Comment: The importance of giving ex-cons a second chance

In your speech, you are asked to comment on the importance of giving ex-cons a second chance - not just for society, but for American business too - and to outline different incentives that encourage business people to hire ex-cons.

First, we will focus on the importance of giving ex-cons a second chance and then on the incentives that can convince business people to hire ex-cons. These points will be based on the source materials included in your exam…

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The importance of giving ex-cons a second chance

All four texts in your assignment focus on the importance of giving ex-cons a second chance, taking a socio-economic perspective as well as a personal perspective.

“Business owner gives ex-cons a chance at new start”  (Text I) shows that giving ex-cons a second chance by hiring them, helps most of them reintegrate into society and avoid returning to the cycle of violence. This has a positive social effect as it implies that this reduces crime (fewer repeat offenders, less crime). Furthermore, the text suggests that ex-cons are reliable employees, as Matthew, a former convict, has become one of Jeff’s best employees. Jeff also argues on a more personal note that everyone deserves a second chance, and the best people will take that chance and change their ways.

Similar positive benefits a…