this post was submitted on 09 Jan 2025
214 points (93.1% liked)
United States | News & Politics
8026 readers
228 users here now
founded 4 years ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
It is slavery, as allowed for under the US constitution: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penal_exception_clause
It's not involuntary, though. They have to apply for the program, and can stop if they want.
I might feel better about this program if they’re allowed to join after they get out of prison. But, because they were in prison, they are not allowed to join fire brigades. I feel that is cruel, and stupid.
I'd like to introduce you to the concept of being "volun-told." Basically, it's "volunteer, or be forced. Your choice."
Do you think there aren't consequences for prisoners that refuse this "voluntary" service?
Unless no one volunteers. Then they're forced to do it upon threat of torture and further loss of rights, and usually more prison time added.
There is nothing voluntary about labor coerced.
Citation needed.
Have you tried thinking?
Just like you can quit your job any time you want?
Damn the consequences or any repercussions. Because there's always the freedom of being destitute.
Well, yes, just like me and my job, they can quit. What part of that suggests slavery?
Huh, apropos name...
They're incarcerated while I presume you are not. Apart from all the involuntary aspects of prison life, inmates are not allowed to negotiate individually or organize for better pay and conditions. They cannot choose a different employer. The freedom to choose to go to the fire camp or stay within the prison under conditions designed to coerce them to work isn't really freedom. They're slaves.