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H.R. 2449, The Fresh Start Act of 2011 (1729 comments ↓)
- This item is from the 112th Congress (2011-2012) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
H.R. 2449 would permit expungement of records of certain nonviolent criminal offenses.
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Visitor Comments
sookie
April 25, 2012, 6:50pm (report abuse)And YOU'RE the only one that opposes this bill on here, so quit acting like YOU'RE multiple people on here when YOU'RE not.
Keep Voting YES!!
Comun goal
April 25, 2012, 10:14pm (report abuse)Hi, once in a while a show up and see the same molester fabricating post and answering to himself.
This interloper is delusional, has nothing else useful to do other than injecting his mental sickness into this conversation here.
Let him talk to himself. Crazy people do that.
I've been told not to post and you should do the same. This man posts messages and answers to himself and don't fall into his trap believing that he may be engaging in conversation this somebody else.
Do not make any comment. Let this man talk and answer to himself. If you show up here by accident just close up and go away. DO NOT POST. He is the only one remaining here.
@Comun goal
May 1, 2012, 2:15pm (report abuse)What is a "Comun goal"? Is that some sort of disease? Inquiring minds want to know.
But you are right, sookie and several other posters here are all the same person. It is pretty obvious from the lack of good grammar in the posts.
Hmmmm, could it be that you are also one of them? After all, a careful review of your post does show a real lack of grammatical prowess.
***
May 2, 2012, 3:52pm (report abuse)It's that Thomas K. scumbag again. What a db!
Marie V
May 2, 2012, 4:10pm (report abuse)Got here by referral. Read most posts. I'm interested in this Fresh Start Bill. However, as I can see the this man has made impossible to discuss what I was hoping to do and follow up on this legislation among interested people. I've been told that what this man is doing can be considered a federal crime of interstate harassment. According to what I've been told one of the injured party must press charges in order for this to be prosecuted. I can leave my e-mail in case you are willing to go ahead because I'd like to join. Also Homeland Security will have to be told about this man because according to what me and my husband have been able to figure out this man is a clear nut case and we don't know what he would do if left unchecked.
Either you post your thoughts here or on Petition to Congress website. Thanks.
***
May 2, 2012, 11:04pm (report abuse)Awwwwwww, are you offended? If so, maybe you should leave. I hear that your old man is a butt-nut and are real whacko to be sure.
The Legal Eagle
May 3, 2012, 5:04pm (report abuse)It looks like this bill will die in committee,unfortunately.
***
May 3, 2012, 7:52pm (report abuse)The fight will continue. There will be relief one day.
The Legal Eagle
May 3, 2012, 10:14pm (report abuse)Maybe someday, but not today.
***
May 4, 2012, 8:47am (report abuse)It looks like this bill will die in committee,fortunately.
The fight will end. There is no reason for this bill.
Not today. Not ever.
***
May 7, 2012, 7:02pm (report abuse)Count me in on the federal harassment lawsuit against this sub-human parasite that plagues this site. He's in for a world of trouble now!!
The Legal Eagle
May 7, 2012, 8:30pm (report abuse)Did I miss something? I see no threats of violence on this site. Now just whom is being harrassed? If you are going to go on such flimsy evidence, then you should be aware that the defendant can file a countersuit against you.
***
May 7, 2012, 10:49pm (report abuse)We are going to get homeland security involved and have them open up an investigation into this parasite. I have a feeling he's into more than what he put's on here. I'm affraid his tentacles may reach outside of the U.S.,international harassment may be an appropiate charge.
The Legal Eagle
May 8, 2012, 11:17am (report abuse)I would think that DHS has a lot on their plate right now, but you can try.
***
May 8, 2012, 11:18am (report abuse)OOOOHHHHH!
SCARY!
***
May 8, 2012, 1:12pm (report abuse)Oh you better be scared because the feds may be knocking on your door one day. Then you're going to have to answer some pretty tough question about your actions. I would be a little nervous too.
***
May 8, 2012, 1:24pm (report abuse)THESE ARE CRIMINALS, CONVICTED FELONS.
DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO HIDE THEIR PAST CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.
VOTE NO!
***
May 8, 2012, 1:26pm (report abuse)Thugs and criminals whining and crying about their criminal records.
Too Bad!
So Sad!
You did the crime. Now you have the record to carry with you. Seems fair to me.
But then, I'm not a criminal looking to hide my past either.
***
May 8, 2012, 1:33pm (report abuse)Thugs and scumbags, all of you.
VOTE NO!
***
May 8, 2012, 1:42pm (report abuse)Sounds like you're getting a little scared. Is that why you posted three comments back to back? Starting to feel the heat RK? It won't be long till the feds will be knocking on your door.
Concerned One
May 8, 2012, 7:02pm (report abuse)I had hopes for a possibility of some decent discussion here. The agitators, from both sides, had started to slow down in their rhetoric.
Now we see the hollow threats of lawsuits and federal intervention from a few less-than-informed individuals. Anyone who had a lick of common sense would know there is no chance the Department of Homeland Security would even listen to a complaint. And any lawsuit would be thrown out of court as frivilous. In fact, you could find yourself on the other end of a lawsuit very easily.
The result of all this trash-talking has been an upturn in the stupidity.
When will some of you learn to ignore those postings intended to disrupt the discussion? All you have done is play into the hands of those who are against this bill.
???
May 9, 2012, 6:02am (report abuse)And you feed right into it by acknowledging their very existence. I have not seen one post from you giving me any indication that you would like to discuss this bill in a civil manner. Please prove me wrong.
Concerned One
May 9, 2012, 7:52am (report abuse)All right. Here's a start.
How do any of the supporters here propose to put sufficient pressure on legislators to bring this bill to a vote?
Petitions seem to have no effect. Letter writing campaigns haven't worked so far. What so you think will bring about action on the bill?
***
May 9, 2012, 1:41pm (report abuse)Thugs and criminals whining and crying about their criminal records.
Too Bad!
So Sad!
You did the crime. Now you have the record to carry with you. Seems fair to me.
But then, I'm not a criminal looking to hide my past either.
The Legal Eagle
May 9, 2012, 1:55pm (report abuse)It looks like it is a "little late in the game" to start contacting politicians now. I thought that there would be some progress on the bill or at least some civil discussion on this forum. That is what brought me here in the first place.
Concerned One
May 9, 2012, 3:40pm (report abuse)I don't think it's ever too late to express to legislators how you feel about a piece of legislation.
The problem I see is finding a way that will cause them to consider taking action on the bill.
So far the things I have seen mentioned are pretty unproductive when dealing with an issue like this.
The Legal Eagle
May 9, 2012, 10:38pm (report abuse)From what I can see, much of the lack of progress in moving this bill along lies with Congressman Cohen himself. Don't forget, this session ends in January 2013. If nothing is done before then, this bill will have to be re-introduced in the next congress.
Concerned One
May 9, 2012, 11:50pm (report abuse)It does appear that Congressman Cohen has been less than strong in pushing this bill along. The same thing happened last session so no one should be too surprised.
Since this is an election year the makeup of the congress could change next session.
In the Senate 23 Democratic seats are up while only 10 Republican seats will be contested. Could swing the senate the other way.
In the House of Representatives all 435 voting seats are up for grabs. Again no way to know.
Still, I believe it is important to try to keep this issue in the minds of congress for next session, if a similar bill is introduced.
***
May 10, 2012, 10:57am (report abuse)Thugs and scumbags, all of you.
VOTE NO!
***
May 13, 2012, 12:04am (report abuse)Vote Yes! We deserve a second chance.
M
May 13, 2012, 9:00am (report abuse)I just recently got hired as an accounting clerk and during my interview I explained my conviction to them and was told that it's "no problem and just a part of life". After I did my drug screening and waited on the results of my background check I get a call from the corprate office telling me that they saw a conviction on my record and want to know about it. Well I told her all about it and shortly after that she says that they can no longer offer me the position. I was actually pretty shocked considering the conviction is only a misdemeanor and the fact that I had already warned them about it. I have an great resume and have have applied to almost thirty places and yet I still can't catch a break.I can not imagine what it must be like to be a convicted felon and to be looking for a job, it's almost like they want you to get put into a situation where you end up in jail or prison.
M
May 13, 2012, 9:01am (report abuse)It sure does seem like if you have been convicted of a crime your almost certainly forced to commit other crimes just to survive. All I can say is don't ever get into a fight no matter how drunk the other guy is because it will ruin you life!
treerat
May 13, 2012, 10:42am (report abuse)Convicted under a plea bargain because I was scared as hell to go to jail and the court appointed attorney said "They have me by the short hairs it's better to take the pleabargain", from grand larceny to burglary plea for just helping a friend put an unknown stolen ac wall unit(never even seen where he got the thing from) in my car to go sell to have money for gas to go to the beach and have fun at 19years old for the weekend back in 1990.you people that think everyone that is convicted of a crime needs to stay this way and not get ahead in life just because he/she was in the wrong place at the wrong time sorta deal,need to get a life worse than anyone I have seen or known.I did hard labor for the past 22 years cutting and climbing trees.I went to school and got a degree in 2000 for computer science,but,the economy pushed me out and trying to get another job in the electronic field doesn't do any good when every employer is being picky about 20 year old convictions or even longer.
Anonymous
May 13, 2012, 12:30pm (report abuse)I am in favor for this bill to become law soon. People make mistakes, learn from them and deserve a chance to start over. The only way to do this is to be employed. The stigma of a criminal record makes it even more difficult to find work in an already troubled economy. Drug addiction should be seen as a health issue not a "criminal issue" and I think that most people who have addiction issues related to getting into trouble with the law can become productive members of society. We should give them a chance to get sober through rehabilitation for their illness not "punishment". I believe there would be far less crime if people with addiction problems, and psychological problems are given the treatment and support they need. PLEASE VOTE IN FAVOR of this law.Drug addiction, mental illness, poverty, crime, etc. will improve if we address it as a health issue. If we help "sick people" get better and not punish them for the rest of their lives for mistakes,we can help society improve.
sookie
May 13, 2012, 2:06pm (report abuse)If there are any new comers here join our group and help fight for our rights back. Go to yahoo groups and type in supporters of expungement legislation and let's get the word out there.
VOTE NO!
May 13, 2012, 4:37pm (report abuse)Thugs and scumbags, all of you.
VOTE NO!
sharmaine
May 13, 2012, 5:09pm (report abuse)A close relative of mine spent some time in prison for a felony conviction. 15 years ago, he applied for an entry level telephone customer service position at an insurance company. HE WAS COMPLETELY HONEST ABOUT HIS CONVICTION. They took a chance and gave him a job. Over time he has worked his way up in that company slowly taking on more and more responsibility. Over the years he took some classes and eventually earned his college degree. Last week he was promoted again and received a SIGNIFICANT pay raise. The company he works for is a large company. You have heard of them. A conviction or mistake you have made in your past does not have to define you for the rest of your life. People do come back after mistakes and jail time.
Tim Allen, Robert Downy Jr. and Charles S. Dutton are examples of people who turned their lives completely around.
sharmaine
May 13, 2012, 5:10pm (report abuse)Be willing to start at the very bottom and work your way up and be HONEST about your past. This is key. If you aren't and they find out later you will lose your job. All of this requires you to be very humble which can be hard for some people, especially if in their previous career they were very high up or they are highly educated. It simply takes time to build trust in the community again. However, eventually, no will know or care about your past.
My relative dealt with this as well. Someone found out about his conviction and started spreading rumors about him around the office. When this happened, his boss called him into his office and told him not to worry. He is a good employee, they appreciate his hard work, and nothing is going to change. And the person who exposed his private information to other employee's in the company? THEY were disciplined! No one likes a rat.
sharmaine
May 13, 2012, 5:11pm (report abuse)It might take some time but you will be alright as long as you humble yourself and make a commitment to stay out of trouble. Put a few years between you and the incident and no one will care, guaranteed.
webmaster
(logged-in user) May 13, 2012, 5:45pm (report abuse)Don't like another's comments?
Logged-in users can hide the comments of others. When you do, all future comments from the same person disappear, too. Read about it here:
http://tinyurl.com/TurnYourBack
When you use a petition page for discussion, it's only available to people who have joined you in support of the petition. Create a petition here:
http://www.washingtonwatch.com/petitions/create/
Never respond to rude comments. That only encourages the "trolls" who post them.
http://tinyurl.com/DNFTTonWaWa
The Truth
May 13, 2012, 7:10pm (report abuse)@The Webmaster
Why don't you do something with the person that just keeps copying and pasting the same thing over and over. If you would deal with the problem then you would see your website attracting better people.
@sharmaine
May 13, 2012, 7:28pm (report abuse)Sound advice. The problem for some, at least as it appears to me, is that folks just want everything handed to them. "Please wipe my slate clean." That is the theme that runs through this.
Instead of working to earn trust again they want someone else to "fix it" for them.
All this may sound hard-core but just why shouldn't convicted criminals be required to do what is needed to get back to a productive place in society?
The Real Truth
May 13, 2012, 7:29pm (report abuse)Society has good reason to be concerned about criminals in their midst.
All the whining in the world does not change this fact - these are convicted felons we are talking about.
Some bleeding hearts and some who obviously have ulterior motives would have everyone believe the prosecutors are misusing their power, that the government is out to put everyone in jail, that the system just isn't fair.
What isn't fair is allowing these criminals to hide among the members of society. This bill seeks to make a mockery of justice with the idea that those who commit crimes should be able to hide. This is wrongheaded and should never be allowed.
If you care about justice please vote NO here and tell your legislators how you feel about this.
Let’s make sure these criminals don't get to hide and the possible chance to harm society again.
Thank you.
@The Truth
May 13, 2012, 7:33pm (report abuse)Don't like another's comments?
Here's another way to avoid seeing anything that you don't like - Don't come here. It's obvious that you would be happier on a site where everyone sits around moaning and crying about how unfair everything is today. Why not just go to those sites where the sniveling whine is coming from everyone around you. That way you will feel right at home.
@The Truth
May 14, 2012, 5:58pm (report abuse)"you would see your website attracting better people"
And by "better people" I'll bet you really mean more convicted criminals. Now that makes sense. NOT!
Terri
May 14, 2012, 10:51pm (report abuse)I can see not doing this for repeat offenders but for someone that made one mistake as long as it isn't child molestation,murder,domestic violence or child abuse then I see no reason not to vote yes
***
May 15, 2012, 12:50am (report abuse)All thugs and scumbags.
VOTE NO!
The Truth
May 15, 2012, 1:06pm (report abuse)What does it take to change the essence of a man?
It appears that the one that keeps copying and pasting the same thing over and over has no more respect for himself or the webmaster of this site. By habitually carrying out the same remedial comments one can only conclude that he is challenging the webmaster's authority by continually spitting in his face.
Concerned One
May 16, 2012, 8:53am (report abuse)Seems like the thread of spitting back and forth will continue here regardless of attempts to get past the childish behavior on both sides. All it does is derail any discussion.
The Legal Eagle
May 16, 2012, 11:58am (report abuse)What I'd like to know is why there has been so little progress on this bill in two years? I just got here and thought I'd lend a hand, but darn it, if the only efforts have been to "sign a petition" then this bill is doomed. Anyone even think of going directly to Cohen and inquiring why he is not backing his own bill? How about a "Dear Colleagues" letter or something?
Concerned One
May 17, 2012, 12:19am (report abuse)It does appear that perhaps Cohen is simply submitting this bill in order to placate a few constituents. This is not the first time Cohen has introduced this bill and it seems this time is much like the last - no action taken.
The Real Truth
May 17, 2012, 4:11pm (report abuse)Society has good reason to be concerned about criminals in their midst.
All the whining in the world does not change this fact - these are convicted felons we are talking about.
Some bleeding hearts and some who obviously have ulterior motives would have everyone believe the prosecutors are misusing their power, that the government is out to put everyone in jail, that the system just isn't fair.
What isn't fair is allowing these criminals to hide among the members of society. This bill seeks to make a mockery of justice with the idea that those who commit crimes should be able to hide. This is wrongheaded and should never be allowed.
If you care about justice please vote NO here and tell your legislators how you feel about this.
Let’s make sure these criminals don't get to hide and the possible chance to harm society again.
Thank you.
sookie
May 17, 2012, 6:04pm (report abuse)I share the same sentiments about cohen and believe that he's only pandering to the constituent's that make up a small percentage of his district.
The Legal Eagle
May 17, 2012, 8:31pm (report abuse)Exactly! It is obvious that Rangel is more of the same. Good Luck to everyone who is trying to make this bill pass!
***
May 20, 2012, 7:05pm (report abuse)VOTE NO! FEDERAL FELONS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO HIDE!
sookie
May 20, 2012, 10:13pm (report abuse)There needs to be a bill written up that will appeal to both Republicans and Democrats.
The Legal Eagle
May 21, 2012, 5:09pm (report abuse)Who is going to sponsor it then? I don't see any Republicans as co-sponsors on this bill.
***
May 21, 2012, 8:31pm (report abuse)I agree, there should be "peace on earth" as well.
***
May 25, 2012, 10:29pm (report abuse)Thugs and scumbags, all of you.
VOTE NO!
@***
May 28, 2012, 12:26pm (report abuse)Up yers piker! You and your two misdemeanor convictions for check kiting! If that isn't criminal, I don't know what is.
sookie
May 28, 2012, 3:24pm (report abuse)@ The webmaster
When are you going to do something about this guy that just keeps copying and pasting the same thing over and over. This is not the only bill he's doing this on. Please rectify this problem.
tiger
May 28, 2012, 4:14pm (report abuse)This memorial day weekend let's not forget about those that are in federal prison and deserve a second chance.
***
May 28, 2012, 6:04pm (report abuse)@sookie-The webmaster is not in today.
tiger
May 29, 2012, 6:51am (report abuse)Webmaster- When are you going to take control of this site and quit letting one person destroy the integrity of it. At least start deleting the comments that are used over and over.
@tiger
May 30, 2012, 12:07am (report abuse)What integrity do you have felon?
webmaster
(logged-in user) May 31, 2012, 11:10pm (report abuse)Don't like another's comments?
Logged-in users can hide the comments of others. When you do, all future comments from the same person disappear, too. Read about it here:
http://tinyurl.com/TurnYourBack
When you use a petition page for discussion, it's only available to people who have joined you in support of the petition. Create a petition here:
http://www.washingtonwatch.com/petitions/create/
Never respond to rude comments. That only encourages the "trolls" who post them.
http://tinyurl.com/DNFTTonWaWa
tiger
June 1, 2012, 6:54am (report abuse)@ webmaster
If you know this guy is a troll, and all he does is copy and paste, why not delete his comments that he post's over and over. This would be a good faith effort showing the real posters that you value their opinion. Something has to be done about this guy because he is ruining your website.
sookie
June 2, 2012, 10:35am (report abuse)The only reason he copy's and paste is because he's jumping around to so many bills. Look, his sole purpose on here is to disrupt meaningful debates between people. This is how he entertains himself. If the webmaster starts deleting his or anybody else's comments that are repetitive then he'll force those individual's to have to write something meaningful.
@sookie
June 2, 2012, 7:26pm (report abuse)Whenever "you" plan to write something meaningful, please let us know o.k.?
Patriots
(logged-in user) June 2, 2012, 11:36pm (report abuse)@If you know this guy is a troll, and all he does is copy and paste, why not delete his comments that he post's over and over.
Because this place still believes in the first amendment, and that adults should be able to handle themselves in online words...
I think our webmaster has better things to do than babysit.
Patriots
(logged-in user) June 2, 2012, 11:38pm (report abuse)Someone is familiar here...
Patriots
(logged-in user) June 3, 2012, 12:00am (report abuse)‘Sec. 3631. Expungement of certain criminal records in limited circumstances
‘(a) In General- Any eligible individual convicted of a nonviolent offense may file a petition under this subchapter for expungement with regard to that nonviolent offense.
‘(b) Definition of Nonviolent Offense- In this subchapter, the term ‘nonviolent offense’ means any offense under this title that--
‘(1) is not a crime of violence (as such term is defined in section 16 of title 18, United States Code); or
‘(2) is not an offense that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense.
Patriots
(logged-in user) June 3, 2012, 12:01am (report abuse)‘Sec. 3632. Requirements for expungement
‘An individual is eligible for expungement under this subchapter if that individual--
‘(1) at the time of filing, had never been convicted of any criminal offense (including any offense under State law) other than nonviolent offenses committed in a single criminal episode that includes the offense for which expungement is sought; and
‘(2) has fulfilled all requirements of the sentence of the court in which the individual was convicted of that nonviolent offense, including--
‘(A) paying all fines, restitutions, or assessments;
‘(B) completion of any term of imprisonment or period of probation;
‘(C) meeting all conditions of a supervised release; and
‘(D) if so required by the terms of the sentence, remaining free from dependency on or abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance for a period of not less than 1 year.
Patriots
(logged-in user) June 3, 2012, 12:04am (report abuse)I don't see any dangerous criminals in that...
Beatrix
(logged-in user) June 3, 2012, 12:58am (report abuse)This board needs more light blue.
Patriots
(logged-in user) June 3, 2012, 1:31am (report abuse)@Beatrix
Like we don't have enough to do already ;)
Sarah Lane
June 3, 2012, 12:31pm (report abuse)While you may not find a person who defrauded your grandmother out of over $8500 I do. And I will never think it is a good idea to "forgive" that individual, or anyone like them. Never!
Lois Lane
June 4, 2012, 5:51pm (report abuse)Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.
tamayo
June 4, 2012, 5:56pm (report abuse)And what I did there was no money involved and there was no victims. I can't see any reason why I shouldn't be given a second chance.
Patriots
(logged-in user) June 4, 2012, 9:12pm (report abuse)This is a special intelligence test for Trolls;
it will not work for normal human beings
Question 1: Are You A Troll
http://www.flayme.com/troll/quiz.shtml