Reply #135: You're missing the point a bit.

[Occulus]

You seem to want a lifetime punishment for a single crime if it's a felony. Never mind what the punishment is we're talking about, if the state is going to punish you for a felony, that punishment should not extend beyond the sentence imposed. It's not even a deterrent to recidivism; it's actually a catalyst to recidivism. They have no hope to participate in the decisions that affect them. Why should they, then, in their minds, be subject to any laws passed?

I've actually heard this from one or two people I know personally who have gone to prison. They don't ever want to go back, but it was impossible for them to find a job via an employer. They each had to open their own businesses doing things (such as tattooing) that a "respectable" person would not choose as a profession.

They, however, have no choice. They are not, once released, in my experience often given a chance to prove they've reformed, and this trend is growing each and every year. We simply brand them with the scarlet letter and shun them away. I've personally witnessed this exact thing happen to a prospective employee.

What I'm trying to say here is that your attitude toward felons voting doesn't stop with voting- indeed, in my state, it also extends to employment: "You may apply- everyone is free to apply- but you will not be considered due to your criminal record." This from having told truthfully on the application that you indeed have a felony on your record.

"If you've never, ever been convicted of a felony you can't x, y, z" is escalated to the American people's fundamental rights, we are setting up the conditions for open revolt, as more and more people are being convicted of more and more crimes each year. It's also interesting that we keep adding laws, not repeals are few and far between- but that's a different issue.

I hope to change your mind on this one, I really do. Can't vote or own a gun (even for protection) because of a felony conviction? Maybe someday we'll render felons' larynxes inoperative because they don't deserve to have their words heard.

We're already on the way there.