Reporter makes a big deal about an ex-con WORKING LEGALLY

[pimpbot]

http://www.wreg.com/Global/story.asp?S=4668441

Posted By Andy Wise
Ex-Con Installing DirecTV In Memphis
March 22, 2006, 04:27 PM EST


MEMPHIS -- An ex-con who served two years in prison for theft is installing satellite TV service in Mid-South homes.

28-year-old Virgil Vanarsdale of Memphis works for Megatech, Inc., one of DirecTV's Mid-South subcontractors. Court records show Vanarsdale pleaded guilty to felony theft of property in 1997. The records don't indicate what he stole, but the value was more than $500. Records also show Vanarsdale has not been arrested for any other crimes since serving his sentence.

"I personally believe that if somebody has an issue with the law, and they serve their time, and they come out attempting to reform -- that as long as they're staying on the up-and-up that we should give them that chance," says Tim Anderson, Vanarsdale's boss at Megatech, Inc.



I wrote Andy Wise, [e-mail] and asked if he has anything he'd rather not be brought up in a public forum. I dont even get the point of the article. If I Virgil, I'd be rather pissed. It appears Andy is upset a former felon is actually working and making money the legit way. I urge everyone to send him an email asking the same.

[tanyev]

1. What about the two convicted criminals running this country?

[jbnow]

2. What is the guys issue?

I like what the customer says:

Jerry Stiles, a DirecTV customer, says ex-cons have got to work somewhere, or they'll end up in trouble again. "It's a good thing if they get a job," he says, "and it wouldn't bother me if someone came in my house who was a convicted felon. I think they have paid their dues."
It's beside the point of the story but they should also have the right to vote.

I am concerned what the company says...if it means they won't hire ex-cons. Hope not, hope it just means they want to know. Drug testing is strange because it's pot that stays in the system for a long time. The drugs that would worry me aren't likely to be discovered.
Anderson says Megatech will implement mandatory criminal background checks by March 27 as well as drug tests for all employees.

It would be one thing is the guy had been robbing customers houses, but why get on this guys back and make things harder for no reason?

[TAPat]

3. Gee Whiz...

Not to be rude, but aren't all of these installer guys ex-cons? Who cares anyway when his offense was non-violent?
America is supposed to be the place where you can have a second chance and I agree with Virgil's boss.
I will write Mr. Andy and let him know that I think he's a jerk! :)

[pimpbot]

4. Apparently only Andy

I didn't see anyone else in the article say they were upset with this man installing satellite tv. Not sure how Andy even found out about this guy. Maybe he had satellite installed at his house and decided to go investigate the guys background.

[TAPat]

6. My email to Andy ---->

OK, I didn't call him a jerk in so many words....

---------------------
Mr. Wise:

I am seriously disturbed by your post of yesterday afternoon. In the America I grew up in we were allowed second chances.
Unless you are the only perfect person to walk the face of the earth, I have to assume that in some point in your life you made a mistake and were granted the opportunity to correct your behavior.
I find your article bigoted, intolerant and decidedly unnewsworthy. I suggest your read an article on this subject and remind yourself of the nature and beauty of trust:
In Defense of Second Chances http://www.lastchancedemocracycafe.com/?p=112#more-112


-----------------------------------

[laylah]

5. My e-mail

You damned bigot! That man did the crime, did the time, and is now trying to turn his life around! I thought convicted felons, when released from their sentences, had paid their dues! Shame on you! I hope Mr. Varnersdale sues your pants off, you black hearted, poor excuse of a human being!

xxxxxx

[Karmakaze]

7. I do think he raises a semi-valid issue though...

We are not talking about someone who works in a public environment, but someone who is given access to people's homes. Such people really SHOULD undergo a thorough check to ensure they are not likely to commit a crime (or abet a crime). For example if this guy is still hanging out with other known criminals who are suspected of being ACTIVE, then maybe he shouldnt be in a position to tally up what is valueable in a persons home, and know things such as times the owners will not be present.

Having said that, I dont believe this applies only to ex-cons but to all people in such positions of trust. I have worked as a commercial cleaner and had to undergo a police background check before the company I worked for would allow me to enter people homes or buinesses.

The point Im trying to make here is that it is very difficult, if not impossible, for us as customers to check who comes to our home when they work for companies such as this, therefore it is the company's resposibility to ensure they are not exposing their customers to undue risk.

[MadHound]

8. This is why I oppose things like sex offender lists

Because it leads to the type of mentality we see exihibited here, suddenly all ex-cons, no matter their crime, are suspect. How long before we see all ex-cons having to register? How long before we start setting limits on where all ex cons can live and work?

Slippery slope people, slippery slope.

[pimpbot]

9. Andy replied to my email!

" think our story spoke for itself...we made it very clear, even through
the voice of a DirecTV customer, that concern is minimal over this
particular technician. But when I receive a tip that a DirecTV
subcontractor, who is working everyday in consumers' homes, has a felony
record for theft...and then I'm able to confirm that through court
records...not only is that a news-worthy story, but it is my ethical
obligation to report that to our viewers and let them make their own
judgments. If I were a DirecTV customer, and a technician with a FELONY
theft conviction was working in my living room, in my wife's and my
bedroom...and a local reporter had the records on his conviction but
decided not to report it -- I can tell you right now, I would be pretty
upset. My job is to lay the facts out in a balanced report - which I did -
and let the viewers decide.

Thanks for writing. I appreciate your comments.

Andy Wise
WREG News Channel 3 On Your Side"

[TAPat]

10. Andy replied to my email too

and it said exactly the same thing! Imagine that! :puke: