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H.R. 1475, The Federal Prison Work Incentive Act of 2009 (573 comments ↓ | 4 wiki edits)
H.R. 1475 would amend title 18, United States Code, to restore the former system of good time allowances toward service of Federal prison terms.
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Visitor Comments 
mary mattox
March 18, 2009, 1:47pm (report abuse)please support this bill.the federal prison system is obviously ineffective. please help to save money and bring families together.if you've never been there to see the children cry when they have to leave thier parents, then you should.humans make mistakes. no one is perfect.give them a chance to redeem themselves.i am talking about non violent offenders and first time offenders.the murderers and child molesters are getting out on parole to strike again, while the non violent ones are sitting in federal prison with no chance of parole.they need hope. please support this bill.god bless you all. thank you!
Linda Husbands
March 18, 2009, 8:53pm (report abuse)Please support H.R. 1475 to reinstate Federal Parole. Our son is serving 25 years without a chance of parole. He will be 60 years old when he gets out. He was a drug addict stealing to support his habit but had not committed any violent crimes. This bill would at least give him a chance of getting out while young enough to perhaps make a living but at 60 I'm not sure what he'll be able to do. There must be many who are in similar situations. What's going to happen to this aging dependent population that made a mistake a need a chance.
Melissa
(logged in user) March 18, 2009, 11:17pm (report abuse)Please support this bill. This is important legislation for non-violent drug offenders. No one is saying that these offenders should not serve time, but with the mandatory minimums on top of the 85% that must be served, the time served is very high. A lot of the people sentenced under the federal drug laws are not the high level drug lords. These are the individuals that are addicts and got caught up in a mess because of trying to support their habit. Please vote to allow the work credit and to change the mandatory minimums. Murders and child abusers get out in less time than federal drug offenders. Please give these offenders a chance to get out of prison while there is still time to do good with their lives and be there for their children. These two legislations will also go a long way to helping over crowding and federal prison budget issues. Thank you for your careful consideration.
Libby from KY
March 19, 2009, 12:18am (report abuse)Please support this bill (H R 1475). I agree with Melissa, no saying that the offenders shouldnt serve time, and with mandatory minimum sentencing and the 85% is insane, especailly to the first time offenders that are non violent. It is costing tax payers millions of dollars, the faclities are over crowed. Especailly in our economy today we could save alot of money and give these people a second chance, we need our loved ones home. Thanks for the support.
JP from LA
March 19, 2009, 4:31pm (report abuse)Please support this bill. It gives the inmates who work hard a chance at a shorter sentence.
MARY LYNN GRANADO
March 19, 2009, 5:01pm (report abuse)Give first time offenders a second chance. Support this bill.
tydgrl
March 20, 2009, 10:54am (report abuse)I always believed in the justice system until my husband became addicted to prescription drugs after a vehicle accident. He then got caught up with the wrong people. Yes, he made bad decisions and yes, he should be punished. BUT when I see how the justice system is allowed to use conspiracy they dont have to catch a person with any drugs. Just someone saying they were involved to shorten their own sentencing. Warehousing low-level, first-time, non-violent offenders is NOT the answer to the drug war Stop letting high level drug dealers to cooperate with the government and put petty drug addicts in prison for 10-25 years. That is how to stop this. But thats another story. This bill and H. R. 61 would alleviate the overcrowding and save millions of dollars per year plus it would send our loved ones home so they could help support their families.
Mrs. Jones of Baltimore MD
March 20, 2009, 1:37pm (report abuse)This bill should highly be considered because it can be very effective not only for just allowing loved ones another chance but also by saving taxpayers money. It is unfair and unjust how the FEDERAL "criminals" fall under a whole different statue of laws regarding sentencing and other indictment issues than State laws. Shouldnt the law be the same both ways. I do agree if you do the crime then do the time. But when a non violent drug dealer is sentenced under the same guidelines as a murderer then thats not just. I really hope that this bill get the attention that is needed and it really get some type of consideration and not pushed under the rug.
Just a Mom
March 21, 2009, 8:27pm (report abuse)It is not just drug related crimes that people are caught up in. Our son was sentenced to 60 months in a federal prison for Possession of Child Pornogrophy -- but before you judge too severely, please know that two of the pictures he found, and his motive for searching, were of himself at age 10 taken by his abuser who is still to our knowledge, unpunished and--another story. The point is, had our son's case stayed in STATE court he would be free already after serving less than two years. Because the computer he used ended up in federal crime lab, it became a federal case. Mandatory minimums were applied, and now my government is spending my tax dollars to house my son who if he were not sitting in a Federal prison would be PAYING taxes instead. Please pass this bill--it only makes sense!
trish
March 22, 2009, 4:44pm (report abuse)I AGREE THAT PEOPLE THAT GET CAUGHT UP IN DRUGS SHOULD BE PUNISHED MY BROTHER GOT CAUGHT AND IS NOW SERVING A 10+ YR SENTENCE YES HE DESERVED TO GO TO JAIL BUT HE ALSO SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR PAROLE JUST LIKE ANY OTHER PRISONER PLEASE PASS THIS BILL
ANDY L,
March 23, 2009, 12:19pm (report abuse)THIS WOULD BE SUCH A GREAT DEAL FOR MY FAMILY IF FEDERAL PAROLE WAS BROUGHT BACK. PLEASE SUPPORT
BRIAN GOOD
March 23, 2009, 12:21pm (report abuse)ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THANK YOU JESUS. I KNEW YOU DIDN'T BRING MY FAMILY THIS FAR TO LEAVE US. PRAISE GOD.
Supporter
March 23, 2009, 4:48pm (report abuse)Please support this bill for no selfish reason. Incarceration in Federal system is crazy. What should 1 or 2 months, its 10 years. What is point of wasting tax dollar on non-violent and white collar prisoner. Drug addict should be given chance to rehab in public. White collar should work there butt off and payoff 50-90% of there salary towards loss. White collar should be freed and made to work and payback!!!!
HOMMY LARREA
March 23, 2009, 5:40pm (report abuse)PLEASE SUPPORT THIS BILL I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO SEE MY FATHER OUTSIDE OF A CELL AGAIN. WE NEED HOPE AND A SECOND OPPORTUNITY FOR THESE INMATES. THERE ARE TO MANY PEOPLE IN JAIL AND MONEY ISN'T SUFFICIENT SOMETIMES. I HOPE GOD IS LISTENING AND UNDERSTANDS.
Ivette
March 23, 2009, 7:38pm (report abuse)Please support the bill. We are not talking about letting murderers and child molesters loose. We are talking about first time, non-violent offenders a 2nd chance instead of service such outrageous sentences. Murders and child molesters are given less sentences and will most likely commit the same violent crimes again. Lets do the right thing and support this bill.
Latoya
March 23, 2009, 8:57pm (report abuse)Please support this bill.I fill everyone deserve's a second chance.A lot of families hurt behind this.And let's be realistic there are murder's in prison serving time way less than a drug offender.So please give these prisoner's the same rights as other's for a state case and not look at them any less because it is federal.
Stephanie from WI
March 23, 2009, 9:28pm (report abuse)Everyone should write their representatives in support of this bill. My friend was sentenced to 20 years without parole for "conspiracy". He has served five years already, but the system that put him there indeed failed him. This was a first time offense that was based on other people's testimony in order to get them off the hook. Where is the justice in that?! I truly believe that drug offenders do need to have a second chance, and if they can't have that, can't we at least give them the opportunity to be reviewed for parole? When the offence is non-violent, why are we giving out sentences that are so extensive? We can't support the prisoners we are housing as it is! PLEASE, PLEASE SUPPORT THIS BILL!
Johnathan
March 24, 2009, 12:19pm (report abuse)All I have to say is SUPPORT! SUPPORT! SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
michelle
(logged in user) March 24, 2009, 3:32pm (report abuse)please!! support this bill!! there is no reason why u shouldn't! everyone deserves a second chance... especially first time offenders we need to seek a better reform system locking a someone up but not even trying to get them help first??? what kind of world do we live in????
Terrance
March 24, 2009, 4:42pm (report abuse)Please support this bill, My little brother is 19 years old never did time but he is facing time for a theft and possession of a fire arm, they want to give him 5 years this bill will help him get a second chance before the most important part of his manhood is taken away
Jamie
March 24, 2009, 6:19pm (report abuse)Please support this bill.I think that they should be given a chance to come home and be part of the family they left behind. To prove to their families that they have changed. I know many that would love to see this pass and change things for the better not only for the inmates but taxpayers and the economy too.
trbedan98
March 25, 2009, 2:19am (report abuse)First of all this bill is not for parole. Its for getting more time off a sentence. We need this bill to pass. After it passes (i\'m saying this through faith)then a bill for parole will be introduced. Our economy is so bad our congressman need to see how much money the government would save because of this bill. We need to PRAY PRAY PRAY!!!
B Tuckes
March 25, 2009, 4:25pm (report abuse)Because of the present state of the economy it is an excellent idea to have this bill passed. At least these offenders can begin to contribute the rebuilding this country and its economy the right way.
MBrizio
March 25, 2009, 9:29pm (report abuse)I agree with the passage of H.R. 1475; it so unbelievable the United States of America locks people away like we do; never mind the cost; what about the ethics, it's appalling. Oh by the way, there are no Hispanics in Federal Prison, did not know that? Nope, they are classified as white, WHY, you ask...So OUR government doesn't look like it overwhelmingly locks up people of color over whites. Well Kids, they do. They (we) simply reclassify ethnicity to support their(our) objectives. If you are not scared, you are not paying attention!
Maruchy
March 25, 2009, 9:37pm (report abuse)I am supporting the Bill to Re Instate Federal Parole 2009 I strongly believe that inmates can be rehabilitated and should have a second chance to lead positive lives. Please everyone should write their representatives in support of this bill Thank you for your support.
Sandy
March 25, 2009, 10:28pm (report abuse)Please support this bill. Our children need their fathers home for guidance.I really believe it would help the economy and give the inmates a new chance to prove themselves.
Sandy
March 25, 2009, 10:33pm (report abuse)we are the greatest nation in the world. support this bill for inmates a fresh start
Tabitha
March 27, 2009, 3:13pm (report abuse)Please support this bill. As a society we have allowed a perpetual cycle of curses from father to son down to the 3rd & 4th Generation. It is time to rehabilitate and give families a 2nd chance. Don’t just lock up our people and throw away the key.
Donna S.
March 28, 2009, 12:13pm (report abuse)Please support this bill. It will mean a lot to many families.
Jody M.
March 28, 2009, 10:49pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill!!! My husband is serving a seven year sentence and everyone else on his case got a shorter time. We have two kids a four year old and a six month old. He only gets to see us a few times because he is ten hours away. We want him home with us. He made a bad choice, what is seven years teaching him? Lets give people the true help they need when they need it, not lock them up for it. If they have not done a violent crime then they should be released early. Please bring our families together again! Goodluck to all of us struggling families!
Vote
March 29, 2009, 5:05pm (report abuse)You guys be sure to vote "for" at the top of this page! SUPPORT THIS BILL!
Juanita
March 29, 2009, 8:53pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill!!!!! It would mean so much to the inmates but especially to their families that love them. Yes, they have broken the law and yes they should be punished but they also be given another chance. I mean give them a chance to show that they realize their wrong doing and they can become positive people in their communities and their family lives.
Politics
March 30, 2009, 11:27am (report abuse)Get in contact with your representative and urge them to support this bill.
Brooke
March 30, 2009, 11:16pm (report abuse)Please Support this Bill. Our family and a lot of others are not complete till the other part of them is home. My fiance has been in for almost 6yrs on conspiracy charges, they didn't catch him with anything, had no control buys, only 3 people to say the same things on him. I'm not saying what he did is right but the sentence he got is more then some for killing somebody! He is doing so good, he got his GED and is also working on getting his Welding Certificate so when he gets out he can have a good job and stay away from trouble! PLEASE HELP US SUPPORT THIS BILL!
Hope
March 31, 2009, 2:50pm (report abuse)For you people who are against this bill you do not have a loved one in this system. Just to listen to some of the stories would break your heart. Please take a moment and read some of the stories right here. These are regular people who made a mistake and got caught. I am sure we all have made a mistake but were never punished for them. Well these inmates are punished to the extreme and if you just try and understand this bill you would see it in a different light. My husband is in prison and Yes he did wrong but to do the amount of time without any chance of parole is just wrong. Our daughters miss their Daddy and I will wait till he comes home again to be a family. A lot of the inmates don't have someone willing to wait. Please give them another chance. They are all humans and deserve to be treated as one. Don't feel that they deserve this because they don't!! Please just give them a second chance. SUPPORT THIS BILL!!
Juan Dalmau
March 31, 2009, 6:40pm (report abuse)A lot of first time offenders were never given a second chance and were caugh up in the minimum sentence system which we all know now it has done more damage than good, please support this bill.
Gwen
March 31, 2009, 9:05pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill. The economy needs it. The families need it. Federal parole is the right thing to do.
Kendari
April 2, 2009, 2:36am (report abuse)I agree that this bill should be passed because a bank robber serves more time in prison than a child molestor. That's insane. Our tax dollars should go to things other than keeping a man in prison for abusing his phone privileges.
debbie
April 2, 2009, 9:48am (report abuse)I strongly feel you should pass this bill. There are many good people who made ONE mistake and we tell them they have to pay for that ONE mistake for the rest of their lives. That is not right. PLEASE PLEASE pass this bill.
Ethan
(logged in user) April 2, 2009, 11:12am (report abuse)Unless you are a cold blooded shareholder in one of the several Prison Corporations, this makes good fiscal sense.
We need to trim the Federal and State budgets of bloat and spending approximately $50K/year to house non violent drug offenders and other first time or peripherally involved "conspirators" is a waste of money when these same citizens could be getting job training much more economically and contributing to our economy and communities. This is a GOOD LAW! Please make the Change!
MIMI in GA
April 2, 2009, 5:39pm (report abuse)We need to support this bill. We all make mistakes and for those who are non-violent, non drug abusers who are doing what was demanded of them by the courts, need to be given a break. Prisons are over crowded with people who want and can be honest, good contributing members of society. LETS GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO DO SO.
MIMI in GA
April 2, 2009, 5:41pm (report abuse)We need to support this bill. We all make mistakes and for those who are non-violent, non drug abusers who are doing what was demanded of them by the courts, need to be given a break. Prisons are over crowded with people who want and can be honest, good contributing members of society. LETS GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO DO SO.
JACkAY
April 2, 2009, 8:35pm (report abuse)i AM IN SUPPORT OF THIS BILL. I HAVE TWO SISTER LOCKED UP THEY GOT 5 YEARS THEY WERE USER NOT DEALER AND THEY ARE NON VIOLENT THEY NEED TO BE HOME WITH THEIR KIDS THEY HAVE DONE HALF OF THEIR SENTENCE AND THEY ARE FIRST TIME OFFENDERS
Wrkingblkman
April 3, 2009, 4:48am (report abuse)NO to this bill !! Why do 4 out of 5 prisoners violate and return to prison within 1 year of release?? Because they are CRIMINALS!! The only people on here supporting this nonsense are criminal spouses who benefit from the criminal lifestyles... Keep the crooks where they belong, PRISON!! The only thing ineffective about prison is how lenient the system is: Cable tv, rec yards, salad bars - what a joke!! Bunch of convicted cry babies is all they are in my opinion! They didn't worry about preying on society and dealing drugs, now they must pay for their sins!
HonestJoe
April 3, 2009, 4:58am (report abuse)Look at the posts on this page. Everyone talks about how their poor "Johnny" made some mistakes: Drugs, Child Porn, Stealing, victimizing. These people had many chances before getting to federal sentences - they are where they belong! Away from law abiding, hard working Americans who don't cheat, rob and steal from their brother. These people, and the majority of their spouses are manipulative criminals who milk government welfare programs and bilk honest people out of their finances in order to perpetuate their lives of deceit and laziness. NO to this bill and keep the criminals where they belong, removed from society... Thank you!
SheilaB
April 3, 2009, 5:03am (report abuse)No early release!
"Everyone makes mistakes"
Criminals make choices. They "choose" the drugs. They choose to rob and steal. They made their beds and they should lay in them now. They belong in prison, plain and simple. Look at recidivism rates in the U.S. - don't be fooled by the sob stories.
tydgrl
April 3, 2009, 3:00pm (report abuse)Sheilab and Honest Joe,
You should read the bill- 1st time non-violent offenders- this means they have NEVER been in trouble with the law before, they didn't rob, steal, shoot, or victimize anyone other than their families and/or themselves. Go do your research. 80% of all FEDERAL inmates have NO prior arrest records. If you haven't been involved with someone who has been through the system, you have absolutely no idea what you are voting no for.
Ivette
April 3, 2009, 3:17pm (report abuse)Please! I support this bill, my husband has been in prison for 17 years now with no chance of getting out before hes 65, he somehow got involved with the drug trafficing,didnt ever harm anyone, and certainly never meant to hurt anyone neither. Sometimes when poeple are just too young' dont realize that they are making a huge mistake. Most of these inmates were just ignorant and would never be threat to society. we all make mistakes in our lives. My sons love and need their dad, its hard sometimes for us mothers to take care of our childrens alone, doesnt the justice realix=ze that most of these have childrens that need them. Our government needs for these inmates to be free and work and not only support their families but also help society instead of the government paying and supporting them for nothing. I think most of these inmates would learn and change in just a few
years, not their whole life!!! it doesnt make sense! Please support this bill!!!
F.J. Rankin
April 4, 2009, 1:23pm (report abuse)I see nothing in the bill that says these are non-violent offenders. It just says that those who do not violate the rules while in jail will be let out early. That means the mugger that keeps his nose clean can get out to strike again. Not a good idea.
Rachel
April 5, 2009, 7:45pm (report abuse)I am shocked that some of you would just say no to this bill based on...what, exactly? You say that a criminal is a criminal...lock them up and throw away the key. I say to imagine for one moment that it was your son, your brother or your closest friend who made such a mistake. A non violent mistake. A mistake like trying a drug for the first time. A mistake like misunderstanding a law. A mistake like being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong person. There are a hundred different ways this could happen to a loved one of yours. Many of you seem to believe that you and everyone you know is above such a possibility. The facts are clear...1 in 30 people is in prison for one thing or another. I support this bill because it makes sense. The minimums that are being thrown down these days are extreme, at best. Much more reform is needed here. This is only a very small first step.
JR
(logged in user) April 6, 2009, 1:29am (report abuse)"1 in 30 people is in prison for one thing or another."
What kind of silly statement is that? They are all in prison for "one thing or another."
AL
(logged in user) April 6, 2009, 2:58pm (report abuse)I am truly disgusted by people who are so unforgiving that they would not give people a second chance. For your information my husband and I have never been on welfare nor are we on it now due to the added burden on me while he is gone. Please don't criticize and lump everyone into the same group. People are this narrow-minded only when they have been screwed in the past by someone else. Do you really think that all people should pay for whatever it was that you went through? Also some “criminals” really are clear of any wrong doing in the past! I am in support of putting people in prison when they do something wrong first time or not! I am however also in support of giving those people a reward to work for if they are doing their best inside and proving that they can be hard working Americans who PAY taxes! Have you also noticed that not everyone reoffends? Or are you also insisting that everyone be held accountable for those that do?
Linda St. Louis
April 6, 2009, 6:09pm (report abuse)Get this bill passed! It is obvious that it would be a win win situation for gov't and the people in prison who already should have been home! Wake up America!!!!
JR
(logged in user) April 6, 2009, 6:25pm (report abuse)AL,
Be wharever you want to be, your husband is in jail for a reason and should serve his full sentence.
Hurley
April 6, 2009, 7:05pm (report abuse)I don't get it, if your against this bill then why are here commenting on why it shouldn't be passed? You shouldn't care for the bill im guessing those of you doing so must not have much of a life to follow something that you dont even care for. Im pretty sure those against the bill dont have a loved one in prison or know the FULL story of a truly innocent person in prison. There really are innocent people behind bars because our courts are so messed up these days you can see that petty theft gets more time then rapist. Our courts just dont care. Certain people dont deserve to be let out early but many do. Please support this bill not everyone behind bars deserves these outrageous sentences.
Rachel Bovee
April 6, 2009, 8:06pm (report abuse)JR,
You missed the point of my statement. 1 in 30...in other words, even if you don't have a family member in prison, the chance of you knowing someone who has a family member in prison is very high. Your neighbor, the cashier at your favorite restaurant or your son or daughter's best friend.
God bless.
AL
(logged in user) April 6, 2009, 9:46pm (report abuse)That is exactly what I was thinking! Wonder why they are so adamant about people staying behind bars? Bet if they made a mistake they wouldn't be on here calling others names and throwing stones. If they are so perfect I wonder why they haven't been translated or something. I would be for this bill even if my husband wasn't in federal custody. I never thought that I would know someone inside. Now I do. People who make mistakes and learn from them and even gain the praise of the prosecutor should get some reward besides the punishment. But, whatever. People are allowed their own opinions. Just don't bundle us all in the same group!
America-Still a racist country
April 6, 2009, 9:46pm (report abuse)I believe that everyone should serve their time but there is no way a low level drug offender should serve more time then a rapist, a murderer, or a child molestor. But guess what if they are charged federally they do. Sell some crack you they lock you up and throw away the key steal billions of dollars from hard working americans you might get 5 years.
CherieAmour
April 7, 2009, 2:19pm (report abuse)Certainly if one commits a non violent crime they need to pay for it. I agree no slap on the wrist. HOWEVER Federal inmates have NO chance at parole?? but a state inmate such as a child molester,rapist,armed car jacker does and they do less time. This bill HR 1475 leaves it up to the BOP at THEIR discretion to look at the inmates crime,criminal past and present behavior before making a decision. First offender Non violent Federal inmates get insanely long sentences. Pure and simple. The deserving ones should get a chance at parole just as state inmates do . I full support federal parole for non violent offenders!
Diane in WS, N.Carolina
April 7, 2009, 2:29pm (report abuse)Well, I DO have a son who is in Fed. prison and he should NOT be doing a 12 year sentence for a rusty old gun he was saving as a hobby for one day, not to hurt anyone either!
Mrs. Jones of MD
April 7, 2009, 5:07pm (report abuse)To all the nay sayers, that’s fine and we thank you for your opinions. That’s what makes the world go around, “differences” however, the point of the whole deal is to not just unlock all the prison doors and let everyone walk free. And if anyone feels that way then they are wrong too. The point is to give these people a second chance at life. It’s up to the inmate to choose if he will be the model inmate or remain the criminal. But if they choose to become that model inmate then they need a second chance and the second chance is reducing these mandatory minimums and and increasing good time. If the law remains the same, then you have alot of men that will be too old when they get out of jail to start an "American life", what do you want a 50-60 yr old man to do that’s been locked up for the last 20 yrs, start a career and work towards a pension. Yeah right. The current law is designed for failure. This bill is necessary.
mr.&Mrs. Paul Bentley
April 7, 2009, 10:35pm (report abuse)I hope the majority of the people feel as strongly as we do about getting this Bill passed!
ellie
April 10, 2009, 5:58pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill (H.R. 1475). A friend needs her son home again. She is in her 70's, and he was her only means of support. She has done babysitting, but is having a hard time finding a job.
Rebecca
April 11, 2009, 2:32am (report abuse)I don't have any loved ones who are in Federal prison, but I support this bill. I do this for two reasons:
1) It is a travesty that a murderer or rapist sentenced under State jurisdiction can serve far less time than a drug dealer under Federal laws. Many of these drug crimes have no true victims. How does this make sense?
2) We are wasting taxpayer money that is needed elsewhere. Why would we spend so much money every year to house these inmates, and then throw them back out to the streets, often with nowhere to go, no one to turn to, no training, and no direction? It seems more logical to use our resources to guide those who have shown they are ready and willing to be productive members of society. It would really save us a bundle in the long run.
sassy
(logged in user) April 11, 2009, 3:03pm (report abuse)Interesting..what is Obama's positionon this bill? FYI..here is a great Obama website:
www.thebarackobamawatch.com
VIRGINIA TRAYLOR
April 11, 2009, 6:47pm (report abuse)PLEASE SUPPORT THIS BILLS BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF THE FEDERAL INMATES HAVE BEEN GIVEN TOO MUCH TIME. SOME HAVE LOST FAMILIES BECAUSE OF THEIR TIME AND THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN ANOTHER CHANCE TO START OVER WITH NEW FAMILIES. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS BILL BECAUSE I HAVE A VERY CLOSE FRIEND IN THERE AND TWO THAT ARE LIKE MY SONS. ALSO EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE.
yvonne
April 11, 2009, 10:07pm (report abuse)I believe people who have any kind of drug charge, need to pay for that , but not giving them more time than a person who kills or does any type of wrong to a child , give first time drug offenders a second chance.Please pass the bill.
MELTON
April 11, 2009, 10:33pm (report abuse)PLEASE SUPPORT THIS BILL. NO ONE IS SAYING THAT NON-VIOLENT OFFENDERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SERVE TIME FOR THERE CRIME.THIS BILL IS TO REDUCE SENTENCING FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR. FEDERAL INMATES SERVE A LOT MORE TIME THEN ANY STATE PRISONER.RESEARCH HAS SHOWN OVER AND OVER THAT LONG PRISON SENTENCES ARE NOT WORKING.
Barbara
(logged in user) April 11, 2009, 10:39pm (report abuse)I lived 45 years of my life not knowing anyone in prison and NEVER did I feel that all prisoners should be grouped together in the same (narrow)mindset that I am reading hear. Those who are against the passage of this bill must love to have their tax dollars spent to keep these folks locked up. I would ask one thing of all who say no; were it you, your wife, husband, mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter who was locked up, would you still want them to 'throw away' the proverbial key? I would support prison reform in any way that I could to save my own money if I were one who was against this legislation. THIS BILL NEEDS TO BE PASSED TO SAVE TAXPAYERS MONEY AND FAMILIES OF INMATES. I am a wrkingwhtwmn. I have worked hard all my life and so did my husband. Who IS guilty of a crime, yes, but in prison for 10 years for something he could have paid a fine and had probation for at state level? This, my friends, is NOT JUSTICE. EDUCATE YOURSELVES and change your vote to yes!
Leigh
April 11, 2009, 11:13pm (report abuse)PLEASE support this bill!! Half of our prison population is made up of non-violent drug offenders. Most of who are victims of conspiracy. Please let these people out to be with their families instead of taking up taxpayers money. I have a very close friend who is on his 8th year of a 20 yr sentence for conspiracy. He was never caught with any drugs whatsoever! He was guilty of giving someone else money to purchase drugs, and then when that person was arrested, gave him up instead. The purchaser received no sentence. My friend has 2 children who desperately need their father. Drug addictions aren't good, but lets give these people the chance and help they need with treatment, not prison.
Prison reform Now!!
Thank You
Cathie
April 11, 2009, 11:33pm (report abuse)Another misconception is that all parolees commit again. Do you know that you can kill someone and spend 6 years in state prison, or kill someone while drunk driving and spend 5 years in a state prison but if you happened to embezzel even a small amount of money you will serve 10 years? Or if you got caught up in the mortgage fraud...10 years easy. So to all the naysayers, don't go pointing fingers and saying that these guys deserve to be in prison...MOST OF THEM NEVER KILLED ANYONE. Most of them look just like your next door neighbor, Most of them are very respectable people just working and wanting to have the opportunity to show they have learned thier lesson...but they need the opportunity to prove this and it simply doesn't exist right now.
This is a good bill for both the taxpayers of America and the incarcerated.
flamarlins
April 12, 2009, 12:02am (report abuse)Think about the fact that a rapist can get 6 months to a year in prison, yet a person involved in conspiracy or simply catching too many lobsters can get 5-10 years in federal prison. Whats wrong with this picture? I would personally prefer to be surrounded by these individuals instead of a rapist or armed robber. Food for thought!!
AL
(logged in user) April 12, 2009, 12:51am (report abuse)Um... Yeah. Sassy? It doesn't say anything on the Obama page... Is it supposed to? Or are you just showing your contempt?
JonathanB
April 12, 2009, 12:53am (report abuse)We need this bill passed. Our country needs to heal and our economy needs help. These non violent offenders should have the opportunity to earn their freedom sooner. States have parole, why not federal? What's the difference?
Linda Bryan
April 12, 2009, 1:15am (report abuse)I have seen and know the pain of drug abuse. This is a good bill and I'm in support of it. Spread the word!
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