[seamas]

There are about 42 million felons in this country-the vast majority of whom are not dangerous. Many are worthless checks or marihuana convictions. The Armed Career Criminal does not distinguish, except if convicted of the Sherman Anti-Trust laws. I have seen bad guys get this sentence, but also many decent fellows who misspent their youths, a common failing.

[Hodar]

Actions have consequences. If I robbed a bank in my youth, would you want me managing your retirement now? Probably not. To work your way UP to a felony from a misdeanor is not a trivial thing. If I robbed your home, not once; but twice, would you want me to have equal access to a firearm as you currently enjoy? The gov't primary job is to protect the population. One way is to prevent Felons from obtaining guns, and punish them severely when they are found to have violated the law. Felons are well informed that they have lost the right to bear arms, as well as to vote. It's not a big secret.

[yarddog]

A very old federal agent once told me that practically everybody has committed a felony sometime in their life. He also said just about everyone has done something they could be fired for.

This was given as an explanation as to why it is a good idea to either have powerful friends or to not make enemies.

He also once told me that just because we must give due process in this country does not mean that we can't totally destroy a person while all the time giving him due process because it is so easy to use the system.

I agree with those who think a person should have all his rights restored after serving his sentence. There is something wrong with the idea that your life is ruined forever for doing something wrong. If it is that bad you should either be executed or stay in prison.