Thomas Bush, 46
Sales associate, Miami
I figure if they have been in jail and served their time why should we hold anything against them? Once they have paid for their crime their rights should automatically be restored.
Lois O’Neal, 76
Unemployed, Miami
Yes, because once you go in and come out you should have the same life you had before you went in.
Jemeica Taylar, 43
School teacher, Liberty City
Their rights should automatically be restored because the fact is that they have already paid their debt to society. Why should we keep punishing them?
Diane Lanier, 45
House keeper, Liberty City
I say that their rights should automatically be restored —they have done their time.
Andrea Mitchell, 19
Hospital clerk, Miami
I think it should take some time for their rights to be restored. I think they still need to build up their trust with society because they lost that trust when they committed a crime.
Cora White, 63
Retired, El Portal
I personally feel that their rights should be restored. They should have the opportunity and privilege to enjoy life, be credible citizens and have the right to vote.
leticia Bolden
January 12, 2012 at 9:12 am
I personally believe that our rights should be restored. The justice system has become a business. I can personally speak for felons because I am a felon. I never committed the crime I was charged for but being that I did not have the money to hire an attorney a public defender me to plead out. After sitting in jail for 11 months, I did so. Now I’m out here in society paying for something that has altered my life. I wish my rights could be restored because I could have a better opportunity with finding jobs, apartments, assistance and go into business for myself. Being a felon comes with its own set of directions to life. I have made the best of it and I have tried to fight for my rights. You’re convicted as a felon then you have to pay fines but can’t find a job because you’re a felon. Our youth are our highest rate of offenders and if we don’t start encouraging or helping one another, we will all be effected.