Quote Originally Posted by RB 60 View Post
Do you think it should be held against them for life even though they prove they can become productive citizens?
Well, let me share some personal history here.
Back when I was 22, a few friends and myself (we owned some pretty fast cars) were having a few beers down by the river. Just as beer often grows muscles, it also increases the amount of horsepower in one's automobile. One of those friends bet me $5 his 440 MOPAR could dust my 351C Ford. After chasing him all over town to collect my $5, he finally stopped, but by then my car was running about 220+ degrees and I decided to go home. On my way home through my town (at 1:30 in the morning with no traffic), I was running a consistent 1500 rpm in 3 rd gear, running stop signs on my way. Unknowing to me, a cop was sitting with his lights off at one of those stop signs. Well, stupid me, thought I could out run him, and I did until taking a 90 degree turn a block from my house. I hit 3rd. gear instead of 1st. and stalled my engine. I got out of my car and leaned against the trunk until the cop caught up to me. Pissed that I had gained so much distance on him, he proceeded to get the vehicle code book out and started writing citations. after nearly 1/2 hour and a stack of citations about 1/2 inch thick, I went home. Fortunately, it wasn't a felony at that time.
Now, after lawyer fees, fines (that amounted to over $2000) and losing my license for 6 months, I learned something, to say the least.
Since that time (35 yrs. ago), I voted in every election, maintained gainful employment, retained my CCW permit, became a certified firearms instructor, competed in hi-power rifle competitions, bought a home, got married, then divorced and am living quite comfortably to name just a few of my accomplishments. I have only had contact with law enforcement (except at our gun club and a casual conversation) 3 times since, 2 speeding tickets and one running a stop sign (bet your ass, I stopped for that one!).
Should I have lost my rights then? Did I, after having that brush with the law, deserve not to prove I could (and did) become a productive citizen? Or should I have been shot on sight?