Restoring Rights to Convicted Felons

Re “Lift Ban Against Felons Being Able to Vote,” by Earl Ofari Hutchinson, Commentary, Sept. 27: I am surprised to hear that the sole purpose for law enforcement’s efforts over the years was to incarcerate more blacks. I guess the declining crime rates we are currently experiencing are just an unintended byproduct of these efforts.

Comparing these laws to Jim Crow voting bans is a bit more than a stretch. Law-abiding, productive members of society, regardless of race or ethnic background, deserve the right to vote. Criminals must realize that the crimes they commit, even those lesser crimes (Hutchinson’s assertion) such as auto theft, carry penalties beyond incarceration, fines and probation.

I just hope anyone who steals my car serves a long, hard sentence and is never again afforded the right to vote. I did work long and hard to pay for the car in the first place.

JOHN J. INGHAM

Simi Valley

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Convicted felons receive time and are usually paroled. Unless they are recidivists (second strike), they have paid their dues to society. Why shouldn’t their civil rights, such as voting and gun ownership (unless convicted of a crime while using firearms), be restored?

CARL HOKANSON

Encino