The Division Bell

We live in a society based on fear. We sell people billions of dollars in fear annually.

Fear is a deciding political factor. Everyone seemingly wants less crime. So, we get

tough and the crime rate rises. A recent example is public displays of property crime

offenders in the local paper. In addition to the DWI offenders. Is it just

me or does humiliation generally fail? It's not an effective deterent. You're more likely

to piss people off by turning one infraction into a modern day scarlett letter.

Plus, the whole police state connotations. Which was cemented with red light cameras.

In a way it boils down to inclusion or exclusion. Do we exclude said offenders of whatever crime?

Prevent them from employment, renting an apartment and similar circumstances? Essentially,

re-convict people every time they try to get an apartment or job?

In the name of the prurient interest a lot of oppressive policies have been enacted.

Is the public good and property values really in grave danger by leasing to tenants

with a mixed or not so kosher past?

It can be and the few gangsters,etc. who want to use an apartment for a base to

run drugs ruin it for people who truly want to better themselves.

The truth is we need to include individuals with shady records even if it's on a probationary

period. If they prove themselves then it's good. If they use the property to ill repute then they fail. I believe this much is at a corporations discretion.

Truthfully, background checks are a way of marginalizing a vast segment. It's taking

away a chance before it existed. Automatic exclusion will lead to enmass recitivism.

If you deprive an individual of all avenues of self betterment you invite criminal activity.

We as a whole must turn a blind eye by not being able to see at the outset.

Meaning background checks must be eliminated as a prerequisite on all rental agreements.

There needs to be something legally in place making felons a protected class in reguards to background checks.

Violent or sex related crimes should still be open record. Though we either give those

individuals options or we give them an open invite to remain

the anti-social individual.

This is common logic. Of course people will return to the bottom rung if you

cut away the upper steps of said ladder.

Our "getting tough" and fear is digging the trench of societal problems deeper.

Fear is understandable but living under it is unacceptable.