The choices you make will affect you for a lifetime, and only you can make those decisions.
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It’s almost time to elect our new POTUS. If you thought every vote counted when Obama was running, think again. Every vote counts even more now that Trump is running. So much more that states have restored full voting rights to ex-felons.
I read about this years ago. Then I recently read about it again. The Washington Post reported,
“The governor of Virginia is restoring rights of convicted felons who are not in prison or on probation or parole.”
Just because a person has made a mistake once, does not mean that they should spend the rest of their life being persecuted.
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Cool, I thought. I’m all for equality. Then reality set in. Wait a minute, I’m not so sure I’m really cool with this idea, though I should be. After all, I fractured an occasional law or two when I was younger. I’m an ex-felon turned model citizen with a wonderful wife. I have even contributed by adding to the population of model citizenship. I have two sons who are both gentlemen and growing up to be fine, young model citizens themselves. (Virtual pat on my back.)
I also believe that people change. I’m living proof. Because a person has made a mistake once, does not mean that they should spend the rest of their life being persecuted.
- Change is not only found in the depths of your living room couch.
- Change is not only found in the pants pockets of messy teenagers.
- Change is not only what we hope for from our Government.
JFK said,
“Change the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
This means, we can’t hold the ex-felon to the ways of his past, or present. We all have a future to look forward to, that future can be very promising.
So, should I be okay with the fact that the ex-felon gets a second chance at life but the victim doesn’t?
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On the flip side of that coin, is this. Let’s say this ex-felon was doing time for murder. He took a human life and paid his debt to society. Yet, the victim who was murdered has no chances at all. So, should I be okay with the fact the ex-felon gets a second chance at life but the victim doesn’t? This is where it gets confusing.
Equality of life or quality of life. Where’s the priority?
This is why I teach my sons to be individuals and not followers. Be mindful of your surroundings, and who you surround yourself with. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time is no longer a valid reason for your foolishness.
Knowing is half the battle. Knowledge is Power. Stephen Hawking said,
“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.”
When you know better, you do better. Make good choices is my greatest advice. Aside from all the idioms and meaningful quotes, I tend to lead by example. People don’t always learn by the lessons they are taught. Most of the time, the lesson is learned by the ways and actions of the teacher. I’m not just my sons’ father, I’m their role model.
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Photo: Getty Images