Step in the Correct Direction

"This amendment restores the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions after they complete all terms of their sentence including parole or probation. The amendment would not apply to those convicted of murder or sexual offenses, who would continue to be permanently barred from voting unless the Governor and Cabinet vote to restore their voting rights on a case by case basis."

Florida’s Constitutional Amendment 

Florida governor signs law allowing felons to vote but there's a price

(Reuters) - Florida’s Republican governor on Friday signed a bill to restore the voting rights for felons who have served their time but he wants them to pay all fines and restitution before casting a ballot, a hurdle that immediately drew a lawsuit from civil rights groups.

DYI:  The ACLU is complaining when financial restitution or fines is applied those whose who have financial resources [themselves or family] will have a significant advantage over those who do not.  Let’s get back to that once we cover laws that should be written based upon basic morals.

First is the premise that once a convicted felon has served all aspects of punishment they have successfully fulfilled their debt to society.  The point here is they either have or have not filled their debt.  Stated punishment is not forever unless the convict is sentence life in prison or life on parole.  Once completed it is finished.  Once finished all rights and privileges of a U.S. citizen should be restored.  Not just voting but gun ownership as well.  Florida’s amendment doesn’t go far enough it should restore gun ownership.

As far as the ACLU is concerned unless these fines or restitution is way out of line with the conviction I have a bit of advice for our would be new felon, “Don’t do the crime unless you can do the time and in this case pay the fines and/or restitution!”  When it comes to this the ACLU can go and pound sand for eternity.  However if the fines/restitution is absurdly out of line with the offense I will switch sides and back the ACLU fighting for legislation limiting financial punishment.

As with all things in life it is case by case making sure our laws have a basic moral backbone that any reasonable citizen whether left, right, Dem or Republican will agree.  In my judgment that is the rock that a civil society is based upon.

DYI