See Why Prison Records Should Be Overlooked

"Freeeeddoommm!!!" (in the voice of William Wallace in Brave Heart) are the words most newly released inmates yell after getting out--if not aloud, surely in their heads. Yet, the resolute comfort that freedom brings is short lived once reality sets in that society, in general, is less forgiving toward individuals with a rap sheet. Idealistically, we expect former inmates to leave prison and magically become productive members of society, but how can they do that with limited job prospects? Seriously, it's hard enough for the average law-abiding citizen to find a job in this economy, former inmates have it twice as hard. Is it fair? Well, that's subjective. In my humble opinion, if an individual has paid his or her debt to society then why shouldn't he or she should be allowed to relish in the opportunities that freedom brings?  I'm not saying these folks don't need to be held accountable for their past transgressions, what I am saying is that everyone deserves a second chance.