Many Americans are superficially blocked from obtaining or using educational opportunities because of being labeled felons. They are also superficially blocked from employment opportunities, driving the unemployment rate up especially in minority communities. American citizen are barred from voting while labeled as a felon. I argue when a person can't learn a viable trade, can't obtain stable employment, can't exercise his right to vote, can you actually call this person a functional American citizen?
The war on drugs has devastated the American dream for many citizens. Steps should be taken to lessen the impact that such a disastrous policy inflicted on the American way of life. I charge the President and Congress to set a maximum of 15 years an American citizen can be labeled a felon.