From Jacqueline Rabe Thomas, CT Mirror:
Former state Sen. Ernie Newton was at the state Capitol complex to let people know just how difficult it is for convicted criminals to live a normal life after leaving jail–a problem he knows about first hand.
Newton served a four-year prison sentence after being convicted of corruption.
His bid to be re-elected to the Senate this year was unsuccessful.
Newton was at the Capitol complex to testify on a proposal being considered by the Connecticut Sentencing Committee that attempts to remove the housing and employment barriers that those released from prison face because of their criminal backgrounds.
“Being an ex-felon is almost discriminatory. Everywhere you go, the door is closed,” he said. “When a person comes out of jail and they want to be reintegrated, they are met with resistance.”
A lot of convicted felons reintegrate into society by abandoning the ways that put them in prison and adopting ways that will lead to an honest way to make a living. It takes hard thoughtful work. Enough said.
Newton just doesn’t get it.
Women, gays and others who are considered minorities didn’t steal, kill, or violate the public trust and do deserve to be protected under antidiscriminatory laws.
Look at the ex-felon truck driver who stole over 100 weapons. Why was he the driver for that particular vehicle? He had a good job and stole. And would you want Ernie Newton representing you in an elected office after he violated the public trust and stole? The same goes for Joe Ganim.
What does Newton do for a living? Has he done anything to ensure he could properly and honestly provide for himself and his family? Can he demonstrate one incident where he was denied housing or employment because of his criminal background? If you consider his recent run for office as an attempt to gain employment, he was denied that opportunity because the public, like me, thinks he is stupid. Not only is he a convicted felon, he is a stupid convicted felon. His road to redemption is uphill like many before him. That journey begins with a single step. Newton has yet to take that step.
First, I do not think Ernie was speaking for himself. I believe he was using his past experience and ability to communicate as a vehicle to bring awareness to an issue that is important. Ernie does not need to be reminded he served prison time. He was convicted and served his time. Any individual who has served their time has the right to live their life without judgement. They have been judged and served their time. What is the point of taxpayers paying for rehab just to be released back into society without the ability to find work just repeating this cycle? I commend Ernie Newton for supporting those who have no voice but have paid the price. Not everyone lives a perfect life and we are not here to judge. Let G-d do that.
Baloney. When it comes to Newton seeking public office, we have every right to judge. It is my judgement, and apparently the judgement of a substantial number of others, Newton forfeited any right to return to the public trust. I do not believe he should encounter any other obstacles should he ever seek legitimate employment; intellectual capacity notwithstanding.
Ernie,
I hope you read this and respond. I have several friends who tirelessly work for those who are attempting to re-enter civil society, after doing time without freedom to come and go. I don’t hear many of them talking about rehabilitation.
Bad choices made early in one’s life when consequences are thought to be for other people and immortality and luck is thought to be my destiny, haunt too many people and those who love them. People who have made similar bad choices and learned about bad consequences may change decisions for younger folks. In a way living in a cell behind bars makes you as homeless as sleeping out of doors under a highway viaduct.
What I miss hearing in too many stories is a statement to the effect:
“I made a poor choice. I decided to fight, to steal, to defraud, to embezzle, to drink and drive, to do and sell drugs, to shoot the guy who did not respect me, etc. etc. etc. I got caught and was held responsible. I wish I could change that but it was too late. I was convicted and paid the penalty.”
Too often there is an apology, BUT NO ADMISSION OF GUILT, so I wonder why they are apologizing. If there is no ‘confession’ how will the public understand the convicted understand what they did wrong, why they were punished and what lesson they take away from the experience.
To the extent I heard Ernie’s story at the Redemption documentary and have listened to him on several recent occasions, I am not ragging on him personally, just saying the public has a right to understand the guilty person understands what has happened to him and why, before expecting a better level of treatment, a second chance, etc. Time will tell.
John, I agree with what you said. But one should not pay for the rest of his or her life. Many people play GOD but GOD would never play them. I’m not going to respond to what Bob and yahooy had to say, 1700-plus voted for me.
Ernie, one of the things you shouldn’t do is what got you in trouble. Why would 1700-plus who voted for you want someone who stole from them to be in the same position? No sane boss would rehire a thief.
There are many ways for your redemption that include public service. Since public service is what you know, be an advocate, be a counselor, create a business to hire ex-felons or help them re-enter society. But to go back to what you did before and seriously fail, absolutely no.
*** Ex-felons still continue to get caught in the unforgiving revolving doors of the criminal justice system today with no light at the end of the tunnel. Those who are lucky enough to find that light usually have lots of support from family and friends, have money in the bank or something to offer society. Some simply change their name and move away! Newton’s fight for felons would take money and legislative support, which is neither popular nor in abundance during these economic times. Only a felon or a felon’s family really knows the vicious revolving cycle that seems to plague those who really want to be productive citizens again of society! Opinions in general from watching TV shows and movies, reading newspapers and other media outlets at times seem completely out of touch with the real plight of the felon. *** REALITY CHECK! ***
*** He who continues to cast stones and has sinned at different levels merely speaks to hear himself talk but rarely follows his own advice, no? ***