Obama Executive Order Would Ban Feds from Asking Criminal History on Job Applications
Well, this is par for the course for an administration that is guilty as Hell of lying to the American people, engaging in cronyism and criminal activity. The Obama administration has unveiled and executive order they are calling “banning the box” that would instruct all federal government agencies to remove applicants from admitting they had a criminal history from job applications.
According to a fact sheet on the White House website, “While most agencies already have taken this step, this action will better ensure that applicants from all segments of society, including those with prior criminal histories, receive a fair opportunity to compete for Federal employment.”
Will this presidential election be the most important in American history?
USA Today reported on Obama’s detailing, or lack thereof, of this executive order:
Speaking at Rutgers University in Newark, N.J., where he highlighted programs meant to ease the reentry of former inmates into society, Obama said the federal government “should not use criminal history to screen out applicants before we even look at their qualifications.”
It’s unclear how many federal agencies would be affected by Obama’s action. Many agencies already delay asking about criminal history until later in the hiring process, but Obama is directing the Office of Personnel Management to issue guidance making that practice universal across the federal government.
“It is relevant to find out whether somebody has a criminal record. We’re not suggesting ignore it,” Obama said. “What we are suggesting is that when it comes to the application, give folks a chance to get through the door. Give them a chance to get in there so they can make their case.”
If it’s relevant, then why not simply be up front about it? Why not have a space on the application to “make their case.”
“There are people who have gone through tough times. They’ve made mistakes. But with a little bit of help, they can get on the right path. That is what we have to invest in, that is what we need to believe in,” Obama said.
Well, I can certainly agree that many of us have made mistakes and I, for one, can attest to that and am thankful for those who gave me the opportunities I’ve had, but that did not come without being up front about who I am and anything I’ve done. The same should apply here. The people should have people working in their government whom they know things about and a criminal history should be at the top of the list. Those convicted of crimes should not be allowed to skirt that issue when applying for a job in government.
In fact, Obama referenced Dquan Rosario, who was convicted on drug charges, spent time in prison, but then at the age of 37, turned his life around, went to school and became an emergency medical technician. Obama said it’s never too late for a second chance.
I agree, it isn’t, but Obama made no reference to how Rosario got the job and whether or not he actually was up front and honest about his criminal history. After all, if he can get a job while being open about his criminal history, why remove that demand to spell out one’s criminal history on a job application? See the point?
Obama also didn’t full explain what had taken place with Rosario or Muhammed Shabazz, but you can read about it here. Both men had apparently proven themselves long before getting a job.
This executive order is being touted as something that would remove discrimination against people who have a criminal record. I’m sorry, but that is perfectly acceptable. It doesn’t mean that someone doesn’t take into account that the person may have had a minor infraction or that they have not been in trouble with the law for two decades. That should be taken into account, but none of those lines are a part of what Obama is proposing.
I’m all for giving people second chances. Ask anyone that knows me. Sometimes, I have done it to a fault, but doing this at the federal level with jobs in the federal government seems to me to be either an incredibly stupid idea or a very sinister one. I am not of the opinion that Barack Obama makes stupid decisions, but calculated ones.
Finally, one should consider whether or not this is even constitutional. Should not law apply to these matters, and if so, the only body given legislative power is Congress, not the Executive Branch.
