After reading the column, Dialogue for the Disenfranchised,
I came to the conclusion  I believe  it is partially
true what Ritchy Dubé  is saying. People such as ex-cons
and recovering addicts are looked at and treated differently in
today's society. Whether they are avoided  while walking
down the street or not given a fair chance when applying
for  jobs, these people do face many types of
discriminations. Even though they  are sometimes
discriminated against, I do not believe "ex-conism" is the same
as feminism, racism or sexism.  My opinion is that the
people who have committed crimes and been addicts have proven
to society that they can not be trusted.  Whether society
chooses to give them  a second chance or not is arguable.
People who discriminate against women, and skin colour, for
example, have nothing to base their negative feelings on.
Whereas someone that has been previously robbed by an ex-con
has the right to feel uneasy.  All in all, I believe that
after a person has done something wrong or illegal, it is up to
society whether it chooses to fully accept them or not.
Tatjana Dahlvick
Lockerby Composite School