"Second Amendment? I don't need no friggin' Second Amendment!"
Posted on 03/28/2007 11:02:54 AM PDT by YourAdHere
In a decision that could impact tens of thousands of current state residents, the Senate approved a bill that will allow all convicted criminals, including those found guilty of multiple violent crimes, to vote again after they have completed their court-ordered sentence.
Most Senate Democrats ignored the concerns of Republicans, defeating three amendments before voting 28-19 to pass the bill on March 23. Five Democrats joined 14 Republicans in voting against the bill. On the same day, the House postponed debate on its version of the proposal, and is scheduled to resume on March 26.
In the Senate, supporters of the change ignored complaints by opponents that the legislation amounted to a "reward" for even the most heinous acts of violent.
"The right to vote is a basic right that we all have an opportunity and a privilege to enjoy," said Sen. Gwendolyn T. Britt, a Prince George's County Democrat. "We want them [offenders] to come back; we want them to be productive, we want them to pay taxes, we want them to be individuals who are upstanding in our community." The legislation, which would take effect on July 1, proposes to reinstate voting rights to felons once they have completed all elements of their sentence, including parole and probations.
Currently, individuals convicted of a second or subsequent crime of violence, including murder and rape, are ineligible to vote in Maryland, as are those convicted of buying or selling votes.
In addition, those who have a subsequent conviction for theft or "infamous" crimes like fraud and corruption must wait three years after the completion of their court-ordered sentence before being allowed to vote. The Sentencing Project, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization for sentencing reform, estimates that there are 5.3 million ex-offenders ineligible to vote, including more than 2 million who have completed their sentence.
About 15,000 inmates were released from the Department of Corrections between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006, with more than half estimated to have been imprisoned on felony convictions.
"This bill is about being part of the rehabilitation process of individuals," said Sen. Verna L. Jones, a Baltimore City Democrat. "This is one more way of trying to empower those individuals to become productive citizens."
But Brochin, who represents Baltimore County, called Maryland's current law on felony voting "reasonable." "I think the world is upside down that we're debating this," he said. "I think this is the wrong way to go, and I think that when you commit unlimited felonies ... you got to draw the line somewhere."
Sen. Alex X. Mooney, a Republican from Frederick County who unsuccessfully sought to amend the bill to exclude first- and second-degree murder convictions, said that subsequent offenses for rape and murder should require a "permanent" end to voting rights.
"I can't believe you brought this bill to the floor," Mooney said. "I don't know why we're going down this road."
Just before the Senate vote, Sen. Delores G. Kelley, a Democrat from Baltimore County, used the Bible to buttress her case for supporting the bill.
"David wouldn't pass muster under the Code of Maryland the way we have it now, because he committed at least two felonies," she said.
"Many of us worship in faith communities that would see Moses and David as outstanding persons – persons that you would hope young people could emulate. And we know about the good that they were able to do later in their lives. That's what we want from people who have once been incarcerated."
BEWARE - Voting rights should track exactly with gun ownership rights.......!
I'm sorry I misread the headline. I thought it said "give felons the bullet".
Works for me.
If it was a single incident or multiple crimes associated with a single event (like 2 counts of burglary and 2 counts of B & E on the same date and same location,) give 'em 5 years AFTER their sentence is completed. If, 5 years after their sentence is COMPLETE, let 'em vote.
Habitual criminals, no way.
Are their 2nd Amendment rights going to be restored also?
Hitlery has long spoken out for felons voting rights. Just as she has spoken out in favor of getting rid of the Electoral College.
All Democrats to be equal.
The liberals had to do something to make it up to their constitutency after collapsing under pressure and allowing Jessica's Law to pass. I guess this was it.
Besides, the felons already voted in Maryland. How do you think Parris Glendening got elected? Probably Marty Boy, too. (Maybe our friend MD4Bush knows something about that.) Now they can come out of the shadows.
Chuckle.
Given enough time they will be.
Sounds like some members of the MD Senate are in danger of losing their right to vote.
It may be time to move out of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Maryland. Other than kids in Annapolis, I really have nothing keeping me from moving to VA or WV.
This is pathetic.
We have one party that takes from the system. OR take advantage of the system.
The takers are mostly Gov't employees, Lawyers, Welfare recepients and now FELONS.
Time to get ready for a revolution.
I'm a felon (drunk driving) and I vote conservative. I wouldn't suggest allowing prison inmates to vote but after a person has served their time I don't see a problem. In the end, it's up to the individual states.
Only a fool would really believe a felon sits around wishing they could vote and elect democrats. My conservative bent came first with my wish to stay out of trouble. Then came my wish to vote.
Yep, we are looking in WV right now.
I do believe that's the way it is in many states. Including mine, Indiana. No bastion of liberalism.
Not arguing for or against, just that this is not unique.
VA is turning purple but we can still carry guns.
Well, it refer to it as Civil War II, but you're right. Blood will flow to restore the Constitution and rid the Nation of commie/leftie scum.
Northern VA's control over state politics and purse strings, plus whackjobs like Webb make me hesitant to consider it. It may depend on how long the commute is from WV.
Once again we are coddling the scummy dregs of society. A friend of mine who works in a Federal Prison says they are no longer permitted to call the wire surrounding the perimeter "razor wire" because the term "upsets the inmates". Instead it must be referred to as a perimeter "barrier". Give me a freakin' break.
Rodents just looking out for the concerns of their prime constituents.
Yup.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
"after a person has served their time I don't see a problem"
Agreed. This used to be called "paying your debt to society". Once the debt is paid, the punishment should be over. If a person constitutes a threat he ought to be under lock and key.
To be honest I have no problem with somebody who has served his time being granted back his voting rights.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
You are very wrong.
Even after serving their time, their are certain rights that felons relinquish besides voting.
In most (perhaps all) states felons can not get an insurance license or a securities license.
The lesson learned by this is that the scum of society can rape, rob, kill and do general mayhem as long as they vote for Democrat candidates. Illegal immigrants are especially requested to apply for similar pleasures.
"Second Amendment? I don't need no friggin' Second Amendment!"
So, anyone with any type of prior felony conviction should be stripped of the right to bear arms forever. Right?
If they paid their debt, let 'em vote.
Felons are 2nd class citizens.
There are consequences when you are caught commiting a serious crime. Including not being able to go loaded.
Personally I'd like to see more felons pardoned after 25+ years of being on the right side of the law.
"It's called prison. If they are dangerous, keep them there. Once out they should be left to get on with their lives."
Are you opposed to people being paroled?
Should a child rapist be permitted to become a teacher after they've done their time?
Should prospective employers not be permitted to ask about crimes/felonies committed?
You sound bitter. What we're you busted for?
The thing to avoid is incarcerated people voting. I think Maine is the only state that "legally" allows prison inmates to vote. A guy sitting in prison will vote just to change the pace of his day and he'll vote for leniency every time.
The democrats want to confuse the issue and open up an inmate voting base. John Conyers has repeatedly said that felons can't vote in Michigan. It's a lie intended to eventually open the prisons to voting. The reality is that in Michigan a person with a felony record can vote as long as they aren't in jail, in prison, on parole or probation.
It's an issue that should be left up to the states. I'm happy that I can vote here and only wish people would inform themselves before launching into emotional rants about felons running out to vote democrat.
I work with a girl that lives in WV and works here in VA. The two main corridors into VA from WV are off of I-81 and the traffic moves extremely fast during commuter hours.
"Are you opposed to people being paroled? "
No. I'm opposed to ad hoc punishment after the sentence is over.
"Should a child rapist be permitted to become a teacher after they've done their time? "
Their time should never end. They can teach in prison if they want.
"Should prospective employers not be permitted to ask about crimes/felonies committed? "
They should be able to ask whatever they want.
"What we're you busted for?"
I'm clean
Does Maryland give voters the option of recalling state legislators?
I wish!
Once a person's debt has been paid, I believe they should be restored to citizenship... including the right to keep and bear arms. If not, then they are non-citizens and should also not have to pay taxes.
Welcome to the People's Republic of Maryland
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