Employment barriers for convicted felons

Due to some mistakes on my part, I have a criminal record. The biggest issue that I am running into because of this is finding employment. I understand that certain employers will not want to have a convicted felon in their employ, such as hospitals, nursing homes, day cares and such places. But when it comes to grocery stores, gas stations, general stores, factories, and so on, the reason escapes me. There is NO reason, absolutely no reason for a felon or any person with a criminal record to be denied a job.

Ok, stop and think about this, ok? Alot of the people in positions of authority such as various Police, Government officials, senators, governers and even the ex-President of the United States of America, should all have a records, BUT THEY DON'T!! As of 2005, the recidivism rate in Illinois was, get this, 55%!! WTF?!! This means that 55% of offenders released from prison returned within 3 years! Everyone wants to lower the crime rate, but the biggest and main reason that alot of these offenders(not all of them, but the majority) return to prison is that they have tried to lead an honest life and try to cause a positive impact on society, and CANNOT!! They try to lead an honest life and try to earn an honest living. When they encounter the employment barrier, they return to what they know will bring in income, even though it is illegal. If employers would only realize that denying someone a job based on their record is dooming this person to a life of crime, they would stop doing it and try to help.

For a person with a criminal record who does not have the proper knowledge or training to perform many jobs, this is a major set back and is really a Catch 22. In order to get the experience needed to work, they would have to become employed. But when they try, they are rejected because of their record. Don't try to tell me that this is not true becasue I know it is!!

I understand that there have been many people with criminal records have become successful, but this is mainly due to them knowing someone or have many talents that would qualify them for whatever they are doing. But for an average joe who happens to have a criminal record they are doomed from the day they are released. Every employer that has a felon in their employ ARE ELIGIBLE FOR TAX BREAKS WHEN THEY FILE THEIR TAXES!! This one of the many perks available to employers.

Now, this is only me venting about my issues with finding a job. I hope to help bring this issue to light.