Touting his program to rehabilitate ex-offenders in Cincinnati on Monday, President Bush put his arm on Tami Jordan's shoulder and called the convicted embezzler a "good soul" and an "inspirational person."
...In the town hall-style meeting at a Corryville halfway house, Bush highlighted Jordan as an example of how faith-based programs can help rehabilitate ex-offenders.
...But the victims of Jordan's crime - a small, family-owned business in Fairfield that lost $308,170 to Jordan's deception - say she isn't rehabilitated and hasn't paid the court-ordered restitution.
"Of all the people in Cincinnati they could pick out as an example, and they picked her," said Susan Morin, the owner of Gorman Supply Inc. "She's on the front page of every paper, sitting with the most powerful man in the country, and I'm sitting here trying to figure out how to pay my bills next week. Is that fair? Where's my federal program?"
Enquirer article
...In the town hall-style meeting at a Corryville halfway house, Bush highlighted Jordan as an example of how faith-based programs can help rehabilitate ex-offenders.
...But the victims of Jordan's crime - a small, family-owned business in Fairfield that lost $308,170 to Jordan's deception - say she isn't rehabilitated and hasn't paid the court-ordered restitution.
"Of all the people in Cincinnati they could pick out as an example, and they picked her," said Susan Morin, the owner of Gorman Supply Inc. "She's on the front page of every paper, sitting with the most powerful man in the country, and I'm sitting here trying to figure out how to pay my bills next week. Is that fair? Where's my federal program?"
Ooops. Somebody didn't do their homework.
The president called on Congress to commit $112 million over two years for drug treatment, student loans and housing for ex-offenders. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, introduced that bill, the Second Chance Act of 2004, Wednesday.
That's rich. Let's get tough on crime - Three strikes and out. Let's be compassionate Christians - Second Chance. Criminals are going to be so confused.
Will Rush apply for government money?
Piper, the Republican county prosecutor, said he wholeheartedly agrees with the president's ex-offender initiative.
"Whatever attempts we can make at rehabilitating and re-educating those who have made an error in their judgment, we need to do that. Because if we don't, we pay tenfold in investigating, arresting, trying and incarcerating people over and over again. I hate to use cliches, but it becomes a revolving door," he said.
"At the same time, you do have to hold criminal people accountable."
"Whatever attempts we can make at rehabilitating and re-educating those who have made an error in their judgment, we need to do that. Because if we don't, we pay tenfold in investigating, arresting, trying and incarcerating people over and over again. I hate to use cliches, but it becomes a revolving door," he said.
"At the same time, you do have to hold criminal people accountable."
Oh, I think our administration is doing a fine job of proving that you don't.
....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.
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