Lellow Libbon

The Yellow Ribbon project is something that has been in the media for quite awhile. A campaign that sends a message to the public about giving ex-offenders another chance, allowing them to integrate back into society without labeling them with their past. I have always been interested in the lives of convicts behind bars and yearn to learn what happens to them when they are released. Back to a loving family, or back to an empty home due to the disintegration of their families. What about facing immediate family members who are not keen on seeing you ard family functions and shuns you. How do they get on their own two feet, finding a decent job/career - or do they have to settle for menial jobs.

The government is doing a fantastic campaign by the way but who are they targeting the campaign to? It seems only privatised or foreign companies are more open, more willing, and less judgemental in hiring these ex-felons. Do you think gahmen is as accepting when they are the ones in the first place who came up with these idea?

for the record, i was convicted in the court of law once. However, i was only slapped with a fine of $1000 for "abusive language towards a civil servant". But you know what, the records stayed there forever and once they know about this little history of yours, they ask you to pack and go. Mine isnt even a crime that gangsters / felons can be proud of - murder, fraud, rioting, assault, (defamation) - but it sticks with me for life. I remember the IO of the case telling me that it wont be out in the records coz it was only a fine. Boy was i wrong.

I know of someone too who has good education, fantastic work ehtics but because of a mistake, was fined too like me. Subsequent job interviews, she honestly stated her previous convictions (apparently even if you're fined, you are a convicted felon), and she was rejected because of that one tiny mistake she did years back.

So how do people like her, me and many others get back on track with this thing hanging over our heads? If i am not mistaken, many years ago, for goodwill purposes, several thousands of offenders' records were erased. Especially those with minor cases. Guess mine was not minor enough cos it resurfaced years later.

And correct me if i am wrong, but do you think any of these ex-felons will get a gahmen related job? Let's not even talk about gahmen, but what about semi gahmen corporations, stat boards etc - do you think they will be welcomed with open arms without prejudice, without being labelled?

"Although they have made a mistake in life, they deserve a second chance. We all make mistakes, we all come out the better for it." - this came from our president.

And it was on the first page. Instead of leaving private companies to accept them, why cant the gahmen lead by example? Open their arms and give these people jobs, in their numerous sectors. And then the rest will follow suit.