TexasCHLforum.com

I'd also like to point out that computer databases have really changed the equation for everyone.

We used to live in a country 100 years ago where if a kid got into trouble in his hometown, say Atlanta, he could pick up his life and move to Houston, or Los Angeles, or Montana -- anywhere else -- and get a fresh start on life. Even as recently as 1960 or so, you could move somewhere and not have all your troubles follow you.

Now, I am generally talking about the kind of youthful indiscretions where it used to be the hometown judge would give a young man a choice, go to jail or join the Army (that has also changed). I am not talking about bank robbery or murder, serious stuff.

America used to be the land of opportunity, and a fresh start on life was part of its promise.

All that has gone away. The digital fingerprint that everyone carries today is enormous.