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H.R. 1529, The Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2009 (517 comments ↓ | 4 wiki edits)
H.R. 1529 would permit expungement of records of certain nonviolent criminal offenses.
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Visitor Comments 
Butch Cassidy
April 29, 2009, 4:59pm (report abuse)I have backed this bill since it was H.R. 623. Currently, I am spreading the word on www.prisontalk.com
I think that this bill needs way more publicity. I also e-mail Rep. Conyers today. BTW Benninghoff wants a C.O.R because it would help violent offenders.
I say a step at a time. Congress won't even think about bringing back parole unless they see how a bill that affects fewer people works out. I will stay tuned here for new developments.
Butch...
April 30, 2009, 5:25pm (report abuse)Is that your understanding of what CB is trying to do? Bring back parole and COR?? And by 'step at a time' do you mean 1529 is a good first step that maybe CB should be considering?? --just trying to understand...PLEASE keep involved Butch!!!!!!!!!!!!
Butch Cassidy
April 30, 2009, 6:25pm (report abuse)Let me clarify. It is my understanding that CB wants the C.O.R because it will help violent offenders. Just like many people want to bring back parole right away. I think that is asking for too much too soon from Congress and that 1529 is a good first step. The other stuff can come later after they see how well 1529 works out.Don't worry about me, I'm here for the duration.
alitl8
(logged in user) May 1, 2009, 1:50am (report abuse)(1) never been convicted of a violent offense and has never been convicted of a nonviolent offense other than the one for which expungement is sought; (2) fulfilled all requirements of the sentence of the court in which conviction was obtained; (3) remained free from dependency on or abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance for a minimum of one year and has been rehabilitated, to the court's satisfaction, if so required by the terms of supervised release; (4) obtained a high school diploma or completed a high school equivalency program; and (5) completed at least one year of community service.
yay freedom? 1 and 2 sound fine but the rest of it is garbage (for lack of a better word).
legalize drugs, release non violent drug offenders, expunge their records and end the prison industrial complex for profit scam.
dont you realize that the US has more people in prison than ALL other industrialized nations? dont you see a problem with that considering we live in a FREE society???
rrc7812
May 4, 2009, 12:19pm (report abuse)Hopefully now that Obama is in office the democrats will make this happen. It seems that during the Bush administration that the tough on crime stance was taken too far. During the Bush administration HR 1529 didnt have a chance but now that the Dems run the committes there is no excuse that this bill should die in committe like it did before. If it does, shame on the Dems shame on the Obama Adminsitration.
Too bad this country is not as concerned with restoring the rights of AMERICAN CITIZENS as they are with protecting illegal immigrant who broke the law in the first place to get here.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 4, 2009, 10:05pm (report abuse)Ray-Ma,logicial,wanting anotherchance all have good comments.Ray-Ma your 04-27/11:35 comment sums up pretty well.Ray you are right in more ways than one. There are thousands of people supporting this effort but there is no cohesiveness. I have posted here before and Jaime Woodard has posted before trying to get everyone to participate in his wedeserveourlivesback site. May I suggest that all of this talk is good but our cause would be better served if all efforts were channeled in the same direction. I know that there are a number of sites where you may sign
petitions,there is a new one at change.org that is after the same result.Maybe we should be closely monitoring as many of these other sites as we can sign their petition then post request for people to rally to Jaime's site to signhis. I further suggest that we must comtinue our personal letter writing to congress.I read that they tend to ignore online petitions while personal calls are 1000 times more effective than letters
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 4, 2009, 10:15pm (report abuse)One more quick thing, hello Butch, I have swapped comments with you on P-talk but different user name.
1529 is absolutely the way to go. No question. It is amazing to me that with all of the other bills Hr1466,1459,1475 and S714 being introduced and sponsored by the same crowd, none of them are supporting 1529 this time around.May be because of Charlies own problems. I don't give a D--- and they shouldn't either. This is a great bill. I think that the COR is dead where it stands for the same reasons you gav, just two big of a bite. No one is going to buy in to anything like this for violent offenders, sorry.
Butch Cassidy
May 5, 2009, 1:09pm (report abuse)Brokenhearteddad you are absolutely right. I think that the reason for no cosponsors yet is due to Charlie's problems despite the fact that it is a great bill. I will work on my Senators(Casey & Specter) and I think that Jim Webb(D-VA) would help us if approached. For 1529 to become a law, there must be similar legislation proposed in the Senate and it must pass both houses before it gets to President Obama's desk.Just look at the other Second Chance Act that was signed into law last year.
logical
May 5, 2009, 2:19pm (report abuse)Unfortunately, my senators are McConnell and Bunning, but I'll try to convince them that people in KY want this bill. People who live in states with good senators - you have an opportunity here.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 5, 2009, 9:45pm (report abuse)Butch, I have written Jim Webb as well as every member of the judiciary as well as the co-sponsors of 1529 and the other similar bills I mentioned previously. Again, please sign on at wedeserveourlivesback.com and at change.org. Look for the petition titled "A Second Chance For First Time Non-Violent Federal Offenders" here is the direct linkhttp://www.change.org/actions/view/a_second_chance_for_first_time_non-v... Watch both for breaking news. Things may be starting to move. Keep the pressure on. We can win this.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 5, 2009, 9:48pm (report abuse)oops try that link again
http://www.change.org/actions/view/a_second_chance_for_first_time_non-v...
wanting another chance
May 6, 2009, 12:26am (report abuse)brokenhearteddad- I too will go on the change.org site and sign the petition. I have sent a letter to John Conyers-head of the Judiciary Committee. I also see the bill was sent to the subcommittee on crime and terrorism on 4/27. Should we also try writing those members on that committee too.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 6, 2009, 8:55pm (report abuse)Wanting another chance.....Write every member you can take the time to write. I wrote the committee as a whole, each member of the sub committee individually and the same for each member not on the sub-committee.Am currently working down the list of "everybody else in congress" If you go to the change.org site, the letter there can be used for many different contacts simply by making a few minor changes. Believe me, I know the author quite well and he won't mind if you "borrow" the letter. The point is, keep writing and encourage everyone you know to do the same. Numbers count
logical
May 7, 2009, 9:22am (report abuse)I called Congressman Scott's office yesterday. His representative said that he is supportive of this bill.
That's good to know. Keep encouraging members of the judiciary committee and subcommittee to act and get this passed.
Thanks, brokenhearteddad for your efforts, and HaveMercy2 for your list of phone/fax numbers.
wanting another chance
May 7, 2009, 1:10pm (report abuse)brokenhearteddad-I did see the letter at the change.org site and plan on getting started this weekend. The letter is actually well written and really highlights the reason why this bill should be passed. Hopefully with all our efforts-we can see this happen this year.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 7, 2009, 5:39pm (report abuse)Thanks to all who are committed to this effort.Some are envolved others are committed. Here is how to tell the difference. Think Bacon & Eggs.........The chicken is involved......The pig is committed......which are you? oink, oink
Ray-ma NY
May 9, 2009, 8:21pm (report abuse)To brokenhearteddad, et all. Those oppressors in Congress will not do anything on this bill. It will go the way of the other one. Yes, this time we may have a chance with the Democrats and President Obama who seems to be a friendly and forgiving man but action is also necessary on our part.
Writing here is good to get to know each other and to somehow feel each other's pain but we have to get out of the closet (don't get me wrong on this one now!!!) and HIT the streets of Washington.D.C. and demonstrate in front of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
A visit to the U.S. "Criminal" Supreme Court should be on the agenda too.
Listen, all kinds of creeps, including illegal aliens organize rallies for their cause. We have to fight for ours because the Criminal Justice System in this Country is, as said by French lawyers: inhumane, stone-age, oppressive.
Now, Charles Bennighoff could join and organize the rally. He is well- known in Washington ,D.C.
Ray-ma NY
May 9, 2009, 8:40pm (report abuse)I want to add something else. I'm going to write to Benninghoff and let him know of this plan for a march with banners to Washington,D.C.
His position on the COR is unacceptable. He has to back the new bill by Charles Rangel so we can eventually expunge whatever is there. Even with a Certificate of Rehabilitation, as others have said in the past,the criminal record still remains for all to see.
I mean it, for all to see.Even your close friends, family and whomever.
At best a COR would allow us to regain firearm rights but I'm not sure if the damn Congress will include that provision in it.
The fact remain that we must have the same rights as those who have a State convictions.
They can expunge their record. The same should be for us.
Go find a job with a criminal record nowdays with instant background check. You will get none, and it doesn't have to be a Felony.
Either we raise some Hell in Washington,D.C or we get nothing.
This fight is a decade old!!! Time for action.
wanting another chance
May 10, 2009, 12:16am (report abuse)Hey Ray-ma-I sent an email to Jaime Woodard-owner of wedeserveourliveback.com. I mentioned to him about a peaceful protest or march when you mentioned it in an earlier post. He was definately for it and was looking at different venues. I live in Georgia but I am definately willing to "fight" this battle. Please update with info you received from Charles.
Ray-ma NY
May 10, 2009, 6:55am (report abuse)wanting another chance, I'll keep you and other informed after I receive some words from Benninghoff, otherwise if he wants to go on his own let it be and we'll organize as with your contacts or with anyone including Jaime Woodward.
We don't need that many people in the rally but we'll make sure that those bastards know that we'll be talking for the millions of us out there.
For you coming from Georgia may be an inconvenience unless there are people in the Washington-Virginia-Maryland area willing give you a place to stay for a night or two. It's a long trip unless you can get on cheap train ride.
The Banners are important. With script like " Our Rights are Ours", " Pass HR 1529 Now", " Life sentence not part of my conviction"
" Federal Dictatorship must be Abolished", and the like. Any other idea should be considered.
Let's see. All my best.
Butch Cassidy
May 10, 2009, 4:15pm (report abuse)I live in Pittsburgh,Pa. not that far from D.C. I'm up for a rally.
Ray-ma NY
May 10, 2009, 5:29pm (report abuse)Butch, let's see how things develop. As it is there are millions of angry people out there and the're desperate.
Hopefully,the federal government will get dismantled as more and more States have declared their sovereignty based on the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
In the interim, I'm glad to know that you're up to be seen and counted.
I'm trying to organize this rally buy telling people that unless we show up to where our Devil is located, ( Washington,D.C.) this new bill will go the way of all the others.
Those bastards are willing to give amnesties (Pardons) to millions of undesirables yet this sensible legislation goes only one step up and ten down. No way to go.
As soon as I have some facts from a couple of other people we will decide when to go and who it's going to print the banners and what to write on them. Then will figure out when to go and if traveling by car maybe pick up others along the way and where to get together once arrived.
Ray-ma NY
May 10, 2009, 5:50pm (report abuse)Just an advice,due to my long activism I know good people who are in Jail again for not paying too much attention to their past conviction(s).
Let's not make our condition worse than it is: Don't get caught with a firearm or ammunition. Don't have any in your house even if you live in the country where one would be needed for protection.
My advice. If married have your home or mobile home in your wife/husband name or brother's name or girl/boyfriend's name. You owe nothing...but you also have the right to defend yourself in case of armed robbery or the like.
Preferably, having two side-by-side mobile homes where you can claim that you own one and have nothing to do with other side.
Congress has no authority to regulate firearms within a State. The so-called inter-State Clause meant only to "regulate" Commerce and NOT to punish and throw people in Jail.Amendment 10 renders the above"Clause" Null and Void.
However,Tyranny is subverting our Rights. Fight Back.
Butch Cassidy
May 10, 2009, 8:23pm (report abuse)I hear ya. It also probably wouldn't hurt to have some high-profile people who are in the same boat onboard. I've contacted people such as Martha Stewart and G.Gordon Liddy who would benefit from the passage of 1529 as much as we would. I keep you posted if I hear anything back.
Ray-ma NY
May 11, 2009, 12:53pm (report abuse)Butch, Martha Stewart would be a good choice but not G.Gordon Libby.
The reason for Libby is that over 2-3 decades he has been too much over the airwaves making a long list of enemies and inciting violence against law enforcement and "how to shoot straight" to the mark!!!
We have nothing in common with this man and repudiate his views now and ever.
This is not as person who made a mistake and seeks a just forgiveness from those in power to give it proving that he deserves it.
There are many other choices out there and hundreds of organizations have spoken approving this legislation.
Butch Cassidy
May 11, 2009, 2:47pm (report abuse)I probably won't hear back from either one way or another. Just thinking outside of the box.
logical
May 11, 2009, 3:10pm (report abuse)George Steinbrenner could be interested. He was pardoned by Reagan for illegal campaign contributions to Richard Nixon, and he might like to have a clean record, since he is a public figure with many accomplishments.
Butch Cassidy
May 11, 2009, 4:59pm (report abuse)Logical, that sounds like a plan. That's what I mean,getting some celebrities on board who can help promote 1529 and would benefit as well.
Butch Cassidy
May 11, 2009, 5:33pm (report abuse)Can't find any contact information for Steinbrenner on the net'. Maybe someone else can.This bill would also help those who have received presidential pardons in that they still have the conviction, just not the disabilities that stem from it.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 11, 2009, 9:26pm (report abuse)Been away for the past couple of days so am trying to catch up. Good thoughts by all. The rally idea is good and Ray-ma is right in that we must first do no harm. No one needs additional problems. All permits etc. in order. The other that comes to mind is that any sort of rally must be well publicized to insure large numbers turn out. If we show up at the halls of congress with 25 folks we will be completely ignored. Question is, with all the different groups that are out there supporting 1529 how do you get them all to pull together? I also know of some others who are working on the high profile public face idea which is highly desired. One high profile spokesperson could be the catalyst needed to jump-start this effort. BTW, wanting another chance, I am also from the Peach State.
Ray-ma NY
May 12, 2009, 10:49am (report abuse)Butch, logical,brokenhearteddad, very good suggestions. brokenhearteddad, this is exactly what I was thinking that we might show up in a very low number. However, anything is better than just writing and doing nothing else.
I don't know about the race of anyone of you belongs to but if experience is a guide, Whites are poor choice for large rallies even if there is a compelling need.
I know also that this is an issue which is of interest to all whatever the race and there is a need to work together on this one.
I'm White and know this very well.
We need to make aware our brothers and sisters in the African-American/Hispanic community in Washington,D.C.
If just some of them will participate, as they're already there then there will be enough to make an impact.
The other Second Chance Law passed last year is worth next to zero. Does nothing but give some money to agencies to "reintegrate" ex-convicts...BULL.
We need EXPUNGEMENT and not run-around, make-feel-good legislation.
Ray-ma NY
May 12, 2009, 11:08am (report abuse)I want to add that on May the 11th,2009 in its editorial page, the New York Times had an article titled: "Shrinking the Prison Population" and mentions about the benefits of the Second Chance Law passed last year.I have reservation on this law as mentioned above.
What's important,though. is what follows in the editorial:" that Predident Obama has asked Congress to allocate more funding for the Second Chance Act".
I wrote a letter to President Obama asking him to make sure that HR 1529 moves from the Judiciary Committee to the full Congress for consideration and asked him to eventually sign it into law.
As he has shown interest in Equal Justice and now to other Second Chance Act passed last year, there is good indication that he will do something about HR 1529 to return full rights to all.
wanting another chance
May 12, 2009, 1:31pm (report abuse)Ray-ma Just read your post and I really hope that Obama is for this bill. Jaime Woodward has mentioned before that Obama opposed this bill when he was senator. I can't possibly see why. As far as the march is concerned, I personally thought having more whites would have more impact (I'm black) but I could be wrong. Its interesting to see your rationale. Hopefully your right and Obama will have this bill pushed out of the committee. brokenhearteddad-where r u in the peach state-I'm here in Cobb county.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 12, 2009, 4:33pm (report abuse)Ray you may be right about the make up of the group. We all know that congress is largely run by old white guys. I can say that because I am an old white guy. Got my first Medicare card in the mail yesterday to prove it. Jokes aside, Would be great to have a crowd from all walks. May not be possible. I have been in contact with Jaime Woodard, as well as another group, almost daily for the past several days on this issue and they are pretty much in agreement with what we are discussing. They also have ideas. Any merit to trying to get a core group together for a face to face and see if we can't get this thing moving? I too saw where Obama opposed 1529. And the current 2nd chance act is being totally ignored by BOP as far as the 12 months in HWH is concerned.
Wanting, I am in South West Ga. Dougherty Cnty. Was in your neck of the woods last weekend.
Have Mercy 2
May 12, 2009, 5:54pm (report abuse)I'm just throwing this out there - I've written to the Tavis Smiley Foundation asking if he would air our cause on his TV-show and the same goes for my email to the Tom Joyner Radio show - will keep you posted.
Below are dates Congress & Senate are not in session for 2009. Maybe we can think of scheduling our march in July e.g the week of 6th, 13th, 20 or 27, as Capitol Hill shuts down in August and Sept is Congressional Black Caucus & Hispanic Heritage Month plus Congress and the Senate start winding down for the calendar year.
Date Action Note
Jan 6 Convene
Jan 8 Electoral ballot count.
Jan 19 State Work Period Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Jan 20 Presidential inauguration Feb 16-20 State Work Period President's Day
Apr 6-17 State Work Period Easter. Passover begins at sundown Apr 8.
May 25-29 State Work Period Memorial Day
Jun 29-Jul 3 State Work Period Independence Day
Aug 10-Sep 7 State Work Period Labor Day- Sep 7
TBD Target Adjournment Date
Butch Cassidy
May 12, 2009, 7:42pm (report abuse)Do we really know for certain that President Obama opposed this bill the last time around when it was H.R. 623? He was in the Senate and this bill never made it out of the House subcommittee where it died. Nobody to my knowledge wrote a comparable bill in the Senate as they died for the "other" Second Chance Act that was signed into law in 2008.
Have Mercy 2
May 12, 2009, 7:48pm (report abuse)Sorry - I ran out of characters. I emailed both Univision Network & Telemundo(spanish tv & radio) Networks and Pedro Secvec - spanish anchorman.
I'll keep everyone posted as to their response or lack thereof.
Ray-ma NY
May 12, 2009, 8:03pm (report abuse)wanting, the reason is that we need local resources because it's not easy for many to make long trips and back.
In Washington, D.C. there is a large African-American population and we can try to reach them, at least those who have interest in joining us for the sake of clearing their CR.
Looks like you and "brokenheart" are not that far from each other and maybe some day we can get together as I will be traveling to SC where I have a Mobil Home and discuss the case and make plans.
But the action has to take place in Washington,D.C.
brokenheart, I agree that those old, cold, indifferent, inhuman,White dictators should be ashamed to even referring themselves as "Christians" as most identify being such. But I must also say what about Congressman John Conyers of the Judiciary Committee?
Why isn't he placed this Bill on the next agenda? The fact is whether White or Black there are evils around all the corners.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 12, 2009, 9:43pm (report abuse)No argument whatsoever that any public display has to be in DC.I don't know that there is any evil intent on the part of the house. I think the truth is that they just don't care and since there is no organized public outcry they see no political gain. I worked in state gvmnt for a number of years and trust me it is never about the "people".It is only about getting someone re-elected. Do you guys know of Chris Gardner? If not look him up.Very interesting person with a new book out called "Starting Where You Are" Good title but hard to do for you guys right? I wrote him tonight to solicit his support.Probably more pie in the sky but you never know unless you try. Will let you know. We need, as soon a is possible, to try and pull as many of these different web groups together and get a serious plan together.Only way I know to do that is pick as central a location as we can come up with, pick a day and show up. Are we all on the East coast? No one from the west coast has identified.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 12, 2009, 9:49pm (report abuse)Ran out of space. Since there are several working on getting a spokesperson I would like to give that effort a chance. But if a get together is possible I can be in the DC area in 12-13 Hrs. Do it most memorial days for Vietnam Unit reunion. Seems most of you are North of there.
Butch Cassidy
May 12, 2009, 11:45pm (report abuse)Washington, D.C. is a good choice. It is also my understanding that every crime that is prosecuted there is done Federally. We may have a lot of ex-offenders there whom 1529 applies to, hence a lot of supporters.
Have Mercy 2
May 13, 2009, 2:58pm (report abuse)I recently came across this article about a Capitol Hill lobbyist for private detectives and security professional who referenced HR 1529 expunge criminal records and congress trying to limit their access to databases.
Due to character limits here I can only post the link and not an excerpt of the article.
"Redaction of the SSN, as well as the DOB, on public records is another legislative goal of privacy advocates which would block access to critical information. And there are also bills to expunge criminal records. For example, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) in March offered H.R. 1529, the “Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2009.” The bill calls for the expungement of criminal records for certain nonviolent offenders."
http://misahq.com/2009/04/20/a-political-action-committee-created-for-p...
Butch Cassidy
May 13, 2009, 4:11pm (report abuse)HM2 I saw that also while I was surfing the net'. It looks as if they are worried that 1529 may pass. It would definitely be a drag on their industry if they couldn't look up records that were expunged.
2AchieveAgain
May 14, 2009, 3:05pm (report abuse)Dear Honorable John Conyers, and the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security
Please report on and move this Bill H.R. 1529 into the House so it can be voted on. It is basically the same bill you reviewed in 2003, 2005 and 2007. Please have a Heart. This Bill is a win-win for our communities and for our society. It will not require scarce tax dollars to fund. The 10-million and counting of us - you and the DoJ have awarded a Life Sentence (not very different from the justice meted out in countries such as China, Iran and N. Korea) to need to rejoin society, live in safe places, send our children to college, volunteer and mentor the next generation. Please show the World - these the United States of America - is a country of Mercy & Justice (and second chances). Thank you and may God Bless America!
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 14, 2009, 8:27pm (report abuse)2Achieve good letter. If you have not done so, please go to the following two sites and sign the petitions that you will find supporting this bill.
http://www.wedeserveourlivesback.com/
http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/a_second_chance_for_firs...
Bond
May 18, 2009, 9:44am (report abuse)Masschusetts Governor Patrick is working on similar state legislation. Looks like he has general support from groups. Maybe these groups could be contacted for the 1529 cause?
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 18, 2009, 9:55pm (report abuse)Bond do you have contact info for any of these groups? I will be glad to contact them if you can identify them.
wanting another chance, Ray-Ma, Butch, Have Mercy 2, where are you guys?
Bond
May 19, 2009, 10:06am (report abuse)Great! If you google (Deval Patrick CORI 2009)you'll get a bunch of hits. Here's one article link.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1170766
wanting another chance
May 19, 2009, 11:48am (report abuse)brokehearteddad-Another thought is to invite Kemba Smith to join forces with us. Not sure if you heard of her but she received 24.5 years in prison for a very small role she played in a drug conspiracy. Her then boyfriend was the ring leader and was later killed. She received clemency from Pres. Clinton back in 2000. She is a prime example that people can change after a conviction. She has graduated college and just completed her first yr of law schooland engaged to be married. She speaks publicly about her ordeal and has been featured in many newspapers/magazines and TV shows. They are even considering a making movie detailing her story. She is working on a similar legislation in VA (thats where she lives). I feel with her media contacts she would be a good person to put the bill "out there". I mentioned to Jaime Woodard and he is trying to contact her. Maybe we can too. You can read about her on her website: kembasmithfoundation.org
Ray-ma NY
May 20, 2009, 5:05pm (report abuse)brokenhearteddad, sorry I had some family business to solve. I've been trying to figure out if Bennenghoff wanted to lead or join us in our effort to show up or have a presence in Washington, D.C. or do something other than just do nothing as usual. All the letters...do we have something as accomplishement? NO! All these years wasted writing, begging and hoping. We're written thousands of letters!!!
I believe that Benninghoff gave up and I'm sure that he is not even working for his proposed COR. Maybe he changed to that in order to get back his law license. I don't know. Certainly, it's better a COR than nothing at all. However, I don't see any action being taken by the Judiciary Committee and if you all see what's on their calendar for the next few month then you'll know that there is no mention of any Second Chance Bill.
Only a rally,even small, in Washington, D.C. can move this bill.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 20, 2009, 11:29pm (report abuse)Ray-ma I have no arguement. You are probably right about the Rally but be very careful. I have mentioned this to other groups including Jaime and get pretty much the same response....good idea but could backfire if not careful about permits and such. You are also right about the committee agenda, nothing in sight. If a rally is held may I suggest that it be aimed at the committee and held on a day when they are in session. Still can't help but think,as do others, that just one well known public face speaking out could break this open. COR might be better than nothing but not by much, the record is still there for all the world to see. 1529 is the answer. Isn't Kemba Smith hooked up with FAMM. Have contacted FAMM several times and while they have 1529 on their site it is not high on their list. People have blinders on in some cases and just can't see the benefits that 1529 will offer. More concerned with getting out than staying out.Bond, will do Thanks.
Ray-ma NY
May 21, 2009, 11:57am (report abuse)brokenhearteddad, yes I understand that a rally may not be 100% effective but at least will shake something up. It doesn't to have that many people. Only a few of us with some banners like "Civil Right are Natural Rights"," Pass HR 1529", "States Protect Citizens,Congress Oppresses them",
"USA Federal Tyranny" and so on.
I am confidend that this unholy Union will fall apart as the federal government has become too oppressive in every aspects of our lives and I'm glad that several States have already declared their own Sovereignty over the Federal Government under Amendment 10 of the Constitution.
Montana may seceed at some point and other States will follow. In fact Montana has already passed a new law exempting itself from the Federal (Unconstitutional)Firearms Laws.
This shows that we are in fact dealing with a tyrannical Federal Government.
I don't understand why all these so-called Civil Rights Organizations are not really vigorously pushing for this sensible 1529 law.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 21, 2009, 6:31pm (report abuse)Hey, I am from Georgia and we tried that seceesh thing once. Didn't work out very well then and I wouln't put much faith in it now. Montana and the others have a great point concerning 10th ammendment rights and I can get behind that but all kidding aside, do you have the contacts and resources in DC to set something up? Just need to bear in mind that you don't want to come across as a bunch of wild eyed radicals but rather well grounded, common sense, law abiding citizens like everyone else who simply want a second chance to prove it.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 21, 2009, 6:34pm (report abuse)Going to be off line for the rest of the weekend, old Nam Vets have to gather and tell war stories now and then you know. Have a great Memorial Day and if you see an old Vet, tell him thanks.
gary lilley
May 21, 2009, 7:06pm (report abuse)In state courts with murder convictions can get their record expunged real quick. I have been labeled for an ex felon for 24 years for a hole less serious federal charge.
garylilley
May 21, 2009, 7:10pm (report abuse)This bill should be pass soon without any delay, it will not cost the taxpayers anything.
Bond
May 22, 2009, 9:56am (report abuse)BHD- looks like Massachusetts Bar Association supports the Mass Bill. You think there's a national bar association that may help 1529?
Butch Cassidy
May 24, 2009, 1:38pm (report abuse)I'm back. Was spending time trying to geberate some interest on PTO but all those folks are concerned about is can they get out early to what is on the commissary list. For all of the people that 1529 would effect, there isn't much interest in it from what I can see.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 24, 2009, 9:52pm (report abuse)Hi Butch, ain't it the truth. I like you have tried to plug along on PTO thinking that as big as that site is we could drum up a little more support. Other than Tia and maybe a couple more there just doesn't seem to be much there. Just got back from Edgfield and checking in to see what has been going on. More later
Tia240
(logged in user) May 25, 2009, 3:10am (report abuse)Hi Butch & brokenhearteddad - I've been bounced from PTO - the moderator claims I'm openly challenging him about deleting over 35 of my posts.
I'm so beside myself and dumbfounded that people can't see getting this bill into law is a very important cause - not to mention the wide ranging benefits as well. . . Please know I'm not giving up - so let me know what I can do to help. Thanks :)
Have Mercy 2
May 25, 2009, 9:29am (report abuse)Just returned from face to face meetings with some Jewish community leaders in CA. Several have had earlier meetings with the President - and promise to air their support of HR 1529 when they meet with him again. I pray they keep their word. Tia - I've been telling you for years about the rabid moderators over at PTO - I hope you've gotten the hint finally. . . BTW. . . heard a rumor CB was ill (I'm not trying to start or repeat gossip just sharing what I heard)
Butch Cassidy
May 25, 2009, 1:06pm (report abuse)Hi Tia,
They've deleted my posts too at PTO because I listed wedeserveourlivesback.com. They are only interested in getting donations it seems. There is not a lot of interest there anyhow. This is the place to be.Glad you're onboard.Have Mercy 2 thanks for working on this from your end.
Tia240
(logged in user) May 25, 2009, 2:27pm (report abuse)Like the saying goes - misery loves company - Butch I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one PTO moderators are picking on.
I plan on following up with my Latino community organizer contacts this week - I'll try lighting a fire within them - rather than lighting a fire under their feet.
I know HaveMercy - I'll get more bees with honey.
Will let everyone here know what develops.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 25, 2009, 3:41pm (report abuse)Tia, Butch, at least if I follow you guys around I am in good company. This site does allow more freedom as does change.org. I have been doing a lot on that site because that is where my petition is. I have gotene pretty good response,90 or so, not nearly enough but a start.Beauty part is that when someone signs the petition a letter, mine or their own creation, gets sent automatically. I can also contact responders or anyone else on the site privately or publicly. If you guys have not been there I highly recommend it. Good support there for HR 1529 and HR 1475. Main blog guy there, Matt Kelley, writes some of the best stuff you will find. He has told me that he will be writing an article soon about 1529. I'm still strongly supporting Jaime Woodards wedeserveourlivesback site and petition and he says he is going to be making additions to that site. I suggested to him trying to implement a way to "talk" as we do here and at change. Running out of space. will continue.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 25, 2009, 3:53pm (report abuse)Visited Edgefield this weekend. Unbelievable the attitude BOP has taken concerning the Second Chance Act of 2007. They flatly refuse to consider allowing anyone 12 months HWH. The norm most places is 6 mo. but at Edgefield it's 3. Those with family support,i.e. we send money to their commissary accounts, or with job prospects are told that they are "privileged" and are not to be considered for early release. I'm writing congressmen, Senators. Don't know what else to do. Seems nuts to me. Seems to me that if someone is in all ways quilified for release to HWH but does not reeally need the transition then why not release to home confinemtne. Think Michael Vick. BOP is not interest in "helping" anyone out early. Reduces the need for them. No inmates no BOP.
Regarding 1529 the sentencing project had a National call in day back in april where everyone was to call the capitol switchboard 3 times on a given day ask for their 2 Senators and congressman and deliver the message. Thoughts?
Tia240
(logged in user) May 25, 2009, 4:58pm (report abuse)brokenhearteddad - I'm not surprised BOP has taken this wacky interpretation of the SCA'07 - the legislation has no teeth, no balance & check system, no oversight, and no avenue for the GAO to measure its effectiveness - let alone if the provisions are being adhered to by DoJ, BoP and/or CSOSA.
I agree Matt does a bang-up job on his change articles - you wrote a darn good one too - you re-posted it on May 1st.
I think I'd read somewhere you have some 'Nam contacts - are any in Jim Webb's district? Maybe one of them can convince him to add expungement to his proposed legislation as another vehicle to clean up the DoJ/BoP mess - just a thought . . .
I'm For doing a National Call In day - btw
logical
May 25, 2009, 5:22pm (report abuse)I'll participate in the call-in day.
And if you are a veteran, bhd, then thank you for your service, then and now.
Ray-ma NY
May 25, 2009, 6:26pm (report abuse)brokenhearteddad, please understand that it's easy to get out of line when for years I've (we've been) doing everything within acceptable boundaries and got nothing done in Congress.
This is more than a slap in our face,this is totally indifference to our suffering.
Hell!!! They want to give anmesties which are in fact pardons to millions of those who broke several State and Federal Laws but don't consider a humane and much needed legislation to give hope to millions of Americans.
Well, I have the right to get angry! After all tha's not a crime,not yet at least.
What else can we do? Complaining and yes rallies. A one man/woman rally may be all it takes as long as those in Congress see or hear the message.
We want the same treatment as those convicted under State Laws no more no less. We deserve it. We never consented to a lifetime ban of our civil rights.
This was not part of the sentence.Last I knew is that the permanent deprivation of civil right is Cruel punishment.
Ray-ma NY
May 25, 2009, 6:48pm (report abuse)A few weeks ago a changed my voter's registration. None of the political parties deserve my vote.I'm an independent now.
Millions of other people in our condition should take advantage of our right to vote to tell those people in Congress to wake up. It's millions of us.
You would think that a Congressman John Conyers would want to move the bill up the agenda for a qwick consideration but I don't see his rationale for let it stall and die before his eyes.
Wouldn't this bill help his troubled people too? What about the other "famous" democrats like Kennedy?. What about that not even one republican has sponsored it?
They're all Saints and,of course,nobody in their immediate or extended family has ever committed a non-violent crime!!!
Certainly, none of them has ever smoked pot,bought it or shared it and absolutely none has ever underpaid taxes or taken a bribe on the side!!!Bill Clinton !!! he lied and lied under oath but Congress ruled that it was not a crime!!! Where is Justice?
Ray-ma NY
May 25, 2009, 7:09pm (report abuse)I decided to go to Washington,D.C. within twenty days or so. I'll travel down and pass through the City. I will have more than one banner. One or two will be attached to my car. I may come with a van. The others will be displayed as best as I can.
Those in the area should do the same. It gets results.
By the way this multi-times proposed Bill now called H.R. 1529 should have a "quick and not a "qwick" consideration. Not only it must be considered and moved by the Judiciary Committee but it must be debated by the full Congress and passed.
I asked President Obama, to please,apply pressure to the Judiciary Committee and when the time comes to sign this bill into law.
Send mail to:
President
Barack Obama
Executive Office
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington,D.C. 20500
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 25, 2009, 8:54pm (report abuse)Tia I am a Vietnam vet & have requested all of those that I have regular contact with to support 1529. Some are in Virginia. I have written Sen Webb several times and will continue to do so.Seems like our elected officials only respond to comments/request from within their district or state.You can write to them but good luck getting a response.All you can do is keep writing/calling.Ray I appreciate your disgust and your anger and if you can get some attention in DC by all means go for it. You said there are millions in this boat and if not millions certainly many thousands. How can we reach out and contact them? What if we could get 20,30, 40000 to call the Capitol switchboard on the same day? Think it would lock it down? Think that would dram attention? The groups that have tried this are very highly organized. We have to unite the effort somehow.I have worn out snail mail and e-mail to the Obama transistion team and to the White House since well before inaguration. No response.
Butch Cassidy
May 25, 2009, 9:01pm (report abuse)I'm up for call-in day too.Lying under oath, that's what the Chief of Police said I did when I caught him beating his wife. That is my non-violent offense.Anyway, it seems like a few Vietnam vets are now in Congress like Jim Webb. I was in Operation Desert Storm but there are no contacts there.It would be nice if we could get him onboard with 1529.
Butch Cassidy
May 25, 2009, 9:08pm (report abuse)I have also been in contact with Obama's transition team asking them to support HR 1529, and no response either.As I've said on PTO inmates and their families and friends constitute a large voting block. If we could only make that work for us.
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 25, 2009, 9:10pm (report abuse)Here is one more before I hang it up tonight, Tia if you like Matt Kelly's articles, also any of you that aren't familiar with him check out the article he wrote called "We Need More Carrots" based on statements by US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and my response that begans "Here is a US Attorney who gets it......almost" http://criminaljustice.change.org/blog/view/we_need_more_carrots
While you are there, if you have not please sign the petition at
http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/a_second_chance_for_firs...
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 25, 2009, 9:11pm (report abuse)Here is the petition site again
http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/a_second_chance_for_firs...
brokenhearteddad
(logged in user) May 25, 2009, 9:13pm (report abuse)Looks like this site dosen't like the long link. Just go into the actions section on change.org and search for a petition called
A Second Chance For First Time Non-Violent Federal Offenders
That will get it done.
Thanks all
Butch Cassidy
May 25, 2009, 9:30pm (report abuse)I just read the Fitzgerald article. He's the one who prosecuted "Scooter" Libby as well. He is correct in that we do need more carrots and less sticks in the Federal System. Can the "system" reform itself however? There are people who are making money off of the prison industry such as Bob Barker(who sells supplies to the BOP)who have no desire to see any changes.
Butch Cassidy
May 25, 2009, 9:33pm (report abuse)I signed the petition a few weeks ago under my real name. How do we go about "getting the numbers up" so that it makes a difference where our elected representatives are concerned?
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From the Blog
For a Broken-Hearted Dad
When a commenter uses the handle “BrokenHearted Dad,” you can’t help but care about his story. He doesn’t tell it, but for him we should all take a second look at H.R. 1529, The Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act. Here’s t...