Was he charged with a petty misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor or a felony? Do we forgive a "felony mistake" as easily as a "petty misdemeanor mistake?"
WM: My point is, for any ex-felon, there is a right to privacy. If he/she has not applied to you for a job of work, there is no reason whatever for you to know the person's curriculum vitae. It's immaterial to an acquaintanceship, a friendship, etc. If you're planning to go into business with the ex-felon, presumably you would check the person out.
You defended him by saying he kept his nose clean. I asked you for details on just what you mean by that.
WM: I mean there are no further blots on the escutcheon, nothing on file saying he committed another crime. I'm sure the police kept a closer eye on him after he was released, I doubt they check on him anymore.
I'm asking you to tell me what he did to warrant your defense. I'll judge for myself if I believe that is adequate, if the need arises.
WM: I'm not so much defending Bruins as I am defending the right to privacy of ex-felons. The law has judged the man guilty, set a penance, if you will. He has fulfilled those terms. For the last 15-16 years he has worked in non-profit foundations connected to churches. Before Urban Ventures it was Park Avenue Methodist. What I'm defending is our system which says he's paid for his crime, it's time to let go.
WM: My experiences of Eva over the last several years leads me to say that she is a pot-stirer who will trot out stuff to keep antipathies and schisms open and suppurating in Central Neighborhood. Ergo, point to Bruins. That Bruins is an ex-felon does not further any argument offered here. It implies nefariousness by association.Or do you believe Eva is simply trying to smear Urban Venturs and Ralph Bruins good names?
Now, as usual, you're simply dancing around the question, trying to be clever with words. The correct response is: "No, I don't believe Eva is smearing them. I believe she is full of bile that she needs to let go." If you don't have the conviction of your statements -- you don't believe in them -- then you probably ought not to make them.
WM: After several warnings by David Brauer, I have to watch my step vis-a-vis Eva.
The correct response is the one I make myself, not the one you check for grammar, syntax, whatever.
Sheeesh. I swear you just try to make things so much more difficult than they are. What's your motivation?
WM: Actually, I often find that the list posters try to make complex issues simple. Every issue here has humans behind it who have to be considered. I live in an area where ex-cons also live. Several of them have turned their lives around--as has Bruins. It is in my self-interest to defend their right to privacy. When they're happy, I'm more content.
I see their faces and see that they reflect ordinary life--no longer furtive, angry, hostile, and dangerous. They smile and say good morning. Their kids are happier as are their grandchildren and their kids and grand kids are better behaved. That is a truly wonderful progression to watch; it lifts whole families out of despair. I admire the work these ex-cons have done to change their attitudes toward their lives, to get and keep jobs, to raise their families in peace. It has changed their attitudes toward my life, which becomes safer as a consequence.
Truer yet, unless we are able to contend with the issue of people reforming themselves, allow it to happen, and support it we are left to the notion of murdering a victim to appease the sun god so the light will return after Dec 21st each year.
WizardMarks, Central
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