I was reading through the news this afternoon and saw an article about a new hot dog shop that recently opened in Chicago. It caught my eye immediately just because it was about Chicago dogs. If you don't know what a Chicago dog is, it a a beef hot dog with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, a pickle spear, a pepper and celery salt. (I eat them with ketchup instead of mustard). Yes, all on on hot dog. Ok, you may say that sounds awful, but seriously, don't bash it if you've never tried one. They're sold by vendors in carts and in restaurants around the City. Having grown up outside of Chicago, I ate a lot of them throughout my life. I made sure I got when one during our recent trip to Chicago. I bought it from a stand right outside of the museum. Yummy 
Ok, back to the news. There is a new restaurant that recently opened that is called "Felony Franks." The owner has made a point to hire all ex-cons. He wants to give some ex-cons a chance to make something of themselves after they've served their time in prison. Currently there are 10 ex-cons working there. They serve different kinds of dogs - one is a Felony Frank and one is a Misdemeanor Wiener. How fun is that? There are a bunch of people up in arms in Chicago about it. A local City councilman doesn't like the name. An alderman says it's a poor choice for a restaurant them. I guess people would rather not be reminded that there are people that they brush shoulders with every day that are ex-cons? Of course, we as a society demand to know where every sex offender lives. But murderers? Thieves? Arsonists? As long as they don't talk to me, then fine. Is that the kind of society we live in?
I for one am happy to see people be able to turn their lives around and do something productive. Anyone who has ever filled out a job application knows that an arrest can follow you FOREVER! I know that their are some "bad apples" out there, but I also know that some people get led astray and if they would have had positive influences in their lives, they would never end up in jail in the first place. The movie "The Shawshank Redemption" does a really good job of illustrating how difficult it is for someone to get out of prison and find a place in society. I'm happy to see someone out there not afraid to offer opportunities to people who need them.
The question at the end of the article was: Would you buy a hot dog from an ex-con? I would ask the question: Why wouldn't you? Funny thing is, if you have been to a restaurant, there is a good chance you HAVE been served by an ex-con, but you just didn't know it 
Comments
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/15/naples-ex-cons-enlisted-t_n_233408.html
For a few weeks, there actually was a hotdog stand across from my house Then it had to move D: That sounds like a weird resturant, but ex-cons does deserve to get a second chance That's what I think, because not every one might be a evil dude, some actually learns their lessons and are good persons. Well, I actually would
I wouldn't buy a hot-dog from an ex-con. Then again I wouldn't buy hot-dogs from anyone... I HATE 'em!
Vancouver recycling depots have ex-con workers, they're always warm and friendly. Nice to see the justice system do some good.
That's awesome, man. And to me a Chicago dog sounds delish! Weird timing, though, for your blog, as I literally just left the dinner table, having eaten Nathan's dogs and a bratwurst. Mmm....!Also, yeah, I think it's commendable that he's taking in strays, and I'd gladly buy a dog there.
Love you, too. @bluej33 That is a neat project. Who better than to help people stay safe but people who were on the other side!@subterranean500 Oh, yikes - I would have been very hugely overweight if there were a hotdog stand in front of my house. It sounds like the restaurant is working out ok for the people who really do want to be different.
@polsci1503 Exactly! If people don't know about it, then it doesn't bother them. It's not like the dog will taste any different if someone else got it together. Ex-cons don't have cooties, do they?
@AlmightyMax Ketchup FTW!! What??? No dogs for Max? No weiners roasted over a campfire? Oh, I'm so sorry for you
There are programs all over the place that help people get back into some semblance of a life, like the recycling place. It's great - I just wish society could see it as a positive instead of making things harder for people.
and LOL @mprezzy with arsenic in the wiener lol!!
That's such a catchy name!Anyway, I wouldn't mind buying a hotdog from a stand like that. Well, no I wouldn't because I don't really like hotdogs.
But if they sold french fries (Felony French Fries, FTW) I would totally do it. My point is, I think it's great that some people are getting a second chance. Not everyone wanted to be a criminal; some might have not had the chance to be otherwise. Of course, I wouldn't buy a hotdog from someone like say, Sephiroth or one of those Shinra people. *THAT* is another point entirely! 
I might not want an embezzler handling my banking account but once someone has paid their debt to society, they should be allowed to have a job, a home, a family.
It is easy to judge and difficult to understand and accept. We all make mistakes, just some are bigger than others with bigger penalties.
Hope you enjoyed your dinner as much I enjoyed my recent Chicago dog.@CamiKitten Isn't he silly
Thank goodness for his sense of humor!@notjessica I agree - they obviously are ready to be back in society and do something productive. Heavenly indeed
@twilightlullaby No dogs for you either? What is wrong with you and Max? Oh, and the article said they have Freedom Fries
@slyfur Good for you
Umm, for saying you'd eat there, not for your friends saying you'll become a con
"I think it's commendable that he's taking in strays, and I'd gladly buy a dog there."Anyway, I think this idea is great! Are the naysayers afraid they'll form a crime gang called the "wiener boys" or something? People are very hateful, and this gives them an easy out. I wish the hotdog stand luck!
Actually, no, but talk about timing. I thought "strays" because of the fact that these guys are people no one else wants, as far as the workforce goes. Maybe it was subconscious, though, considering we were using the word "dogs."
On a food note, I've never had a Chicago dog. It sounds splendid, though!
@swoosie Lol @ "wiener boys" The article said they were doing well, so I hope it keeps up.
@korino55 They ARE splendid! Matt bought all of the fixings and made them last week for dinner. Not quite the same as buying one from a stand, but darn close.
@theunloved Me too! Eating is very, very important!
I'd have no problem eating at Felony Franks. In fact, if I was in Chicago, I would seek that place out!
mprezzy
You know what? I would be hard pressed to believe that 90% of Gamespotters here haven't broke the law in some way, shape or form. Some of which would be punishable by prison sentences. Ah, but we weren't caught, so we love to judge.
Like you said; sure- there are bad people out there. But seriously...do they think they're going to stick some arsenic in your weiner? (Wait...that doesn't sound- never mind.) Stupidity. We love to judge as a society- but don't JUDGE ME!
As for the sex offender thing: I understand wanting to protect children, but dear lord. As you said, can't a child also be murdered? Robbed? I guess those are ok. We're simply a sex repressed society here in the U.S. - to the point that we lock up 18 year old boys for having sex with their 15 year old girlfriend- consensually! (This is not a joke.) And, they get labelled sex offender FOR-EV-ER. Madness.
Ok, I'm done tangenting. You're blog, and I'm repeating myself.