tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post8760632524145735095..comments2024-03-15T05:45:01.402-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: Crime Increases as a Result of Employment Denial to Ex-FelonsGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-56249433174525261502008-10-12T12:25:00.000-05:002008-10-12T12:25:00.000-05:00I have a drug related felony that is over 9 yrs ol...I have a drug related felony that is over 9 yrs old now, never did any time jus straight probation. I abided by all rules,regulations and all that was asked of me at that time. Yet, here now years later this one mistake has hindered me in every aspect of my life. I pay my taxes, abide by all laws of our land, and had a great career till I recently found out I have a spine condtion that has hindered my profession. Now I am unemployed, considered disabled, and a felony...I AM still able to work yet the jobs I can physically do will not hire me due to the felony. Been reduced to living in a travel trailer. What am I to do? I have no desire to sit here and just waste my life away at some pointless job knowing I have no future. Any ideas, would gladly be appreciated. I am not one to lay down and just let the world run me over, I have a fighting spirit,loyal and proud of that I do in my work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-45175345895228335692008-09-07T02:40:00.000-05:002008-09-07T02:40:00.000-05:00I am from California, but have been researching th...I am from California, but have been researching the internet for a couple years about anything which would give ex-felons civil rights guaranteed like other minorities have. I was a high school teacher and coach who was arrested and convicted for sales of a controlled substance in 1983. I spent 19 months incarcerated in the Department of Corrections and was paroled in December of 1978. I went on to become a licensed painting contractor in 1991, then appeared before the same Judge who presided over my trial and was granted a Certificate of Rehabililation in 1998. I was now in a position where I could not be denied gainful employment based soley on my felony conviction. A few years later, I requested the California Commission on Teaching Credentials to have my credential re-instated and was granted my request in February of 1998. I was then hired by the county office of education to work with serious at risk kids from all over the state. I was a very successful teacher until a serious incident in my class room caused me to have repressed memories from my incarceration dominate my life. I retired after 7 years of teaching due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Getting my credential re-instated defied tremendous odds and to have my past as an incarcerated inmate interfer with my life was devasting. A couple years later,I was asked by a group of parents, many my former students, if I would be interested in helping coach their daughters on the high school varsity softball team. A week later, I was granted permission to work with the varsity softball team. It was awesome, great and a miracle! About 5 weeks later, my past came back to haunt me once again. The athletic director informed me that I would not be allowed to work with the team, beginning immediately. I was told to stay off campus and wasn't given the opportunity to say good bye to my 'girls'! I have been cleared by the F.B.I. and the Department of Justice, but the district has their own investigation for me. I have been stone-walled in my attempt to get answers from the high school and the District office. The first statement I got out of the principal was that he decided to go in a different direction. I said is that direction backwards because the team I had observed were improving rapidly, played the way a team should, and had the parents extremely impressed with how much progress had been made in such a short period of time! A few months later, I applied for a teaching and coaching position and later found out that I was the only person qualified for the posted posiions. Regardless, I was not called for an interview and later found out that only the teaching position was filled. I was told they decided to separate the positions and search for a walk on coach later. The only reason they split the positions was so I couldn't have a legal challenge of the hiring process since I was the only person who filled the requirements for the job search. The coaching position was for the varsity baseball and once again, I was the most qualified applicant but was not granted an interview for the position. I was told a week later that a conversation between the Atletic Director and Principal, the A.D. stated, "It is ironic that Barnett is the most qualified candidate!" The real ironic thing is, it has been a quarter of a century since my arrest, (25 years and 4 months), and I am still being discriminated against! This brings me to my main reason for this blog,I would like to do something for my fellow ex-felons. I want a civil rights law where we are granted the same rights as other minorities covered in the Civil Rights Act of 1991, Title VII! I am sure that there is a few million of us who just keep having the door shut in our faces. We are a minority in the ratio of the total population. We can't count on society to one day wake up with a different attitude and sympathy for this cause which would allow us to be even more productive citizens. I am looking for a lawyer who would help with my cause. I want to go to Congress in Washington for legislation reform. The old adage, "A rotten apple spoils the barrel" should not be the train of thought when considering reform for the millions of ex-felons who are good, law abiding, tax paying citizens who are trying to raise their families the best they can! I am praying that some how, some way, this message will open doors for this worth while leqal fight! If their is someone who wants to help, please post a blog here and we can arrange how to get in touch! Thank You JamesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-39719925191967937442007-09-18T11:19:00.000-05:002007-09-18T11:19:00.000-05:00I agree that barring ex-convicts from employment o...I agree that barring ex-convicts from employment only adds to the rise in crime rate.Rosalea Moorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04419044339262345009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-63259740444473123262007-09-08T21:44:00.000-05:002007-09-08T21:44:00.000-05:00anonymous said:"Actually within the last 20 years ...anonymous said:<BR/>"Actually within the last 20 years most inmates were doing one month for each year sentenced."<BR/><BR/>I know I used to hear that from many different sources. Most of them were before the internet became a household word. Maybe that's why I can no longer find them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-29708661847172090872007-09-08T16:36:00.000-05:002007-09-08T16:36:00.000-05:00Anonymous 1:45I hope that you never have kids or a...Anonymous 1:45<BR/>I hope that you never have kids or any other loved one that might have been at the wrong place at the wrong time or ever made a bad judgment call that cost them any type of trouble with the law. Your asinine statement will surely come back to bite you in the butt.Grace Under Firehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06594084299266003701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-49715605152073292442007-09-08T13:45:00.000-05:002007-09-08T13:45:00.000-05:00Don't do the crime if you can't do the time [and a...Don't do the crime if you can't do the time [and all that comes along with it].Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-6738380844001192622007-09-08T10:12:00.000-05:002007-09-08T10:12:00.000-05:00Actually within the last 20 years most inmates wer...Actually within the last 20 years most inmates were doing one month for each year sentenced.<BR/> <BR/>I cannot believe you all don't remember the "reasons" for the huge Texas prison expansion. We were letting the criminals out the back door just to make room for those coming in the front door. <BR/><BR/>The Lege heard the cry of the public and mothers against drunk driving, and built many more Texas prisons. Unfortunately they failed to hear the cries of the working TDC Administrators, concerning logistics and personnel.<BR/><BR/>Restoring lost good time was no longer allowed and the criminals were staying longer. <BR/><BR/>TDCJ is still broken and the Lege has shifted their focus on TYC. "Build more TYC FACILITIES!" was their edict and it was done!<BR/><BR/>Fast forward to today; TDCJ and TYC are broken. Severe staff shortages, under-funding, lack of leadership (with a few exceptions), lack of programs, lack of proper lege support. <BR/><BR/>The good news is the Lege is not in session; the bad news is the lege is not in session.<BR/><BR/>Retired 2004Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-2245587166833141212007-09-08T02:05:00.000-05:002007-09-08T02:05:00.000-05:00Steve ~ buy your own research you now know that 29...Steve ~ buy your own research you now know that 29 days for each year of the sentence is not true, no matter how many times you've heard before that it was. This makes me wonder exactly how many other everyday Texans believe the same things, with absolutely no concrete facts to prove them? <BR/><BR/>There has to be a critical point, where the number of ex-cons exceeds the number of non-offenders, and Texas must surely be fast approaching it. What will you do then?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-61514370286437508352007-09-08T00:36:00.000-05:002007-09-08T00:36:00.000-05:00Great discussion. Inside every "tough on crime" T...Great discussion. Inside every "tough on crime" Texas there is the potential for the soul of a human being.<BR/><BR/>Education, critical thinking and religion are all tools that help with reintegrating an offender back into society.<BR/><BR/>Rehabilitation must be a part of the criminal justice system. The "lock em up and throw away the key" model cannot be replaced fast enough to suit me.<BR/><BR/>TDCJ says recidivism is 28% and they are proud of it. This pride doesn't give credit to the 72% don't go back to prison. If these folks could get a job, it would reduce recidivism even further.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-71071269070046443652007-09-07T21:26:00.000-05:002007-09-07T21:26:00.000-05:00Steve:Done.Steve:<BR/><BR/>Done.Rambohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01995285963055544340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-37606298885175420612007-09-07T20:35:00.000-05:002007-09-07T20:35:00.000-05:00rambo said:"You never answered, Who are you? And h...rambo said:<BR/>"You never answered, Who are you? And how would I reach you if I were so inclined?"<BR/><BR/>Email me at:<BR/><BR/>yrrah_ytrid@hotmail.com<BR/><BR/>. .and I will get back to you with a phone number.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-67143905862463368642007-09-07T18:51:00.000-05:002007-09-07T18:51:00.000-05:00Just got back to my computer. This turned into a g...Just got back to my computer. This turned into a great discussion.Catonyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06388517503945911587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-9161700369140497922007-09-07T17:41:00.000-05:002007-09-07T17:41:00.000-05:00STEVE,You never answered, Who are you? And how wo...STEVE,<BR/>You never answered, Who are you? And how would I reach you if I were so inclined?Rambohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01995285963055544340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-90896723450636253602007-09-07T16:14:00.000-05:002007-09-07T16:14:00.000-05:00rambo said:"I probably am who you think I am. Who ...rambo said:<BR/>"I probably am who you think I am. Who are you?<BR/><BR/>And to answer your question, yes, but no luck so far."<BR/><BR/>I may be in a good position to have a positive effect on the TYC situation right now. I know a few people in some influential positions, and I'm close enough to a few insiders to know what's going on, but far enough away not to arouse any suspicion.<BR/><BR/>I would be interested to know how your search for an atty is progressing. Although, I don't know anything about your case other than what I have heard secondhand. I would be interested in what the attorneys you have contacted so far have told you. Finding the right atty can be like finding the right auto mechanic or the right carpenter. I might have a couple of names that you might want to call if you have a good case and you're still having trouble finding an atty.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-70282590392282941262007-09-07T16:00:00.000-05:002007-09-07T16:00:00.000-05:00Anonymous said:". .I am concerned about your react...Anonymous said:<BR/>". .I am concerned about your reactive nature. If by chance I am right you need to seek professional help for your own well being and those around you. If I am wrong then forget I mentioned this."<BR/><BR/>Not a problem. I'm always in need of professional help in one way or another. Why be normal?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-37806589425905117592007-09-07T15:45:00.000-05:002007-09-07T15:45:00.000-05:00gritsforbreakfast said:"Steve, that 29 days per ye...gritsforbreakfast said:<BR/>"Steve, that 29 days per year sounds like an urban myth; it's not true in Texas by a longshot."<BR/><BR/>Taken into account that depending upon jurisdiction, location, and jail poulation conditions, some offenders do serve most if not all of their sentences.<BR/>However, I did find some numbers on texasdefenselaw.com:<BR/>- - - <BR/>The capital murder defendant sentenced to life in prison before September 1, 2005, is parole eligible after serving just forty years.<BR/><BR/>For the next group of legislatively designated serious offenses like murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, and aggravated robbery, the defendant must generally serve at least half of the actual sentence to be parole eligible.<BR/><BR/>For other first, second and third degree felonies, the prisoner is parole eligible when calendar time plus good conduct time equals one-fourth of the sentence. Good conduct time is earned by participating in work and self-improvement programs.<BR/><BR/>Time served for misdemeanors in Texas varies by county. In Harris County, misdemeanor defendants usually get two days credit for one day served. In counties with more crowded jails, a defendant may get three days credit for each day served.<BR/>- - -<BR/><BR/>So, my statement of 29 days credit for one year served is way off from these numbers. However, I'll still be looking for a source since I have heard this claim for many years. Be that as it may, these numbers themselves definitely indicate that many sentenced offenders get to walk early - sometimes very early - without serving their full time.<BR/><BR/>gritsforbreakfast also said:<BR/>"FWIW, TYC has about a 50% three year recidivism rate (I'm recollecing without a source, somebody correct me if I'm wrong), which means 50% DON'T recidivate by then."<BR/><BR/>I think this is accurate. But, I've seen some sources that cite an over 50% lifetime return rate. Also, what happens after 3 years? Even though we would hope that if they can make it this long without re-entering the system they are "rehabilitated," I believe in reality this is a bit naive. Just because they haven't been caught again, doesn't mean they aren't out there committing crimes. It would appear that a great many are repeat offenders, depending upon the crime. I'm seeing numbers on the web of around 40 percent for drug offenders. And, most of the 8,000+ child molesters in Texas are repeat offenders.<BR/><BR/>But, to keep from straying off topic, I believe that you just can't turn these people loose back into society without a great deal of intervention, including education. As "rambo" pointed out, the crinimal mindset has to be broken, and they have to be the ones to make the decision to break it. I think the way to accomplish this is through education, and teaching them how to think critically, and to develop and pursue long-term goals. Obviously though, you aren't going to be able to help everyone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-42440296775647092642007-09-07T15:44:00.000-05:002007-09-07T15:44:00.000-05:00Steve:I probably am who you think I am. Who are y...Steve:<BR/><BR/>I probably am who you think I am. Who are you?<BR/><BR/>And to answer your question, yes, but no luck so far.Rambohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01995285963055544340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-84056970912671796462007-09-07T15:39:00.000-05:002007-09-07T15:39:00.000-05:00The notion that felons and ex-cons can't find jobs...The notion that felons and ex-cons can't find jobs has more to do with economics than discrimination. Thanks to George W., payroll is down, interest rates are up, and there are no more hassle free mortgages. The bottom line is that with all things being equal, the job offer goes to the guy with no criminal record. When the economy is booming and demand for labor exceeds labor supply, the criminal record somehow seems less important.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-968906262231865352007-09-07T15:28:00.000-05:002007-09-07T15:28:00.000-05:00Can someone please name all the Thinking Errors, i...Can someone please name all the Thinking Errors, in order? :)Gritsforbreakfasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-6153953949576395652007-09-07T15:24:00.000-05:002007-09-07T15:24:00.000-05:00Dear Grace Under Fire:We must have come from the s...Dear Grace Under Fire:<BR/><BR/>We must have come from the same TYC facility. In the name of rehabilitation, what is wrong with this picture? Excellent role model staff have been discarded without any recourse. Thank you for "blogging" so well!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-8412759380139231702007-09-07T15:04:00.000-05:002007-09-07T15:04:00.000-05:00Steve it sounds to me your generalizations should ...Steve it sounds to me your generalizations should carry more weight than controlled studies which deal in fact in your mind. At TYC we would say you are jumping to conclusions. For the record that is Thinking Error number 6. Sounds like you may need some rehabilitation. What are you hiding in your past that causes you to react so strongly to this topic? Steve have you been the victim of a crime which left deep wounds? I am concerned about your reactive nature. If by chance I am right you need to seek professional help for your own well being and those around you. If I am wrong then forget I mentioned this.<BR/><BR/>By - FTMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-7607484380525067962007-09-07T13:45:00.000-05:002007-09-07T13:45:00.000-05:00Steve, that 29 days per year sounds like an urban ...Steve, that 29 days per year sounds like an urban myth; it's not true in Texas by a longshot.<BR/><BR/>FWIW, TYC has about a 50% three year recidivism rate (I'm recollecing without a source, somebody correct me if I'm wrong), which means 50% DON'T recidivate by then. For TDJC the recidivism number is even lower. It's easy to point to the screwups because the ones who do right don't make the papers, but it's unwise to generalize from those examples. best,Gritsforbreakfasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-49931670248096330852007-09-07T13:33:00.000-05:002007-09-07T13:33:00.000-05:00rambo said:"I hear you, but your comment that "the...rambo said:<BR/>"I hear you, but your comment that "there are exceptions" does not counter your generalization."<BR/><BR/>Of course it does. It's true. As an example, just look at the recidivism rate of an institution you are familiar with (TYC.) And, add to that the fact that a good number of offenders are only apprehended after they have committed multiple offfenses.<BR/><BR/>However, you fit in that category of a few that decided to do the right thing. As such, I applaud you for doing so, even though it was a hard road to follow.<BR/><BR/>If you are who I think you are, we have mutual acquaintances. I thought you had a good case to pursue a lawsuit for wrongful termination. Did you speak to any lawyers?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-67541702825311931662007-09-07T13:21:00.000-05:002007-09-07T13:21:00.000-05:00catonya said:"The point is if you deny access to t...catonya said:<BR/>"The point is if you deny access to the bottom rung, how would you propose they begin building a life as a productive member of society?"<BR/><BR/>But, they aren't always denied access to the bottm rung. Many busnesses hire people with criminal records. I used to hire people with criminal records. But, like a lot of people, they don't want to work in low-wage jobs. Some will. But, more times than not, I used to hear the excuse: "Why should I work for you making squat when I can make more money selling drugs?"<BR/><BR/>Heck, my kids could make more money selling drugs than they could working the jobs that they did. Why do you think they didn't decide to just sell drugs? (Hint: It wasn't because of money.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-41774863180132953802007-09-07T13:12:00.000-05:002007-09-07T13:12:00.000-05:00Sunray's wench said:"Steve ~ where is this place t...Sunray's wench said:<BR/>"Steve ~ where is this place that lets inmates do 29 days for each year of their sentence, and can someone send my hubby there please?"<BR/><BR/>This is the number always proffered in regard to the average actual time served vs length of original sentence. I've been hearing it for years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com