Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
Color of law is now 'green' (as in money). Corporations OWN this fucking place. -eom Huey P. Long Jun 2012 #1
So has 'slavery' slipped back in through the prison system, in your opinion? coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #3
Yes. And taken lots of jobs with it. More heads of households could be employed if nanabugg Jun 2012 #50
Prison labor is also used to supress wages in the "free" market. OffWithTheirHeads Jun 2012 #2
Good point. Is your sense that 'slavery' has returned to the USA coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #4
Precisely it's not just the inmates that have become captives of the system, Uncle Joe Jun 2012 #15
I believe it morally and ethically is obamanut2012 Jun 2012 #5
There's so much to be outraged about in America these days and this coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #7
Yes it is, and it is permitted by the constitution per the 13th ammendment FarCenter Jun 2012 #6
I wonder how many Americans know that the Constitution coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #8
Traditionally, convicts received sentences of "N years at hard labor" FarCenter Jun 2012 #16
I've heard of chain gangs, but thought they were a distant relic of coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #21
One theory of prisons is that they should be so unpleasant that no one wants to come back FarCenter Jun 2012 #25
Oh, I get the deterrent principle behind 'hard labor' but it should be tied to coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #26
I think that historically prison stays were short; you got out quickly dead or alive. FarCenter Jun 2012 #28
Any idea why the balance tipped in that direction? coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #31
It was due to high recidivism rates and the need to "get criminals off the streets" FarCenter Jun 2012 #34
80 years of hard labor for weed in Lousiana. Go Vols Jun 2012 #39
+1 hifiguy Jun 2012 #9
This makes me very sad. If the prison system coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #10
I don't know that there's much of an "if" anymore... antigone382 Jun 2012 #22
What area\university (if it's not prying unduly)? Your description coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #27
Southern middle Tennessee. antigone382 Jun 2012 #32
Actually, I'm not sure the exemption is legal. Sirveri Jun 2012 #46
Citizenship, Labor, and Human Rights are denied to Slaves of the State, see Ruffin... prisonslavery1 Jun 2012 #52
Basically, yes Aerows Jun 2012 #11
First of all, thank you for the link.Will read later today. Your points and stats coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #14
I will admit some ignorance, but I thought work programs in prisons were voluntary aikoaiko Jun 2012 #12
You and I both (on the "some ignorance" front), but I have heard and coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #13
Yes, I think it voluntary and coercion is sometimes fuzzy. aikoaiko Jun 2012 #19
Read that article I linked above Aerows Jun 2012 #17
It is. It's allowed legally. Solly Mack Jun 2012 #18
What everyone else said. Starry Messenger Jun 2012 #20
Only if you're serving life without parole cthulu2016 Jun 2012 #23
Excellent distinction and one that bears repeating. Thanks - n/t coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #24
The 13th Amendment explicitly exempts forced labor as punishment upon conviction of a crime. backscatter712 Jun 2012 #29
It may be constitutional, but there was a time before passage of the coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #30
Technically, the prisoners get "paid" Blue_Tires Jun 2012 #33
A small cash wage, plus they get room, board, and clothing FarCenter Jun 2012 #35
but private prisons get housing costs reimbursed by the federal gov't Blue_Tires Jun 2012 #36
Slavery (involuntary peonage) is defined by ability to quit. Sirveri Jun 2012 #47
May be a little off topic, but your comment on 23-hour-a-day lock down is something Senator sad sally Jun 2012 #37
Not off topic at all, espeically if the penalty for refusing to work coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #41
Is a Fine slavery? One_Life_To_Give Jun 2012 #38
Interesting points you raise. Up thread you will find a sub-thread between coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #40
Another issue with prison labor that isn't discussed often - haele Jun 2012 #42
This is a deeply moving response and I hope you will coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #43
What is to be done? prisonslavery1 Jun 2012 #44
Thank you for your contribution and welcome to DU! I have been coalition_unwilling Jun 2012 #45
Even wothout forced labor, private prisons are legalized slavery Nevernose Jun 2012 #48
Thanks #45 CU, prisonslavery1 Jun 2012 #49
Nevernose, prisonslavery1 Jun 2012 #51
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Is forced prison labor 's...»Reply #24