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H.R. 61, The Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2009
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Visitor Comments
D.Carraby
January 12, 2009, 10:23am (report abuse)This bill should be passed for non violent offenders. The offender has done half of his time and need to return to his family. Give the non violent offender a second chance to prove they have changed and will be an adiding citizen. An offender sentence to 25 years and have completed half his term has learned a their lesson. Lets pass this bill for the non violent offender.
J.C.
January 12, 2009, 11:43am (report abuse)Bull! The recidivism rates for these offenders is not good. Why turn them out so they can do more crime?
Concerned:
January 12, 2009, 4:22pm (report abuse)Sentencing has gotten a little out of control. People do possess the ability to change and learn from mistakes, believe it or not. Once a criminal, always a criminal..NOT ALWAYS TRUE! These circumstances need looked at in depth...starting with prisoners who have displayed exceptional behavior since in custody, ones that have done more than what was and is expected, and ones who committed crimes as teens, as they deserve more than just a second chance. Not to mention the obvious economy crisis. Setting free unthreatening prisoners would sure free up some monetary funds and allow tax dollars to be spent a little more wisely in a time of desperation and need, such as now.
pat
January 14, 2009, 6:56pm (report abuse)please pass this bill except make this where the prisoner does not have to meet all of the requirements but would be eligible for reduced sentences if they meet any of the requirements
Freedom First
January 14, 2009, 8:34pm (report abuse)Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
to all
January 15, 2009, 2:49pm (report abuse)I believe this bill should go thru. There are some people that have gotten the shaft and are made an example of when in reality they did not do as bad as joe blow down the street that does not get nothing and are still out and doing the crime. Lets let the few people out and make room for the real crimanials.
norman
January 15, 2009, 11:23pm (report abuse)you would have to be an ediot not to pass this bill! and ill tell you why.best freind killed over a basket ball he was 15 his killer 45 he got 5 years was out in three.a rapest was sent to jail in north carolina for three years he served five months the prison was over crowded he got out rapped and killed a college student at unc .my brother was caught after being set up by a angry girlfreind.he was carring cmeth they gave him the option to use and go under cover and turn every one he can in and possibly get hooked on cmeth or jail it took them 2years to go to court.my brother was clean and one of the best persons i know (first time drug affender he got 72 months he will probably do 60 )this is why this bill should pass!!!!!!
J.R.
January 16, 2009, 10:06am (report abuse)So your pure-as-snow brother got caught and you don't think he should have been punished. What a pile of BS.
Sue
January 16, 2009, 11:13am (report abuse)The REAL problem is this- we put low grade crimes in prison for too long, then when a violent crime comes up we can't house them and they get out too soon. Priorities people!
To Perfect People
January 16, 2009, 11:24am (report abuse)Believe it or not, good people do get set up. The biggest crooks I can think of work for the government. Besides, have you ever broken the law, went a little faster than you should have, did a favor you should not have, or maybe your one of those who sit at home drawing checks when you should be working but talk about all the OTHER people beating the government? Get off your high horse. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. The government is punishing people more harshly than the crimes they committed.
Dusty
January 17, 2009, 7:36am (report abuse)I pray this bill passes, do to all the good people who made a mistake. My husband is facing life in prison over a drug charge that is BS. First time in trouble, I think the government does what that want. These sentencing guidelines are out of control.
sissy
January 17, 2009, 9:23am (report abuse)this bill should be passed.let the non violent offenders out and make room for violent offenders whitch seem to get a slap on the wrist.
S&C
January 17, 2009, 10:57am (report abuse)Dusty, if the drug charge really is BS then he will be found innocent. But that old adage of "where there is smoke there is fire" certainly comes to mind here. Any charge carrying life as a possibility is pretty hard to discount.
Just a mom
January 20, 2009, 12:57am (report abuse)My son is a non-violent first time offender who by a twist of fate had evidence of a crime he admittedly committed end up in a Federal crime lab, which automatically turned it into a Federal case. Now his sentence is 3 times what it would have been if it had stayed in State court. We're not asking that he not be punished, just that the punishment fit the crime. JC, JR, and S&C -- I hope and pray that no one you love or worse yet, yourself, get caught up in this "far from perfect" judicial system of ours. I plan to beg my senator and representative to pass this bill!
S&C
January 20, 2009, 10:07am (report abuse)Never fear, me and mine are law-abiding folk. We won't have to worry about getting "caught up" as you put it. Too bad the same couldn't be said for you and yours.
A Daughter
January 20, 2009, 2:27pm (report abuse)I just want to say something to all the hypocritical people who write about how they are "law abiding people", and neither they nor thier family would ever get caught up in something illegal: Get over yourself! You absolutely never know what can happen. Your whole life can change in one second. I suggest that those of you who feel that way take a day to visit a prison, better yet go on a Christmas day, and see the families that are suffering. I hope that one day you or your family get a terrible illness such as cancer. Please write me and let me know when you do, and then I'll write you back and tell you how you shouldn't have smoked, or drank, or ever put unorganic toxic food into your body if you weren't willing to face the consequences. You should have exercised more, or visited the doctor more. You will be judged in life on how you treat others, and the compassion that you show. Remember that.
S&C
January 20, 2009, 4:58pm (report abuse)I recently went cancer treatment so I guess even your ill wishes are for naught. And by the way the doctors say I will live a good long life.
For one who touts compassion you certainly do not show any when you wish "terrible illness" on someone else.
And I still don't see how any of your diatribe has anything to do with doing a crime or not.
To S&C
January 22, 2009, 5:34pm (report abuse)You don't know what you are talking about. The government does what they wish with people. It is really sad. They punish nonviolence and not violence. And YES, good people are in prison. Even in the Bible some of God's people were in prison. It is possible to get invoved in something without really meaning to. But in any case, I wish you well. Maybe God has shown you compassion that you cannot pass to others.
James C. Pennington
January 22, 2009, 8:40pm (report abuse)And now we here from the conspiracy theorists. Fact is that if you are involved you are subject to the same rules as everyone else.
And by the way leave the bible and your god out of it.
motherof2
January 23, 2009, 7:12pm (report abuse)They should definitely pass this. My ex is in prision for 'white collar' crime and has done more time than a rapist and in some case a killer. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and have had 3 major operations since; the only ones that have suffered are my children. The FBI does setup people and have it 'out' for certain people - what a joke they are. The whole judicial system is ridiculus.
James C. Pennington
January 23, 2009, 8:21pm (report abuse)You want pity and sympathy because you are ill and yet you admit that your son did the crime. Wake up lady. It's time we stopped coddling criminals of all sorts. Do the crime - do the time. Period.
red
January 24, 2009, 2:09am (report abuse)I used to be do the crime do the time until I became friends with a officers wife and when the friendship disolved I amazingly got arrested a few months later for a crime I DID NOT do. we could not afford an attorney and made to much for a public defender. I took a deal after the DA "off the record" gave me some bad advice. I later have found out the DA lied to me and now has asked to revoke my probation. It is a long story and I'm actually looking for help thru the media & anyone I can but until then I have to start serving a year in prison for an attempt to obtain a narcotic charge. Nonviolent and I never had the drug nor was I at the location. I have 2 small children, i run a non profit rescue group, I have never even had a ticket. I am a good person. So I agree with this bill, now that I have been on the other side bad things happen to good people. SO I will pray for everyone as I hope others will pray for me. Do not judge others until you walk in their shoes.
.
January 24, 2009, 3:34pm (report abuse)red,
This won't help you. The bill is directive on federal prisons, not state.
hubert a payton
January 26, 2009, 8:42pm (report abuse)this is a no brainer. let`s get this bill passed as soon as possible.
Maricella
January 27, 2009, 12:59am (report abuse)My huband is cuurently in the Federal System and I truly believe that this system is way too harsh. My husband is only 27 and was sentenced to 22 years. He is a good man that made a mistake. He is a non-violent offender. I pray that this Bill passes so that these HUMAN BEINGS can reunite with there families and prove that they can become law obiding citizens.
A Son
January 27, 2009, 4:05pm (report abuse)This bill is very appropriate and should be passed by all. Sentencing is getting way to long for things that do not make sense. For you who criticize on this bill must love paying taxes for people who would be better served in there community working and paying some sort of restitution. Prisons are over crowded and outdated. Please pass this bill.
James C. Pennington
January 27, 2009, 4:55pm (report abuse)AA Son,
I would rather pay the bill for keeping a person in prison than I would want to have any criminal released before their sentence is complete. As far as I am concerned they were convicted and sentenced under the law and that is good enough for me.
courtney
January 27, 2009, 11:39pm (report abuse)This bill needs to pass!! I used to believe that people who are in prison deserve to be there. I believed that law enforcement agencies tell the truth and that everybody thinks that there relatives are innocent. The truth is that if the FEDS want you they get you. They do not have to abide by the same rules of evidence and they charge people for not "helping them out" Several people are in federal prison because they would not work for them several because they were in the wrong place. For the common person they do not believe this but it is true and the government DOES lie. Most do not believe it because if they did they would wake up and realize that our government is corrupt and they too would not feel safe.
James C. Pennington
January 28, 2009, 12:28am (report abuse)I suspect that in a careful investigation of those who say "I used to believe that people who are in prison deserve to be there" or other similar sentiments, we would find that these individuals have someone close to them who committed a crime and was subsequently convicted and sent to prison. They now see this bill as a way to get a break for the criminal. So sorry but there is far too much crime in this country and it is foolish to even think about reducing the penalties.
courtney
January 28, 2009, 12:20pm (report abuse)The fact is that this law is for nonviolent offenders who have completed half of the sentence. If you look at the state crimes you would realize that these violent criminals only serve 1/3 of the sentence. Nonviolent offenders being released would help with the federal budget and to be honest should we not be dealing with violent offenders rather than merely housing nonviolent offenders?
jrsauntie
January 28, 2009, 1:28pm (report abuse)Pass this bill!!! My sister is serving 10 years for destroying her own car on a small abandon airport. Even the judge thought it was a ridiculous sentence. I mean come on! That's just too much for a petty crime.
Maria
January 29, 2009, 12:09am (report abuse)This bill needs to pass as soon as possible. However, there should be no age restriction. There is no reason why age has anything to do with early release. It's time that the United States becomes a democracy and follows the rest of the free world. Nowhere in the Western free world are there such harsh senteces for minor offenses as in this country. Most non-violent offenders are convicted for a white-collar crime and would have served society better by paying taxes and contributing to the faltering economy of this country by creating job opportunities with new businesses. Instead, the government is paying for the inmates room and board and also for their families through social services. The time has come for the United States to wake up, exit the Victorian age and enter the 21st century.
DK
January 31, 2009, 6:05pm (report abuse)SC & Mr. Pennington,
Are you and ex-Gov. Rod seeing the same shrink? How full of yourself can you really be to think you or someone you care about can NEVER be punished unfairly? There's a reason that HR Bill 61 contains the word NON-Violent! Pass this bill. And, I agree with Maria--why the age restriction? Of course first time offenders should be punished, but fairly!
James C Pennington
January 31, 2009, 9:15pm (report abuse)Non-viloent would include someone like Madoff, who has managed to wreak the lives of many older retirees. I suppose you would seek the same clemency for him as you seek for Maricella's husband. If you do I say you are a fool. If you don't I say you are a hypocrite. Either way you are wrong. Make each and every one serve the sentence given tham.
Darlene
February 1, 2009, 9:22am (report abuse)The justice system today has no regard for human life. there is no longer truth in the justice system,even when there is a fictional charater involved. you would think that if someone creates a fictional character in a molestation case that they would be lying under oath. and the defendent would be released because of the lies they told. it doesnt work that way. they will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. It no longer matters that a person is being wrongly convicted of a hanis crime because an ax has an axe to grind and can actually get away with it.
I really hope more of these cases come out to show how unjust this justice really is.and how families struggle everyday.
please rehaul the whole justice system there has to be truth in justice somewhere?
release the non-violent offenders
i am sure alot of them are being wrongfully convicted of false allegations.
courtney
February 1, 2009, 4:15pm (report abuse)Mr. Pennington do you honestly think that the government is not neglectful as well....They helped to cause the breakdown of Wal street and nurtured the atmosphere for Madoff and others to commit crimes. The SEC knew about a lot of the crimes and let them go. I think this is criminal!!!
James C Pennington
February 1, 2009, 8:12pm (report abuse)You are most certainly welcome to your opinion, although it is not really germaine to the subject. The operative part of your comment is "I think" which means little or nothing to me or many others.
Amy
February 1, 2009, 11:53pm (report abuse)I agree...pass this bill!!!
Me
February 2, 2009, 12:48pm (report abuse)Pass this Bill!!!!
lwood
February 2, 2009, 6:27pm (report abuse)This bill should pass. Those who have not learned their lesson will be going back anyway, so why not let those who have learned their lessons get out early and try to be a part of society again. There are people just trying to get in and start serving their time, but can't because prisons are overcrowded with non violent first offenders that can't get a break by obeying the rules and changing their lives. I know of an instance were a first time offender waited 2 years to just be sentenced and then was allowed to self surrender after 60 days. I don't think they were a big threat to society.
lwood
February 2, 2009, 6:32pm (report abuse)Also, what is the point in keeping someone in prison their full sentence if by the time they get out they are eligable to retire. Then can't get a job because of their age. then taxpayers will be supporting them again instead of letting them get out at an age where they start earning a living and have some savings, so when they are able to retire, tax payers do not have to support.
Amy
February 2, 2009, 6:37pm (report abuse)I agree lwood!!
Mrs Kelley
February 2, 2009, 8:27pm (report abuse)To S & C...There but for the grace of God go you. We are talking non-violent offenders that are over the age of 45. Keep the murderers, rapists, pedophiles,terrorists and the like locked up until the cows come home, that's where they belong. But send the rest home.
Angela
February 2, 2009, 9:19pm (report abuse)I feel they should pass this law after reviewing each persons file because their are some prisoners that made mistakes in their live and they deserve second chance. My brother was one for example we grew up poor with 6 kids and a single parent can you imagine what we hade to do to survive. we did what we had to. I made it out but they didn't. so I would like to see him try the real world.
James C pennington
February 3, 2009, 12:26am (report abuse)Angels,
Your sob story carries no weight. You claim that being poor made your brother a criminal. BS. Look at all the poor kids who made something of themselves without resorting to crime.
nanamc
February 3, 2009, 8:04am (report abuse)Please pass the bill!
Gary
February 3, 2009, 11:41am (report abuse)Mr. Pennington what is the problem? If somebody says something you do no agree with you attack them. Why are you so full of anger? I would not be surprised if you are a victim of crime as your mouth offends so many.
jacob
February 3, 2009, 6:13pm (report abuse)pass the bill, do you know tax dollars are spending about 27,000 dollars per yr for each inmate, wanna help the budget look at this as a real cut
James C Pennington
February 4, 2009, 11:16am (report abuse)Gary,
Take a hike. I would not be surprised if [insult removed].
James C Pennington
February 4, 2009, 11:18am (report abuse)On second thought Gary, perhaps you were an [insult removed].
Amy
February 4, 2009, 11:57am (report abuse)Mr. Pennington you have been reported for obscene/uncalled for comments!! Those comments were unnecessary!
James C Pennington
February 4, 2009, 12:54pm (report abuse)What's the matter Amy, did you finally figure out that you were missing out on Gary's business?
webmaster
February 4, 2009, 2:16pm (report abuse)This comment board is for discussing the merits and demerits of H.R. 61.
Comments that are impolite, off-topic, violations of others' rights, or advertisements are likely to be removed.
All commenters should consider whether what they say will persuade others about the merits of their views. Insults generally do not work.
marian
February 4, 2009, 6:04pm (report abuse)hey, this bill needs to be passed. Obama knows how serious the racial factor is in the fbop. black man are sentence more then a white man. because there scared to sale crack. white man hides behind a black man.it takes less for powder to crack---100 to 1 what kind of ratios are these. be fare and release these man who are sentence harshly. this mandatory minimum sentences is bull____!!!!! white man gets probation while you put the black man in for 5 years because the ratio graphs are set. be fare justice and stop the slavery for black man because you still can't see the dream of freedom and change.........unbelievable!!!! STOP
James C Pennington
February 4, 2009, 8:46pm (report abuse)And now we hear from the poor, downtrodden negro. Bullsh*t! You and yours are in jail because you are criminals, plain and simple. You do the crimes but you don't want to pay for them. I suppose the best thing is to ship all of you off to Africa. At least there the problem is quickly and thoroughly taken care of. Dead men don't have to worry about getting out of jail.
Dynamo
February 4, 2009, 10:13pm (report abuse)Mr. Pennington get a life.
James C Pennington
February 5, 2009, 11:15am (report abuse)Dynamo,
At least you could come up with something original.
Barb
February 5, 2009, 2:15pm (report abuse)I think H.R. 61 Should be passed. Taxpayers are spending an unbelievable amount of money to take care of nonviolent offenders. This has to stop. Our country could use the billions of dollars saved in many other ways.
Confused
February 5, 2009, 8:15pm (report abuse)So everyone is for it except Pennington? You are full of hate. I will pray for you.
Hopeful
February 6, 2009, 7:54am (report abuse)H.R. 61 needs to be passed NOW! This will save the taxpayers millions and millions of dollars.
James C Pennington
February 6, 2009, 8:35am (report abuse)Not hate, just tired of seeing criminals turned back out on the streets. The bleeding hearts have decided that punishment is too cruel. As far as I am concerned the criminal should be required to serve the full sentence. At least in that way they won;t be preying on the citizens while they are in jail. As to the cost, why not try to calculate the cost to the victims and see what you come up with.
Joyful
February 7, 2009, 7:12am (report abuse)The day H.R. 61 is passed will be a joyful day for the American taxpayers. Billions of dollars will be saved.
PRACTICAL
February 7, 2009, 6:46pm (report abuse)WHY ARE WE PAYING FOR WHITE COLLAR CRIMINALS TO BE IN PRISON WHEN THEY COULD RETURN MORE GOOD THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE.
REALITY
February 8, 2009, 10:26am (report abuse)THIS BILL COULD BE A BENEFIT FOR OUR PRISONS AND OUR COMMUNITIES.
HOPE
February 8, 2009, 10:35am (report abuse)YES
L.
February 8, 2009, 7:10pm (report abuse)This bill should be passed - three criteria must be met and if met - non violent offenders should be released - crazy to be wasting this kind of money in our current economic state.
Brian
February 8, 2009, 7:11pm (report abuse)I have read this bill in its entirety and vote YES! It just makes sense.
CJ
February 8, 2009, 7:22pm (report abuse)YES!
danielle mullery
February 8, 2009, 7:29pm (report abuse)In todays economy, there is no reason to spend billions of dollars on these persons to be held in prison. I think it's in the country's best interest to pass this bill.
Elle S.
February 8, 2009, 9:42pm (report abuse)Violent offenders go to state prison for less time than non-violent federal offenders and get paroled in the state after months, not years. Get these inmates out doing something to help our community, not hurt it. Keeping them in hurts us and wastes our money.
WakeUp
February 9, 2009, 12:16am (report abuse)The most important fact that many people overlook is, "first time, non-violent offender." This obviously means that they do not lead a life of crime nor do they pose a threat to society. Many of these offenders made a mistake and wish they could go back and change it. Does this mean we should penalize their families and society? After all, taxpayers have to pay to house these inmates. Where do you think the money comes from? The cost to house these inmates greatly exceeds the cost to monitor them. Why not let them be productive working members of society and enable them to make a difference in their children's lives. They still have to follow strict guidelines and report regularly to their PO. Those who oppose are just ignorant to the strain and hardship it creates on everyone's lives, including their own. In response to the comment "can't do the time, don't do the crime"...be thankful you didn't get caught.
WakeUp
February 9, 2009, 12:33am (report abuse)Response to Mr. Pennington, you are the uneducated, ignorant social class you describe and obviously have a voice nobody wants to hear...thats why you spend all your time stirring up drama on this site. Word of advice, go back to school, graduate first grade and then come back with a useful opposition. Ignorant SOB. By the way, I'm a white boy. (Sorry webmaster, I needed to get that off my chest.)
HELP
February 9, 2009, 7:08am (report abuse)SOME PUNISHMENTS ARE MUCH TOO STRICT. THIS COULD CORRECT SOME OF THOSE SENTENCINGS.
D.B.
February 9, 2009, 7:35am (report abuse)I believe this bill should be passed. Non violent offenders who have made an honest mistake are getting longer sentences than violent crimminals.
Confident
February 9, 2009, 8:14am (report abuse)H.R. 61 MUST BE PASSED. The American people are spending billions of dollars to jail first time non-violent offenders. In our present economic crisis, this is a major waste of taxpayer money.
To Pennington
February 9, 2009, 10:56am (report abuse)Who are the victims in first time non-violent offenders? What about the victims where their accused perpetrator cannot go to prison for the length of time they are supposed to because they haven't got room?
Amy
February 9, 2009, 1:26pm (report abuse)Does anyone know why they have "has attained age 45" as meeting part of the criteria? Please no smart alleck comments. There are some incarcerated that are under that age that would meet the "non-violent, first time offender" criteria.
Cindy
February 9, 2009, 3:07pm (report abuse)first time non-violent offenders.... plus you have to meet the criteria for early release. Our country would benefit by this bill passing! Let these people be productive in society again.
lwood
February 9, 2009, 4:57pm (report abuse)Mr.Pennington--I do have an honest question for you. Have you ever made a mistake in your life? Yes I do agree that those you have broken the law should be punished and should pay their debt back to society. However, some of the first time offenders, not all, just made a mistake in their lives. Yes granted, some are bigger mistakes than you or I would make, but nonetheless a mistake. People can learn from their mistakes. Remember this is for first time non-violent offenders. This is not to let the violent offenders out early, it is to "give a second" chance to those you made a big mistake once in their lives. No on is perfect. I do think the non violent offender should be allowed a reduced sentence and make room for the violent offenders that really do need to be serving their time and off the streets. Give the non violent 1st time offenders a chance to regain a sense of normalcy before it's time for them to retire and taxpayers are having to support them in and out of prison.
JUST CAUSE
February 9, 2009, 5:07pm (report abuse)I HOPE THIS BILL PASSES. IT JUST MAKES SENSE.