[Eagle Eye]

Yup, he's just the kind of guy who needs to possess firearms.

Yup, he's just the kind of guy who needs to have free speech.

Yup, he's just the kind of guy who needs to have freedom of worship, etc, etc.

He either paid his debt to society or he didn't. If he did, then he should have all the rights of a free man. If not, he should still be in jail.

[GhostofWCooper]

He either paid his debt to society or he didn't. If he did, then he should have all the rights of a free man. If not, he should still be in jail.

In the past the idea was you did a crime, paid for it, and were given another chance. If you are convicted today, you lose your right to defend yourself (or hunt) forever.

To me, it's just another little angle in the campaign to disarm all of us... One by one.

[VoteHarryBrowne2000]

There are a few ideas on this thread that caught my attention. The way the laws are written, ones I'm aware of, there is no time limit or expiry date once convicted, hence the problem with many "ex" felons and gun or voting rights. Over the past century, the government has grown in many ways including more and more "felony" crimes being on the books so we have more and more felons in this country. Most states have a pardon process that you can go through or a way to have your crimes expunged. Ultimately, it is up to the offender to know their status and take appropriate steps to change it if they deem it necessary.

On the concepts of rights, there are two competing ideas on where rights originate. One says that the government "grants" rights and the other says that they are "inalienable" rights granted by the Creator. Which side you come down on has a big influence on how you view these issues.

[Dog Gone]

He either paid his debt to society or he didn't. If he did, then he should have all the rights of a free man. If not, he should still be in jail.

Then you wouldn't support anyone being released on probation or parole, I assume.

[Publicus]

EXCELLENT POINT!

THAT'S the way the system is SUPPOSED to work.