"we're free physically"

With over 2.2 million people incarcerated in the US, nearly all of whom will re-enter society, there is an urgent need to invest in thoughtful reentry plans. A NY Times piece from early December explores a group of formerly incarcerated folks who probably deserve special attention: the wrongly convicted [Hat Tip: David F. Pope]. The article includes this comment from one wrongly convicted former prisoner:

“Some people feel, ‘All right, it’s over now. You’re out, you’re free, so what are you complaining about? What’s the problem?’” said Darryl Hunt, exonerated in North Carolina after serving 18 years for murder.

“The problem is that we’re free physically,” he said. “But mentally, we’re still living the nightmare every day.”

Forensic economist Stan Smith has found that the wrongly convicted suffer losses greater than how the loss of life itself is understood.

"“It’s not just the years they lost and the mental anguish of being incarcerated wrongfully.” Mr. Smith said.

“Your earnings are going to be impaired forever, your social interactions are going to be impaired forever. It’s like being thrown into a time warp.”"

Yet, at least one Florida State Representative, Ellyn Bogdanoff, argues for at least limiting compensation to those with clean records: "the taxpayer would be horribly offended if their money were to be spent compensating an exonerated prisoner who has a history of serious crimes." Really? I think politicians don't give "taxpayers" enough credit (Aside: Who exactly doesn't pay taxes? Newborns? With sales, property, income and payroll taxes, not to mention various excise taxes and fees woven throughout society, it's hard to imagine how one might not be a taxpayer.). This is like denying someone access to worker's compensation when a bone is broken on the job because s/he had previously broken a bone off the job.

How many people believe that the State should be able to completely and totally seize someone's freedom with impunity for a crime the s/he never committed?