Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday March 12, 2009

I read a headline this morning that grabbed my attention, which by the way is what headlines are supposed to do. "NM Senator Who Hires Felons Wants to 'Ban the Box.'" The headline was part of the piece by the Associated Press in the NY Times.

For over 40 years I have argued, to little avail, that men and women when released from prison, having served their time should NOT be subjected to further harassment. I grew up in a neighborhood where having a record was just about required. Most of the men had served time and many of the women. The area did not form alliances against these people, businesses hired them with the understanding that they must show up on time, work hard and get on with their life. This philosophy worked for the most part.

"Ban The Box" in the article refers to the little box on most applications that asks "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" Sensible people know that a yes check is as far as you get. "Ban The Box" legislation in New Mexico is a bill that overwhelmingly passed (27-8) sponsored by State Senator Clint Harden, who has a long history of hiring felons. Sen. Harden says "Too many people are being kept out of the work force because they’ve been in trouble with the law." During the proceedings another New Mexico Senator told of his run in with the law at age 18. Senator John Ryan had trouble in high school and committed a residential burglary and was sentenced to three years. In a near miracle John landed a job with then U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, and wasn't asked the "felony" question, for which he was thankful. He was pardoned in 1997, 16 years after the incident. Sen. Ryan said that Sen. Harden's bill "Is really good for people who want a second chance."

A key statement by Senator Harden makes sense:

"Convicted felons have a tough time staying out of prison if they can’t find work."

Scads of men and women are sitting in prisons all over the country due to tax problems that high ranking government officials are admittedly guilty of, yet they serve as lawmakers. I have no idea what strain of reason can have a man serving in charge of the IRS who is an admitted tax cheat, if we are going to put other folks in prison for the same offense. Nor do I understand how the man or woman upon coming out of prison can still be fair game for ostracism for the offense, having served their time. Just my country boy opinion.

In our town, a group of clergypersons and businessmen put together a low tech operation which hired many men and women upon their release from prison. If the ex-prisoners performed well, they were then recommended for better opportunities. Many of these folks have never had a job in their entire life. The program worked well, until the economy when south. For years I and others have worked with prisoners, helped them to come to a true relationship with Christ, and they served their time in an honorable manner. Upon release they for the most part are NOT welcomed into the churches, can find only the most menial jobs and are welcomed with open arms by the "old crowd." The outrageous recidivism numbers tell the rest of the story.

I, for one, opt for the U.S. to take up the banner from New Mexico and throughout the Free World lead the charge to "Ban the Box."

Senator Clint Harden said:

"I've always tried to employ ex-offenders any chance I get. I've thought, 'Except for the grace of God, there I am.'"

My life verse is Psalm 34:6:

"This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles."

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2009 Use with credit.

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