The past does come back to pee on the present

My brother-in-law got his heart broke yesterday. I hooked him up with the manager of a local chain here, similar to 7-11's. They are called Flash Foods. He got called for the interview, got pumped up by the manager about the benefits, ready to set up his direct deposit, etc. Than he said, "Oh yeah, just sign this form".. The form was a criminal background check. Rick mentioned he had a few things from his past, and the whole interview changed. He said he would see what he could do, but this particular chain is corporate owned and operated and he told Rick they are very strict. Rick was no saint up until the last 4 years ago. Prison time etc. He came home so crestfallen and dis-heartened. He is getting ready to back to Baltimore probably Friday. He wants to work. It made me realize two things. 1- How lucky I am that someone took a chance on me. 2- What do convicted felons and others who have been in the "system" for something small do? Upon their release they have the best intentions, but most people get tired of doors getting slammed in their face. So I think I am starting to understand prison recidivism alot better. How many no's can one person take. I know, best intentions only get you so far. What about the man who has truly changed his ways. Now that we live in the era of computers, with one click they can find out your whole life story. People do get judged on their track record. Your criminal history, just on paper, shows your character. They don't know what was happening in your life at that time in your life when you made certain bad choices. Not making exscuses, but sometimes it is just one case of bad judgement. Technically, once you serve your time, you have paid your debt to society. Yes, there was a time when I was wacked out of my mind and actually got checked into a mental health facility. They gave me Lithium and a bunch of other pills that I no longer take, and deemed me much better. This was in '96. I was one of those lucky folks who had a breakdown. I made many bad choices during that time. It is now 2009 and I have changed tremendously. Some of us grow up later than others. We learn to get a grip on our demons. Rick is serious about working. He doesn't want to live on unemployment. He wants to work. No one will hire him. Most of his record consists of theft. Not good. Society seems to more forgiving for the Dui's and domestic violence charges. Not theft. So it seems he shall be packing up by the end of the week. I do want him to get his own place, but I know he and his wife can no longer afford where they currently reside. The rent is so cheap down here. I just saw his face yesterday when he came home from that interview. We really thought he had that job. Lesson- Your past does come back to haunt you.