I do not believe in private prisons whether for profit or not. It is the purvue of the state to inflict punishment upon its citizens convicted of a crime.
I do not believe in prison labor replacing (displacing) paid employment.
Having said both of those things, I believe that all prisoners should have a job that they are required to do. I think the prison itself should be run completely with prisoner labor. (except for guards and counselors.) I think they should grow their own food, raise their own animals for meat, paint, do repairs, cut the grass, clean the building, etc. I also think that there should be some kind of system whereby they can earn money to make restitution to the individuals and families they have harmed. If they steal or destroy something, they should have to replace it or upgrade it. If they harm someone, they should work to pay that persons medical bills and replace their lost income. It they kill someone, they should have to provide income to the deceased's families for the rest of their lives.
And to tell you the truth, though I count myself as a flaming liberal, I am not opposed to a little chain gang labor either - especially for child molesters or for people who continually are out of control while in prison.
These words are spoken by a Mom whose 22 year old son has been in prison for four years with two to go. He did the crime. He is doing the time. I hope he will learn by it.
By the way, the prison he is in has no employment opportunities and no training opportunities either. All the guys do all day is lay around, watch a very very old TV, and pump iron. He will come out with no vocational training or experience. Even he thinks a chain gang would be better.
Smooches,
Keri
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