The Opportunity to Compete
Today, 1 out of 4 Americans has a criminal record that acts as a barrier to employment and civic participation. In order to strengthen our American democracy, our submission lifts up the idea that all Americans should have a fair shot to compete for employment and thereby become contributing taxpayers. When people have the opportunity to compete for work, we gain better workers and better citizens.
14 comments
Kelly Dougherty • over 7 years ago
Important issue, excellent video!
Richard Greenberg • over 7 years ago
This is a great video with an eloquent message and, most of all, lifts up a fundamental idea essential to strengthening our democracy and making the American Dream real: fair competition. What's more democratic and American than having an opportunity to compete?
Frank Barszcz • over 7 years ago
This is an important issue and a powerful message. Anyone who has made a mistake and paid their debt to society deserves the opportunity to compete for work on a level playing ground. For many Americans "Banning the Box" takes one more bump out of the road to success.
Craig Levine • over 7 years ago
Criminal records have become the scarlet letter of our age. People shouldn't be judged in perpetuity on the basis of their worst moment. Were that the universal standard -- rather than one applied only to those whose worst moment became known -- there'd be no full citizens in the entire country. Some democracy, that.
Eduardo Martinez • over 7 years ago
This is a great video advancing a very important cause. I look forward to the day when these unnecessary barriers to employment are removed. It is a matter of justice.
Doc N • over 7 years ago
We often claim that we want people who go astray of the law to rehabilitate but then we have thousands of laws that restrict their access to jobs, housing and education. We can not continue to say one thing and do another. It costs to much financially-- and in lost human potential.
Chigozie Onyema • over 7 years ago
Very compelling video on one of the most important issues of our time.
maMark Haase • over 7 years ago
Great succinct and clear argument.
Brittany McNeal • over 7 years ago
Great video, it was very informative! ~ McNeal Family
Betsy Cavendish • over 7 years ago
Thanks, Cornell. We cannot afford as a society to forsake so many. Eloquently put.
A. Williams • over 7 years ago
When fair and equal opportunity is denied, families, neighborhoods, communities and ultimately society pays the price.
Walter Allen • over 7 years ago
Awsome! I was once a victim of a very early offense in my life. "The box" got me more than once. Time has taken care of that and I have persevered. But it is easy to see how "the box" dissuades so many people. Excellent idea for change!
Joanne Ware • over 7 years ago
I really like the video. I feel people should have a chance to work and develop a life which would benefit them as wellas society.
General Zulu • over 7 years ago
This was an excellent presentation Brother Brooks. While it is sure to get support for the bill, it does not go far enough. Many of that 65 million have served time and committed serious offenses, sometimes violent. Everybody deserves a right to compete unless legally barred from that area of employment.
I'm reminded of a great leader who once said, "as you do it for the least of these you've done it unto me".
Anyone who is willing to put in an honest days work should be allowed to compete for any job he or she is not legally barred from holding. This point needs to be made by someone. I suppose a half loaf is better than none; it is a start. However, the underlying principle is that returned citizens regardless of the severity of their criminal history need to be able to earn a living wage. For those who want to earn a honest wage, respect public safety and be responsible citizens all barriers to appropriate employment should be removed!!!!