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All My Favorite People Are Convicted Felons.
In defense of (some) ex-cons, weed, and some thoughts on The American Justice System in all of its misguided ambitions and flaws.
One of the most successful, honest, and hardworking people I know, wears many hats in life today. He’s a successful small business owner, employer, brother, son, husband, father, property owner — and a convicted felon.
He’ll carry this label forevermore, all because he “broke into” an abandoned factory when he was 17, fooling around with his friends, and was hit with as many charges as the arresting officer could think of, as well as charged as an adult. The judge cited wanting to make “an example out of them” —but I mean, for who exactly? My best guess is any homeless hunter-gatherers who got any bright ideas about moving in when winter hit, I don’t know.
This person and his friends were white. I wonder how it might’ve ended if they weren’t. However, it still ended poorly for them and will follow them for the rest of their lives in a way. Even if they grow old and forget about it, the law and their permanent records won't.
My buddy the once teenage trespasser is a successful business owner today, so he won’t have to worry about his record costing him an employment opportunity…
