Letter: Why Should Felons Have An Easier Job Search?

I have several friends who are unemployed and actively are trying to find decent employment. These are people who have college degrees and no criminal records. City Council has recently passed legislation in an effort to make finding jobs easier for convicted felons. Shouldn’t our elected officials be worrying about making things easier for those of us who haven’t committed felonies?

I think it should be difficult for people with felony convictions on their records to find good jobs. That should serve as an incentive to not commit felonies. Common sense, right? Not exactly splitting the atom here! But not everybody sees it this crystal clear. One of these people is King Salim Khalfani, executive director of the Virginia chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He wants these changes to occur at the state level. According to him, “We’re going to hold these candidates accountable.” How about we hold the criminals accountable! Until the day comes when jobs are plentiful, let’s focus on helping those of us who aren’t felons.

Marshall Jewett, Richmond

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