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Today's Poll: Should felons be able to get their gun-ownership rights back?

By Howard B. Owens
tim raines

I guess they should be able to since a convicted felon can serve in our lame congress. Give them back their voting rights too.

While we're at it, also give them a free membership in the NRA.

Maybe a "reality" show so we can watch the next crime they commit.

Nov 14, 2011, 9:52am Permalink
C. M. Barons

First, there is no Constitutional right to vote; only prohibitions on tests that might deprive one of eligibility to vote. The right to bear arms cannot be compared to the privilege of voting. Secondly, only eight states deprive felons of the right to vote; most states restore voting privileges upon time served. Some even allow the incarcerated to vote.

http://felonvoting.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=286

A Constitutionally protected right cannot be rescinded without Constitutional language or federal law. Within federal firearm statutes, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), anyone "convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year” is barred from possessing a gun." The law DOES protect gun-ownership rights of bankers and other Wall Street types: crimes that DO NOT forfeit gun-ownership rights, antitrust violations, unfair trade practices, restraints of trade, or other similar offenses. Bernie Madoff will likely need to pack something when he gets out of jail in 2159.

Nov 14, 2011, 12:57pm Permalink
C. M. Barons

There seems to be a breech of logic here. Take away gun-ownership rights until "expiration of sentence." One presumes the incarcerated will not be in possession of his/her guns while serving sentence. ...Or are you advocating confiscation as well?

Nov 14, 2011, 2:49pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

I would think if someone is crazy enough to drive drunk,they might just be crazy drunk enough to shoot someone.
Alcohol and gunpowder don't mix. No guns for any felons, period.

Nov 14, 2011, 4:04pm Permalink
John Roach

CM,
No, but if a person is given prison/jail time, there is usually a period of post release supervision. When that period of supervision has expired, the sentence is over (Maximum Expiration). I would wait until then to restore gun ownership.

Nov 14, 2011, 5:00pm Permalink
John Roach

CM,
By the way, most people sentenced to serve prison or local jail time are release prior to the end of the sentence. Example: Sentenced to 2-4 years prison time. You must serve the 2 years. Then you might be released to parole for the last 2 years

Nov 14, 2011, 5:03pm Permalink

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