Father of Four, Ex-Felon, and Veteran Discusses American Government

Father of Four, Ex-Felon, and Veteran Discusses American Government

May 15, 2008 by
Shamontiel  
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Veteran  |  Felon  |  Sean Levert  |  Levert  |  Felons  |  Deadbeat Dads

Should Ex-Felons Be in the Military?

Some people go to the military to protect their country, and others go for the educational and financial opportunities. But how often do we find out the background of some of our US soldiers before they join the military? The military is one of the few places where you see people of
Phillip, military veteran
Date of Interview: 5/7/2008
 different walks of life, backgrounds, cultures, race, and religion unite as a group. While people have a habit of judging others from the outside, we tend to forget that people make mistakes, learn from mistakes, and can grow to be positive members of society. In the Q&A interview below, I speak with Phillip [last name withheld for his privacy], a 35-year-old man who is a father of four, a veteran going back into the military, and an ex-felon. Phillip and I talked about the state of America's justice system, the presidential election, Sean Levert and child support, and why he made the decision to go back into the armed forces.

Phillip, can you tell me a little bit about what happened to you to get a felony conviction?

Well, this guy pulled a gun out on me and my cousin, and this was in the building that I was living in. And we was in the basement, and he pulled a gun out on me and my cousin, and me and my cousin left and went upstairs to our apartment, and we was having a party at the time. I told everybody to leave, and my cousin went to my room and got my gun. So I went back and got the gun from him, then he left, ran out the building. And as I was leaving, he came back, and I told him we had to go. And then as we was leaving, the police came up. And I went back into the building, and they tackled me and asked if I had any weapons.

Was this gun licensed?

Yeah, it was a legal gun.

You had a license for the gun?

Yes I did.

So if you had a license for the gun, why were you arrested?

Because you cannot own a handgun in Cook County in Chicago.

At all? Even for licensed people?

Even for licensed people. You can have one in your home, but you cannot carry it outside your home. If you carry it outside your home, it has to be locked up.

Was there a reason that the other guy pulled a gun on you?

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I want to thank each and every one of you (Cam, Devon, Daddy004, Phillip's Youngest Cousin, Kyle, Phillip's Mom) for commenting on this article. I was surprised to see so many comments from non-AC users, and I don't get alerts when comments come in unless you're registered, so I read the feedback just now. I am also behind Phillip 100%, and although I don't want him to go to the military because I don't support the War on Gas, I do understand his dilemma. Note: Daddy004, I do apologize for your message being cut off. I have contacted AC for the zillionth time to ask for a character count so non-AC users would know when their message would stop short. You were on a roll! If you ever feel like typing the rest, I would love to hear the rest of your thoughts.
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Posted on 05/31/2008 at 1:05:32 PM

I am glad to see that my son has many friends and family that are with him. I have been struggling with his decision to go into the service and it is very hard as his mother. I can say I am very proud of him. He has made his mistakes but he has learned from them and accepts responsibility. It is ashamed that young black men have such a hard time normally. You have to be twice as good you can not be mediocre. It breaks my heart in which Phillip and others struggle so hard to try and make it and the system seems to just shrug their shoulds and say thats it. Or you have this stigma that you have a record and it stays with you for the rest of your life. There is one thing I know my son does know he can depend on and that is God. He will always be there for him it all times. Everyone who reads this please continue to pray for Phillip now and when he is deployed to Afghanistan and upon his return. Prayer does wonders. Phillip Mommy loves you always and never forget.
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Posted on 05/30/2008 at 7:05:52 AM

I feel that this was a very good and interesting interview. I know guys who feel the same way that Phillip feels. Guys aren't given a fair chance when it comes to child support courts. (i'm a female and i feel this way) I feel that the court doesn't even listen to the guy's situation and that isn't fair. Phillip i wish you all the luck in the world and want you to know that, as your friend, i am proud of you because you are proving to the courts and to everyone how much you love your kids. You're doing what you have to do to prove it. Good luck and I believe that you'll be back in a year!!!!
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Posted on 05/29/2008 at 8:05:56 PM

well I like the fact that philip was very honest and I do understand that it is hard to live a life with children paying child support and not making enough money.What I don't understand is why he and other men think that the military is the only option they have. Fighting in a war that is completly stupid to even be in right now just blows my mind. I think that all people should stop signing up for this war unless they are going over there to blow all of them up! Because in the end that is what they will do to us. And from what we all know people are not coming home they are either dying or they are being sent over numerous times. You mean to tell me that this is the only way people can get ahead in their lives. The prospect of dying or not seeing your children for years is the best option you can think of? Phillip I will miss you and will pray everyday for your safe return to us and your children.You could have thought this out more and I am pissed but , I love you. SBO.
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Posted on 05/28/2008 at 1:05:43 PM

This brother is the classic case of what black men have to face in this country. From incarceration to child support, it is a tangled web. The system does not care, they just consider you a number. That goes for the penial system & the child support system. Once out of jail, if you don't have a good "hook up", your faced with returning to the life that got you caught up in the first place. Secondly, the military is another form of incarceration. They sell you pipe dreams to get you in. Once you sign the dotted line, you will serve out all your time. I've never been to jail, but I am a veteran, and beleive me, the military is for young men who does not have a family and need some additional discipline in their lives. As far as child support goes, it is a joke. They don't care if your a father that is in the child's life financiallly, emotionally & physically. If the mother decides thats the road she want to travel, they simply hand over the keys. Not only do they take your money, they w
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Posted on 05/27/2008 at 3:05:12 PM

This was a very supportive article. It does show how some of our black men have a hard time even when they are trying. Especially if they have made a mistake and trying to get started again. We have to keep them in our prayers and continue to uplift them whenever possible.
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Posted on 05/27/2008 at 9:05:15 AM

I just wanted to say that this is an excellent interview. I'm sorry that Phillip had to make the choice to put his life in harm's way for his children and his country, when this country gives nothing back. God WILL honor your sacrifice! I pray that all will work out for you Phillip! Be safe and Blessed. God is your strength and salvation....Whom shall you fear? :) Shamontiel, Excellent Interview!!!! Many congratulations!!!! Thank you for allowing another side of the stroy to be told!
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Posted on 05/27/2008 at 9:05:12 AM

I also want to say that I really wanted to be as honest as possible about everything to show that there are people out here trying to do right but it is hard. I understand why so many people return to a life not accepted by society because they feel therer is no other way to get ahead and on the other hand I was truly blessed with the current job I have. Thanks again to you all for your support.
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Posted on 05/26/2008 at 10:05:25 PM

Thanks for your support. It really makes me feel good that some people understand.
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Posted on 05/26/2008 at 10:05:05 PM

Great Interview. Phillip, despite his mistakes, sound like a stand up Guy. Keep up the struggle, things will eventually break for you. Life is a struggle and digging yourself out of a hole doesn't make it any easier but it will make you stronger and able to enjoy and appreciate what you have more than someone who had everything given to them. Keep up the good work Phil and be careful over there.
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Posted on 05/21/2008 at 12:05:34 AM

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