criminal backgrounds from many jobs. So how can we rehabilitate someone and they don’t have a good paying job? In the article it says “ Across the country, more than 10,000 regulations restrict people with criminal records from obtaining occupational licenses, according to a database developed by the American Bar Association. The restrictions are defended as a way to protect the public.” For violent cases I understand why they say that. And then it still depends on what type of violent case because they could have just gotten into a fight.But non violent offenders should have an easier time unless they were arrested for stealing. Because jobs like Walmart will think twice about hiring that person. Batman002
Without having jobs upon incarceration, it only leads to more crime being committed. These men and women having nothing to do and are putting themselves into right where they started. With the same people who they committed crimes with. Like they never left. While reading this article, I notice how difficult it is for these felons to grow more than minimum wage. At this rate, what point is there to train inmates to re-enter society if society will not accept them and allow them to change? Meko Lincoln, the man in the article, is attempting to positively contribute to society by taking his mistakes and drug problems and using them to help others with the same problems. The hope is that they will be able to apply these skills when they reenter society. The problems arise when it comes to occupations that require state licenses. Because of this, many former inmates cannot enter health care or related fields. SH002
It truly is disappointing reading articles like these and seeing what making bad decisions will land you in life. These people wasted so much potential by doing stupid things, but that is the price you have to pay unfortunately. On the other hand though this is also apart of the rehabilitation you receive because once your out of those bars you will see life is not what it was. You can't walk around in public without getting looks or feeling judged about yourself. Jobs wont want you because of your history and that's the sad thing you ruined your life because you could not behave yourself. All you can do at this point is help lead and guide the younger generation to be better. -WiseGuy002
This article shows how difficult it is to integrate into society in a positive way after prison. Many people struggle with it because they are thrown right back into the same environment they were in before prison. These people were not given skills to find legal jobs or to survive without going back to their old ways. Even though some prisons offer job skills and training to help inmates get jobs after release, they may be declined licenses and job opportunities because of their felonies. It is ridiculous that these people could spend so much time training in a specific area and become extremely interested in it and then get rejected. Sometimes their felonies are unrelated to the job or they happened so long ago that it should not matter. How are ex-convicts supposed to contribute to their communities and lead legal lifestyles if they can't find work? Although this article addresses a depressing reality, it also shows us how some people overcome the hardships. I really appreciate the drive and dedication of the people in the article and I wish the best for them. Sadly, everyone isn't able to make it through like they did, but hopefully we will see reform to help our people. -arm002
Meko Lincoln spent seventeen years behind bars. He was locked up because of his addiction and crime which gave him sixteen prison terms. Across the United States there are many regulations that do not allow people with a criminal record to get occupational work. These regulations do not change no matter how long ago you commited the crime or your sense of character. This in turn, leaves many of these past criminals to not the best quality of jobs. Not only is it hard to find a job, many people feel uneasy about hiring someone who was imprisoned. For many, the job you have and the wage you make determines your lifestyle. So many of these past cons will not make a luxury amount of money in their lifetime. The impact of how you grow up can determine the way you may lead. It is easier to live in crime when you see it all around you and it is easy to turn to. In order to make these changes we have to love our youth and believe in second chances. Just because someone was locked up, does not mean they are still a threat to society. We are more than likely ignoring talent due to fear of harm. Why can we not give people second chances? -KF002
Everyone deserves a second chance in life not matter what they did in their past. Its not fair to Lincoln to pay for his mistakes when he clearly did the time and wants to do better in life. Obtaining a degree is a wounderful thing for anyone who wants to better their life. Reading this article shows that their are many stops to felonys wanted to enter any fields like healthcare, and human service departments. Hiring people with a felon makes employers nervous because of their records. Even tho Linclon wants this licenses it states that this stain can't be removed. When it comes to his background it shows how drugs played a major role on his arrests. As he was going back and fourth to jail he did some good things like getting an education, recovery. It seems like the system is not trying to help these former inmates yet make their lives worser as they go into society. There are actually former prisoners who are taking the neccssary steps to get clean and are looking for jobs to improve their lives, instead of going back to the streets. I am really sad by this article just do to the fact that people really are punished for their mistakes. There should be work put into these states to allow all felons to make their wrongs right by allowing them to prove themselves by getting a degreee or a good job. That is why many get back on drugs or even worse suicide, becasue they feel like their life is never going to be normal again and from reading article it's made to seem like it won't be. That is another reason why the prison system population is so high and why they have repeat offenders.-zw002
It has been statically proven that the way to for a former inmate to avoid going back to prison is for them to find and retain gainful, steady employment. Often times however, they are limited to the types of employment they can seek due to their criminal background. While people are incarcerated, they are encouraged to take classes in order to learn a trade, obtain degrees and received work skills training. The hope is that they will be able to apply these skills when they reenter society. The problems arise when it comes to occupations that require state licenses. Because of this, many former inmates cannot enter health care or related fields. The article follows Meco Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln has taken classes as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor. His own experiences with drugs and alcohol lead to many of his stays in prison. He is ideally the perfect person to teach people how to avoid this lifestyle. However, he cannot become a certified counselor because of his background. He is a peer recovery coach which he can earn about $25,000 a year. If he were a licensed chemical dependency clinician, he could double that salary. This would definitely discourage anyone from re-offending. These types of situations should be reexamined by the boards governing the licensing. It is important to give the people returning to society a chance to become productive citizens. –Zen002
Meko Lincoln had spent 17 years behind bars and including three years of heroin possession and assault. He was released six months ago. He lives and works at Amos House. He started doing drugs and taking money from other people to buy drugs. He is training to be a drug and alcohol counselor. “I lived it,” he said. “I understand it. My past is not a liability. It’s an asset. I can help another person save their life.” Another person that works there was Partaja. She was charged in 2006 by delivering cocaine and reckless driving. She was released on bail. She got in trouble in 2008. She was fighting in the nightclub. She was charged with assault. She changed her life because she was going to be a mother to her child. The people that have been to prison and got out want to help the people that need help. The reasons why is because they have been in their shoes before and they don’t want them to go through what they went through. Softball002
It's very unfortunate to hear stories like the ones presented by Lincoln, Jorge, and Partaja. Articles like these help to showcase that the ones facing these problems are not just nameless figures but people with thoughts, feelings, ambitions and desires. I don't agree with the concept that licensing restrictions act as a way to protect the public. Who's public? Considering that many inmates come from public places of low socioeconomic backgrounds such as Lincoln, what are they to do but turn to crime when there is no economic opportunity presented for generation to generation because of incarceration stigmas. If ex-cons cannot secure livelihood outside of menial jobs such as retail and fast food then they have no proper incentive to not re-offend. This statement is further enforced by the fact that states with the strictest licensing barriers have higher rates of recidivism. Higher rates of recidivism means more arrested fathers, mothers, and siblings allowing these already poverty stricken neighborhoods to become further entrenched in broken families and more financial hardships. Yet through it all there is a silver lining. I hope Lincoln achieves his dreams of being a drug and rehab councilor, and I hope Rhode island will continue with some attempt to help these civilians who've become permanently fixed to be second class. -CamSlifton002
In Providence, Rhode Island this man spent at least 17 years in prison just to get out go back in again 16 times. Lincoln was a man who spent the first half of his life locked up. It saddens me when people are being locked up for a mistake. When people get out of prison it gets extremely hard to adapt to the world outside world. It is very hard to go back to your normal self when you basically spend your whole life locked up. The number of resources is very limited to people being released from prison. I think that in order for a person to not commit the same crime, he/ or she should have their life planned out not to return to the same community. It is very easy to be sucked into the streets after being in prison. Lincoln is a perfect example of how a person can change. He went from being locked up for 17 years, to now training to become a drug alcohol counselor. I love his story. In life anything is possible. He changed his life completely around. I think that people deserve second chances even third chances. For the most part lincoln was a nice guy who got caught up in the wrong situation, which cost him most of his life. -Jas002
I find it utterly tragic that it is nearly impossible for basically anyone released from prison to find a job and contribute to society again. For many, this is what they need to keep from crime and turn over a new leaf. As stated in the article, recidivism is high in states that make it unnecessarily difficult for former inmates to get a job once they have been released. Rehabilitation is important to prevent recidivism but allowing a released man or woman to work and support themselves and their families is a form of rehabilitation. At this rate, what point is there to train inmates to re-enter society if society will not accept them and allow them to change? Meko Lincoln, the man in the article, is attempting to positively contribute to society by taking his mistakes and drug problems and using them to help others with the same problems. Many former inmates could be helpful in ways like this and for them it is a positive way to deal with their pasts and make them feel important and helpful to society. More states need to adjust their laws to help these people and keep the incarceration rates down in their cities. -Gamma002
My opinion and stance on giving formerly incarcerated individuals jobs, is a thing I feel is not being used enough. A lot of jobs have problems with hiring people who have felonies. In which I understand on their side because they become a liability to their company when working for them. I also believe that people who come out of incarceration should not be set up for failure. Without having jobs upon incarceration, it only leads to more crime being committed. These men and women having nothing to do and are putting themselves into right where they started. With the same people who they committed crimes with. Like they never left. While reading this article, I notice how difficult it is for these felons to grow more than minimum wage. Due to simple mistakes, these people can no longer prosper and it’s depressing on them and they just leave no choice but to start doing more illegally things to get money. It’s that constant cycle of crime and incarceration, and I feel with people having jobs, it breaks that cycle. It breaks the cycle of being put back into the lifestyle that they were put into before, taking them away from that scenery and allowing them to make enough money to move out of the lifestyle that once incarcerated them. -as002
I do feel bad for the people like the two mentioned in the article/video because they are the few that have been able to change for the better but they can only go so far due to their criminal background. I do believe that people can change and those two did like I am sure many other ex-convicts have. It is sad to see the ones who actually do change aren't able to get the jobs that they know they deserve. Many ex-prisoners have a hard time finding a job when they are released back into society. Many jobs exclude people with criminal backgrounds. The article states that across the country, more than 10,000 regulations restrict people with criminal records from obtaining occupational licenses. The restrictions are defended as a way to protect the public.” For violent cases I understand why they say that. And then it still depends on what type of violent case because they could have just gotten into a fight. But non-violent offenders should have an easier time unless they were arrested for stealing. If you really think about it, how are ex-convicts supposed to contribute to their communities and lead legal lifestyles if they can't find work? Although this article addresses a depressing reality, it also shows us how some people overcome the hardships, it’s just sad. SH002
It’s hard enough to get a job just after earning a degree; I could never imagine trying to get a decent job after getting a felony. A job that doesn’t require scrubbing toilets or doing someone else's dirty work all day. Meko Lincoln spent 17 out of his 46 years behind bars and wants to become a drug and alcohol counselor. He learned so many things while being incarcerated and wants to make those years count for something; he wants to help save someone’s life. We need so many more people like that in this cold world; people willing to help others that is. Plus, his life experience alone could change a lot of people going through the exact same thing he did. In my opinion he could be a better counselor for it than someone who hasn’t been so broken because of it. He pulled himself out of those times, while in prison but he could most definitely help someone else accomplish the same thing. Yes, his past is an asset as he says but like the article also says without good jobs most people have a higher chance of landing themselves right back in jail. --coffeeplease002
This article talks about how hard it is to get a job with felonies or prior convictions on your record. I agree with this decision to a degree, I agree that you should not be able to get certain jobs with priors on your record. I don't think you should be able to be a surgeon with a DUI on your record. I also disagree with some of the “rules”. I think you should be able to do some jobs that relate to your criminal activity. If you want to be a social worker and have prior convictions related to that I think that it gives you some insight that many others don't have, I think that you have the experience even in a negative way you should be given the opportunity to have that job. Even though it is a felony or prior convictions, maybe you could use that to your advantage. I think there should be something set up to ensure you have learned your lesson and that you want to be better for everyone and most importantly, yourself. One felony on your record when you were 18 years old should not be able to control what job you want at 40 years old. These things make sense to me by the way we live now I feel like we should be able to be better than that. -wb002
Articles like these are very intriguing to me because of the fact that i know people with records who are stuck with terrible jobs the rest of their lives simply because they let their young hormones and stupidity land them three meals and day and a warm place to stay for a couple years. As a matter of fact, some of the nicest guys ive ever met have seen the other side of those bars and did something wrong to end them up on the other side. They did their time and when they returned to society, they were too scared to even look at a joint. It really is a hit and ,iss with the punishment of prison. I truly feel sorry for the men and women who will never have the chance to work their dream job and provide for their families and make up for all the time they lost due to stupid decisions. A lot of people will argue that that was the decision they made and now they have to deal with the results but I truly think that some people live everyday in a disheartened pain knowing that society has labeled them for the rest of their lives. FIRE002
ReplyDeleteLincoln seems to have a powerful story. It’s kind of sad of what prisoners have to go through when they get out of prison. But its reality when they leave to go back into society. No employers seem what want to handle the situation of an ex-convict as an employee on the payroll. I know it’s not fair. But it does seem like some states are relaxing their restrictions on certain work trades so they the ex-convicts can make a decent living wage so they can make it on their own with a decent living wage. I think that it is good while they are trying to piece together their life back together with education and other programs. But society needs to come up with a solution for this problem. Otherwise I think that if we didn’t give them a chance all we would be doing is adding more people to live homeless and that just creates a whole bunch of other problems. But, why does it seem like it takes prison who most people to see the light? Maybe some just need a rude awakening by a family member or some kind of intervention of a loved one for someone to see the light. Navy002
ReplyDeleteI think it is really sad that we have to push freed convicts to the wayside, just because they did something wrong and learned from it. The man featured in the article, Meko Lincoln, seems like a nice guy and he took advantage of the rehab process in prison, but he’s still neglected by employers because of this unfair law of restricting people with criminal backgrounds. According to the article, there are over 10,000 regulations ban people with criminal records from acquiring occupational licenses. Apparently, only people with “good moral character” can get these licenses, automatically excluding people with criminal records. I’m certain people who take advantage of the rehab process can have the same good moral character as everyone else without criminal records. These restrictions make it harder for former inmates to move forward in rapidly expanding industries like human services, health services, and mechanical trades. Unfortunately, many states have these barriers because of the tendency of recidivism or reoffending. Even though Rhode Island is currently on the front lines of criminal justice reform, they still have these restrictions in place. These restrictions should be the first thing to be repelled for the good of not just people leaving prison, but also for everyone in the community who might need the extra help. -OUTATIME002
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of times people forget that people can change. There are so many ex convicts who have done their time, and are ready to move forward in their but they can’t. I don’t see a purpose in holding a grudge on someone who committed a crime when they were younger and not the brightest. They repaid society by doing the time, so they should get a fresh start when they come out. This however is sadly not the reality. I work in a restaurant, almost the whole kitchen staff is ex convicts. If you went back there you would have never of guessed that, because they are all very nice, and hardworking. For most of them this is the best job they will be able to get, and it's sad. According to the American Bar Association “Across the country, more than 10,000 regulations restrict people with criminal records from obtaining occupational licenses”. I think all of these regulations are unnecessary, and that these ex convicts deserve another shot to get it right. To say that all people who committed a crime years ago don’t have good morals, even after going through rehabilitation programs is just ignorant to me. People can change for the good, and once people realize that the U.S. will be a better place. - CRJB002
ReplyDeleteMany ex-prisoners have a hard time finding a job when they are released back into society. Many jobs exclude people with criminal backgrounds. The article states that across the country, more than 10,000 regulations restrict people with criminal records from obtaining occupational licenses. These restrictions makes it challenging for the formerly incarcerated to enter in fast-growing industries such as health care, human services, and some mechanical trades, and many other occupations. I think when a company is trying to find a good employee that they should look at the person first if they have a criminal background. I do agree that not all formerly incarcerated people come out of jail a different, good person but I think it is a good idea for someone to be judged on their character rather than their past. I went to Peoria county jail to watch several inmates graduate from a program that helps them gain a different mind set and help them change into a better person, and I hope when every single one of those inmates get release that they will be able to find a good job. They worked hard to be able to graduate from that program and they deserve a second chance in the world. They deserve to be able to get an education and better themselves outside of prison. JU002
ReplyDeleteI do feel bad for the people like the two mentioned in the article/video because they are the few that have been able to change for the better but they can only go so far due to their criminal background. I do believe that people can change and those two did like I am sure many other ex-convicts have. It is sad to see the ones who actually do change aren't able to get the jobs that they know they deserve. On the flip side there are some ex-convicts that dont deserve that I feel, I say that because some people just never learn and only they can make that change. Some people just dont want to change and they stay in that lifestyle but it sucks for the ones who do change. I can see why good paying jobs are hesitant on hiring those with criminal background but that is almost judging a book by its cover or lets say its first chapter because a lot of these people that have changed did their criminal activity when they were young and dumb. People cant just always assume that if you have a criminal record they cant change because in some cases people do change. Those who word hard and stay out of the criminal activity should be rewarded and be able to get a good job to support themselves and their families. I feel that if we some how change the regulations or show work places that they really have changed it will be better for a lot of people. -wags002
ReplyDeleteMany people think that when someone gets out of prison they should change their life around with no problem. Sadly it’s not that simple. A lot of places don’t want convicted felons working at their company or maybe the hiring manager just doesn’t want them to be around anyone. Which is why many of them go back to what they were doing that got them sent back to jail. It’s easy and quick money. But if the person that’s trying to turn their life around it’s going to be a rough time. Especially for places like Rhode Island that exclude people with criminal backgrounds from many jobs. So how can we rehabilitate someone and they don’t have a good paying job? In the article it says “ Across the country, more than 10,000 regulations restrict people with criminal records from obtaining occupational licenses, according to a database developed by the American Bar Association. The restrictions are defended as a way to protect the public.” For violent cases I understand why they say that. And then it still depends on what type of violent case because they could have just gotten into a fight.But non violent offenders should have an easier time unless they were arrested for stealing. Because jobs like Walmart will think twice about hiring that person. Batman002
ReplyDeleteWithout having jobs upon incarceration, it only leads to more crime being committed. These men and women having nothing to do and are putting themselves into right where they started. With the same people who they committed crimes with. Like they never left. While reading this article, I notice how difficult it is for these felons to grow more than minimum wage. At this rate, what point is there to train inmates to re-enter society if society will not accept them and allow them to change? Meko Lincoln, the man in the article, is attempting to positively contribute to society by taking his mistakes and drug problems and using them to help others with the same problems. The hope is that they will be able to apply these skills when they reenter society. The problems arise when it comes to occupations that require state licenses. Because of this, many former inmates cannot enter health care or related fields. SH002
DeleteIt truly is disappointing reading articles like these and seeing what making bad decisions will land you in life. These people wasted so much potential by doing stupid things, but that is the price you have to pay unfortunately. On the other hand though this is also apart of the rehabilitation you receive because once your out of those bars you will see life is not what it was. You can't walk around in public without getting looks or feeling judged about yourself. Jobs wont want you because of your history and that's the sad thing you ruined your life because you could not behave yourself. All you can do at this point is help lead and guide the younger generation to be better. -WiseGuy002
ReplyDeleteThis article shows how difficult it is to integrate into society in a positive way after prison. Many people struggle with it because they are thrown right back into the same environment they were in before prison. These people were not given skills to find legal jobs or to survive without going back to their old ways. Even though some prisons offer job skills and training to help inmates get jobs after release, they may be declined licenses and job opportunities because of their felonies. It is ridiculous that these people could spend so much time training in a specific area and become extremely interested in it and then get rejected. Sometimes their felonies are unrelated to the job or they happened so long ago that it should not matter. How are ex-convicts supposed to contribute to their communities and lead legal lifestyles if they can't find work? Although this article addresses a depressing reality, it also shows us how some people overcome the hardships. I really appreciate the drive and dedication of the people in the article and I wish the best for them. Sadly, everyone isn't able to make it through like they did, but hopefully we will see reform to help our people. -arm002
ReplyDeleteMeko Lincoln spent seventeen years behind bars. He was locked up because of his addiction and crime which gave him sixteen prison terms. Across the United States there are many regulations that do not allow people with a criminal record to get occupational work. These regulations do not change no matter how long ago you commited the crime or your sense of character. This in turn, leaves many of these past criminals to not the best quality of jobs. Not only is it hard to find a job, many people feel uneasy about hiring someone who was imprisoned. For many, the job you have and the wage you make determines your lifestyle. So many of these past cons will not make a luxury amount of money in their lifetime. The impact of how you grow up can determine the way you may lead. It is easier to live in crime when you see it all around you and it is easy to turn to. In order to make these changes we have to love our youth and believe in second chances. Just because someone was locked up, does not mean they are still a threat to society. We are more than likely ignoring talent due to fear of harm. Why can we not give people second chances?
ReplyDelete-KF002
Everyone deserves a second chance in life not matter what they did in their past. Its not fair to Lincoln to pay for his mistakes when he clearly did the time and wants to do better in life. Obtaining a degree is a wounderful thing for anyone who wants to better their life. Reading this article shows that their are many stops to felonys wanted to enter any fields like healthcare, and human service departments. Hiring people with a felon makes employers nervous because of their records. Even tho Linclon wants this licenses it states that this stain can't be removed. When it comes to his background it shows how drugs played a major role on his arrests. As he was going back and fourth to jail he did some good things like getting an education, recovery. It seems like the system is not trying to help these former inmates yet make their lives worser as they go into society. There are actually former prisoners who are taking the neccssary steps to get clean and are looking for jobs to improve their lives, instead of going back to the streets. I am really sad by this article just do to the fact that people really are punished for their mistakes. There should be work put into these states to allow all felons to make their wrongs right by allowing them to prove themselves by getting a degreee or a good job. That is why many get back on drugs or even worse suicide, becasue they feel like their life is never going to be normal again and from reading article it's made to seem like it won't be. That is another reason why the prison system population is so high and why they have repeat offenders.-zw002
ReplyDeleteIt has been statically proven that the way to for a former inmate to avoid going back to prison is for them to find and retain gainful, steady employment. Often times however, they are limited to the types of employment they can seek due to their criminal background. While people are incarcerated, they are encouraged to take classes in order to learn a trade, obtain degrees and received work skills training. The hope is that they will be able to apply these skills when they reenter society. The problems arise when it comes to occupations that require state licenses. Because of this, many former inmates cannot enter health care or related fields. The article follows Meco Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln has taken classes as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor. His own experiences with drugs and alcohol lead to many of his stays in prison. He is ideally the perfect person to teach people how to avoid this lifestyle. However, he cannot become a certified counselor because of his background. He is a peer recovery coach which he can earn about $25,000 a year. If he were a licensed chemical dependency clinician, he could double that salary. This would definitely discourage anyone from re-offending. These types of situations should be reexamined by the boards governing the licensing. It is important to give the people returning to society a chance to become productive citizens. –Zen002
ReplyDeleteMeko Lincoln had spent 17 years behind bars and including three years of heroin possession and assault. He was released six months ago. He lives and works at Amos House. He started doing drugs and taking money from other people to buy drugs. He is training to be a drug and alcohol counselor. “I lived it,” he said. “I understand it. My past is not a liability. It’s an asset. I can help another person save their life.” Another person that works there was Partaja. She was charged in 2006 by delivering cocaine and reckless driving. She was released on bail. She got in trouble in 2008. She was fighting in the nightclub. She was charged with assault. She changed her life because she was going to be a mother to her child. The people that have been to prison and got out want to help the people that need help. The reasons why is because they have been in their shoes before and they don’t want them to go through what they went through. Softball002
ReplyDeleteIt's very unfortunate to hear stories like the ones presented by Lincoln, Jorge, and Partaja. Articles like these help to showcase that the ones facing these problems are not just nameless figures but people with thoughts, feelings, ambitions and desires. I don't agree with the concept that licensing restrictions act as a way to protect the public. Who's public? Considering that many inmates come from public places of low socioeconomic backgrounds such as Lincoln, what are they to do but turn to crime when there is no economic opportunity presented for generation to generation because of incarceration stigmas. If ex-cons cannot secure livelihood outside of menial jobs such as retail and fast food then they have no proper incentive to not re-offend. This statement is further enforced by the fact that states with the strictest licensing barriers have higher rates of recidivism. Higher rates of recidivism means more arrested fathers, mothers, and siblings allowing these already poverty stricken neighborhoods to become further entrenched in broken families and more financial hardships. Yet through it all there is a silver lining. I hope Lincoln achieves his dreams of being a drug and rehab councilor, and I hope Rhode island will continue with some attempt to help these civilians who've become permanently fixed to be second class. -CamSlifton002
ReplyDeleteIn Providence, Rhode Island this man spent at least 17 years in prison just to get out go back in again 16 times. Lincoln was a man who spent the first half of his life locked up. It saddens me when people are being locked up for a mistake. When people get out of prison it gets extremely hard to adapt to the world outside world. It is very hard to go back to your normal self when you basically spend your whole life locked up. The number of resources is very limited to people being released from prison. I think that in order for a person to not commit the same crime, he/ or she should have their life planned out not to return to the same community. It is very easy to be sucked into the streets after being in prison. Lincoln is a perfect example of how a person can change. He went from being locked up for 17 years, to now training to become a drug alcohol counselor. I love his story. In life anything is possible. He changed his life completely around. I think that people deserve second chances even third chances. For the most part lincoln was a nice guy who got caught up in the wrong situation, which cost him most of his life. -Jas002
ReplyDeleteI find it utterly tragic that it is nearly impossible for basically anyone released from prison to find a job and contribute to society again. For many, this is what they need to keep from crime and turn over a new leaf. As stated in the article, recidivism is high in states that make it unnecessarily difficult for former inmates to get a job once they have been released. Rehabilitation is important to prevent recidivism but allowing a released man or woman to work and support themselves and their families is a form of rehabilitation. At this rate, what point is there to train inmates to re-enter society if society will not accept them and allow them to change? Meko Lincoln, the man in the article, is attempting to positively contribute to society by taking his mistakes and drug problems and using them to help others with the same problems. Many former inmates could be helpful in ways like this and for them it is a positive way to deal with their pasts and make them feel important and helpful to society. More states need to adjust their laws to help these people and keep the incarceration rates down in their cities. -Gamma002
ReplyDeleteMy opinion and stance on giving formerly incarcerated individuals jobs, is a thing I feel is not being used enough. A lot of jobs have problems with hiring people who have felonies. In which I understand on their side because they become a liability to their company when working for them. I also believe that people who come out of incarceration should not be set up for failure. Without having jobs upon incarceration, it only leads to more crime being committed. These men and women having nothing to do and are putting themselves into right where they started. With the same people who they committed crimes with. Like they never left. While reading this article, I notice how difficult it is for these felons to grow more than minimum wage. Due to simple mistakes, these people can no longer prosper and it’s depressing on them and they just leave no choice but to start doing more illegally things to get money. It’s that constant cycle of crime and incarceration, and I feel with people having jobs, it breaks that cycle. It breaks the cycle of being put back into the lifestyle that they were put into before, taking them away from that scenery and allowing them to make enough money to move out of the lifestyle that once incarcerated them. -as002
ReplyDeleteI do feel bad for the people like the two mentioned in the article/video because they are the few that have been able to change for the better but they can only go so far due to their criminal background. I do believe that people can change and those two did like I am sure many other ex-convicts have. It is sad to see the ones who actually do change aren't able to get the jobs that they know they deserve. Many ex-prisoners have a hard time finding a job when they are released back into society. Many jobs exclude people with criminal backgrounds. The article states that across the country, more than 10,000 regulations restrict people with criminal records from obtaining occupational licenses. The restrictions are defended as a way to protect the public.” For violent cases I understand why they say that. And then it still depends on what type of violent case because they could have just gotten into a fight. But non-violent offenders should have an easier time unless they were arrested for stealing. If you really think about it, how are ex-convicts supposed to contribute to their communities and lead legal lifestyles if they can't find work? Although this article addresses a depressing reality, it also shows us how some people overcome the hardships, it’s just sad. SH002
ReplyDeleteIt’s hard enough to get a job just after earning a degree; I could never imagine trying to get a decent job after getting a felony. A job that doesn’t require scrubbing toilets or doing someone else's dirty work all day. Meko Lincoln spent 17 out of his 46 years behind bars and wants to become a drug and alcohol counselor. He learned so many things while being incarcerated and wants to make those years count for something; he wants to help save someone’s life. We need so many more people like that in this cold world; people willing to help others that is. Plus, his life experience alone could change a lot of people going through the exact same thing he did. In my opinion he could be a better counselor for it than someone who hasn’t been so broken because of it. He pulled himself out of those times, while in prison but he could most definitely help someone else accomplish the same thing. Yes, his past is an asset as he says but like the article also says without good jobs most people have a higher chance of landing themselves right back in jail.
ReplyDelete--coffeeplease002
This article talks about how hard it is to get a job with felonies or prior convictions on your record. I agree with this decision to a degree, I agree that you should not be able to get certain jobs with priors on your record. I don't think you should be able to be a surgeon with a DUI on your record. I also disagree with some of the “rules”. I think you should be able to do some jobs that relate to your criminal activity. If you want to be a social worker and have prior convictions related to that I think that it gives you some insight that many others don't have, I think that you have the experience even in a negative way you should be given the opportunity to have that job. Even though it is a felony or prior convictions, maybe you could use that to your advantage. I think there should be something set up to ensure you have learned your lesson and that you want to be better for everyone and most importantly, yourself. One felony on your record when you were 18 years old should not be able to control what job you want at 40 years old. These things make sense to me by the way we live now I feel like we should be able to be better than that. -wb002
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