re: http://www.newsobserver.com/559/story/561537.html
If News and Observer readers need more proof that there’s lead in Durham water they need look no further than Barry Saunders’ most recent column “Florida does right by felons”. It’s no secret that Saunders’ views often tilt to the “left of center” but now he’s choosing to advocate for felons; his admission into the “obsessive progressive” club is now secure.
Too bad he has to resort to terms such as “ex-felon” to make his points. To those that are unaware, such watered down terms are often used by “bed wetting liberals” in their attempts to re-write history. Once a citizen is convicted of a felony you shouldn’t just pretend that it never happened. Only fools would trust embezzlers and drug addicts hands in public matters (and with taxpayer’s money). No doubt Saunders and his ilk are also pushing for expunction of criminal records so that even their term “ex-felon” might be “conveniently forgotten”.
Speaking of “forgetfulness”, Saunders promotes the idea that felons should be allowed to vote once they are released from prison despite owing restitution or damages to their victims. Only the worst of "enablers" would enact legislation that would reduce incentives for felons to pay restitution for the crimes that they’ve committed. Is the man confused, has he mistaken the criminals for victims? Maybe he’s forgotten that the Victim Compensation Fund is not exactly well funded. Suggesting that felons who paid their debts to society shouldn’t have to take the initiative to register to vote is further proof of Saunders’ strong sense of enablement (for felons or drug addicts and petty thieves).
If history is an indicator what kinds of persons might be likely to influence leadership, it’s those that have similar employment and common beliefs. What kind of leadership does this man think that felons are most likely to elect? Is Saunders advocating for crooked government and cronyism?
Saunders finishes his diatribe after shedding some tears for some stupid convicted murderers and labeling presidents as political cowards. All this, based on accusations made by mentally retarded sources he does not name. Barry sounds more than just soft on crime; maybe he’s soft in the head too.
When columnists writings tend to dismiss victims, advocate for those that have harmed them and suggest that we lower standards for voting (extend it to thugs that have not paid their debts to society, or suggest sentence reductions and record expunctions) to make their points, we have to wonder what influences such thinking. I am amazed.
In short, issues and items that Saunders promotes are things reasonable persons should avoid.
cc: NC Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee
