Agreed. (see post #208 where I defined exactly under what circumstances i do agree).
I don't have faith in "rehabilitation". I would allow people convicted of any but a pre-meditated violent crime, or an offence committed with a gun, to get their Second Amendment right back after a suitable probation period. A second arrest and conviction, felony or not, should terminate that right forever.
This biggest problem is that our correctional institutions are little better than institutes for higher criminal learning. To make what you or I suggest would require a reform of the Prison system. I would keep first-timers sepparate from repeat offenders or lifers. No TV - read a book, attend a class, learn a skill, work. Want to get in shape? Do some damn push-ups and sit-ups. Etc.
We certainly agree on this one. On the other hand, a very busy Congress is making just about everything a felony. Even dissent garners a great deal of animosity from those with whom I assumed I was allied.