This petition comes as a personal matter for all ethnic groups as we face the challenges of being labeled as a convicted felon. I was convicted of a past felony which has ruined my life in many ways and has caused many problems being able to provide as a single mother for my two sons during their early childhood and now as a single grandmother raising my grandchild. It is with an astonishing lack of discernment having a President-elect that was convicted of 34 felonies but still allowed to serve as the head of our country with no real punishment. This being done goes above and beyond what The Constitution was created for; to uphold all laws of government for all people. To be convicted and not having to pay any penalties or serve time is a complete lack of accountability and discipline. I, myself had to serve time and in which I feel I am still serving time due to the fact that I am labeled as a convicted felon and have limited opportunities with employment or a career to be able to be self-sufficient and support myself, my household/family, decent and safe housing, continuing education and being allowed the right to bear arms to protect myself and my family in a world filled with hate, uncertainty and crime. I feel with the support of this petition to right the wrong of many people in similar circumstances such as myself to have our lives back by the removal or sealing of our convictions just as our Nation’s Leader the President- elect. If he shouldn’t be punished for his behavior, why are we still being punished for ours. Our time has been served and our lives have been plagued with the torment of being labeled as CONVICTED FELONS for even lesser crimes than he was on trial for. No one should be above the laws that our Forefathers created for the citizens of the United States of America. To this day I, along with many others are being denied housing, healthcare, financial assistance, employment and even relationships; let alone the public and private humiliation when we apply for the necessities of life to the point, we feel we have nothing to offer in being productive citizens of the United States of America. I as a woman of color have suffered for my past mistakes and wrongful actions I committed as a young girl that still affect me today. It is my personal belief that WE, with a history of felony convictions, be given the same treatment and respect just as the President-elect and I ask you to join me in signing this petition to reform the rights of past felons.

Our Constitution and legal system uphold the importance of equal measures of justice for every citizen. This includes President Donald Trump, who is no exception to the rule of law. His recent acquittal by the Senate impeachment court, despite his incitement of the Capitol riot, has set a new precedent in our country's legal framework.

Pardons have historically been provisions designated for individuals who have demonstrated remorse about their crimes and have made tangible efforts toward personal reform and rehabilitation. However, with the acquittal of Donald Trump, this representation of pardons has been skewed. The precedent set by this acquittal implies that some citizens, especially those with strong political influence, can bypass the rule of law.

According to the Pew Research center, the US has about 77.7 million people with a record of arrest or conviction, and many of these people struggle to regain their full civil rights, including voting, working, and housing rights following their sentences. If Trump’s actions can be acquitted in the face of clear evidence, the same mercy should be extended to these convicted felons. We're calling on the Department of Justice to reassess its stance and update its pardoning policy, reflecting new legal precedents.

If we must uphold the scales of justice, let it be evenly for all. This petition is a call to action for everyone who believes in a fair justice system. Please sign this petition if you are in support of the pardon requirement for convicted felons, especially in light of this new precedent.

Sincerely,

LRW