Narrow Interests vs The Greater Good

The public's right to access information is often attacked by individuals and groups whose narrow agenda runs counter to what's best for the majority of us. By way of example, we can look no further than a new law in New Mexico prohibiting a governmental entity from asking a job applicant if he has ever been convicted of a crime until the "final" job interview. No more asking that question on the job application or during an initial interview. That way his being a convicted felon won't interfere with his ability to get a job.

The supposed logic is that too many people that screw up "once" are being denied the opportunity to get work because employers (in this case governmental, but soon I'm sure private employers too) don't want to risk hiring a convicted criminal. Truth be told, most criminals do not turn their lives around but we've already discussed that previously. (Leopards and spots).

The same goes for the legislators that introduce expungement bills. They want those who have a criminal conviction expunged to be able to lie legally and say "no" to the question of having been convicted of a crime. That want all records destroyed.

The real problem with this is that personal responsibility and public safety lose out to dishonesty. Yes we want people to return to society in a productive manner. But, aren't co-workers and members of the public entitled to know if they have to work with someone that might not be cured of his propensity for criminal conduct? It is far better to let them demonstrate honesty and show that they accept personally responsibility. After all, most employers would be glad to hire someone that absolutely gets it. Not someone trying to hide from who he is.