Legal slavery…

Posted April 24, 2008 by JJSaidIt Staff

“The United States has less than 5 percent of the world’s population. But it has almost a quarter of the world’s prisoners.”

I was amazed by this statistic so I had to look deeper. After some research, I found “the other truth.” Once upon a time, all prisons were state or federal government run facilities whose sole purpose was to house criminals. Then Wall Street came up with the grand idea of contracting with the prisons to allow criminals to produce goods.

It was like hitting a gold mine because companies were able to pay “sweat shop” type labor rates (as low as .17 cent an hour) to inmates. Some analysts consider the Prison Industry to be one of the fastest growing investment markets in the country. In other words, there is incentive for States and big businesses to have a large prison population.

Obviously, these inmates are in prison because they committed a crime, but does it concern you that for every person that is imprisoned, a corporate executive is somewhere smiling.

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19 Comments »

Tunette's comment says
On April 24, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I knew about this, as much as I wish it wasn’t true, my father is one of those slaved prisoners. Through letters and contact visits he tells me how big of a business prisons are. My father always told me that if I ever came up with a way to partner with prisons that I’d be rich. That hurts so badly bad because my father is a slave. He didn’t murder anyone or steal. He’s a drug addict and for that reason he’s in prison slaving for this place we call America.
RS's comment says
On April 25, 2008 at 7:24 am
Tunette I am sorry to hear about your dad. He is an exeption to what I think because (while this is off subject I don’t want any confusion) I don’t think drug addicts should be in jail that is not the place to get over an addiction (unless they are selling to minors then they are actually hurting someone). But for most people in jail those that commited actual hurtful offenses like robbery/ murder/ rape they should be working to help america. Make blankets, sew clothes… ect. They hurt america in some way therefore they should want or be made to do something right. And on another point, most inmates (I just read a few articles online) would rather be working and making a little money then sitting in their cells doing nothing.
One more point… most companies actually are not getting much out of it then just helping a few inmates. Work is not steady, you have to spend time training each of them, and all the work still has to be cheaked over again. However, we have so many out there (like Eli Rosenblatt, coordinator of the Berkeley, California-based Prison Activist Resource Center, an inmates’ rights group) who think our major criminals need the best treatment they are the ones who keep these programs running.
Tunette's comment says
On April 25, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Thank you RS, that was very nice of you to say. I don’t think prison is the place for my father either. He’s never sold drugs, only used them. And he’s been on drugs longer than I’ve been alive and been in prison about four times so that ought to tell the government that prison isn’t helping him.
One thing I will say, and this may sound mean, but I think that some prisons don’t treat the inmates like slaves, but do just the opposite. It honestly seems like my father enjoys prison. He talks about all of the things they do and he’s imprisoned in Texas… supposedly a bad prison state. He’s been to Hunstville, Dominguez, Fort Stockton, Beeville, Navasota, Hondo, and probably others, if I could remember them all. I don’t know, I guess it just depends on the person. I do know one thing for sure, there are problems with our prison system. And it’s not just one problem. On one hand there’s a form of what John calls legal slavery, then there are “the drug addicts” who are imprisoned and then there’s the side where we want to make these inmates feel like they’re just away at college and then there’s letting them out, but taking their voting rights. Then there’s sexual and physical abuse… the list goes on…
Starchild's comment says
On April 26, 2008 at 3:21 pm
You both bring up valid points. I’m all for inmates being required to work, but lets give some of that money to actually rehabilitating them because at the end of the day we, the tax payers, are going to have to support them. Those big companies should be required to pay for education, drug treatment, and psychological treatments for inmates rather than pay them an hourly wage. Ultimately these inmates are coming back to society so why not let them pay for their own rehab.
Martha Wilson's comment says
On April 26, 2008 at 6:05 pm
You guys have got to be kidding me. Are y’all serious? You want to give prisoners rights and freedoms? Jail isn’t supposed to be vacation. Jail was MEANT to strip away your American lifestyle. You don’t reward a bad action. And why in the heck would the company pay to have them rehabilitated? When I worked, I couldn’t even get a day off when I was pregnant and had a doctor’s appointment and I haven’t committed an illegal act. Y’all are trippin. And “Slavery” is pushing it- don’t you think? Everyone who is in prison is in there because of a bad decision that THEY made. It all comes down to a choice and if you choose the wrong thing whether it’s violence, drugs, and even tax evasion-(as Wesley Snipes has been taught) whatever it is still a choice. They chose to be in this situation. Truth be told “T”. Every time your dad took a hit, he knew exactly what he was doing and where it would lead, so he of all people can not yell slavery. I’m not calling you out…. that’s to be said for everyone who does something that they know has such a serious consequence.

I think that the work program is a wonderful idea. The prisoners aren’t doing anything anyway. We, the tax payers are getting the ability to buy whatever the product is with out worrying if the Japanese have tainted it…. plus, it’s also cheaper to ship around the US than overseas. And personally, I’d rather know that my money is going toward something positive instead of my money going to a bunch of people sitting on their bums playing cards or fighting all day.
You know, while I’m on my high horse, let me add…. that I think that the people on death row should be used as lab rats for vaccines for things like HIV/ Aids. I know that sounds harsh, but if they are gonna die regardless we might as well see if they can help someone else out before they go.
TUNETTE's comment says
On April 26, 2008 at 8:36 pm
First of all, you couldn’t have read what I said right.
“One thing I will say, and this may sound mean, but I think that some prisons don’t treat the inmates like slaves, but do just the opposite. It honestly seems like my father enjoys prison.”
That’s what I said in my second post.
This is going to be my first time going off on here, but brace yourself cuz I’m bout to go off.
As I was saying you don’t know my FATHER so you can’t say what he was doing at the time he was taking drugs so chill on that note. When someone is on crack for more than 30 years, it’s no longer just trying to do wrong and break the law. He has a problem. And how can you say someone who uses drugs is breaking the law and should go to jail? That’s the same thing as saying someone who attempts to take their own life should go to jail. Attmepted murder is against the law right?
I didn’t say they should get special treatment or anything like that. And from what I read no one else said that either. I think everyone was saying that all of the work they’re doing needs to be done to make the world a better place and that instead of them getting free education and treatment we should make them work it off. Go back and read all of the post and comments. And yes, I know ya’ll are thinking she’s pissed and I am. And it’s mainly because Martha managed to misinterpret everything I and the others said and also tried to call my father out, someone she doesn’t know, so yea you unleashed the beast! And there’s more where that came from!
Martha Wilson's comment says
On April 27, 2008 at 6:09 am
How did I misinterpret…. I’m quoting here…. “That hurts so badly bad because my father is a slave. He didn’t murder anyone or steal. He’s a drug addict and for that reason he’s in prison slaving for this place we call America.” And don’t forget that YOU called out your own father by saying, “And he’s been on drugs longer than I’ve been alive and been in prison about four times so that ought to tell the government that prison isn’t helping him.”

I was actually agreeing with you. And I even said, “I’m not calling you out.”

And comparing it to suicide is kinda extreme. Yes, in both sinarios the person is hurting themselves, but killing yourself (or attempting to) doesn’t harm anyone else physically. I do think that people who take drugs should be imprisoned. There are lots of ways to have fun with out drugs. Come on, how often do people impaired with drugs drive or are left to take care of children and hurt or shake them? And obviously, since you are taking so much offense to my (a stranger’s) opinion your father’s use of drugs has hurt you too.

Say whatever you want to say after this… but my stance is not going to change. Prisons are not legal slavery- and (even though johnjohn didn’t say anything about drug use- that’s where the conversation went) I view the use of drugs as something someone should be jailed for. Especially since when it’s your first offense (AKA a small amount for yourself) you are just given a misdemenor for recreational use and ordered to go to rehab. They essentially give you a chance to make up for it, before you go do one of the things I mentioned before in hurting someone.
I’m sorry if I rubbed you the wrong way. I was just sharing my spin on the subject. If it makes you feel better, my father was in prison for 5 years for being the get away driver that didn’t get away. He has been involved with drugs himself. Even to the point of rape, molestation, and holding a gun in my mother’s mouth in front of me and my two sisters to get our school clothes money. He has been my prime example of what drugs can do to a man…. that is why I am such a firm believer that drug users DO belong inside of our prison system.
TUNETTE's comment says
On April 27, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I said that in my first post and then I revised my answer… that’s what I meant, my first post was wrong and that’s why I rebutalled with the second one. But I will apologize to you because you seem very nice and I’m not a disrespectful person, I just honestly feel that you can’t judge my father’s situation. He has a problem. Like I said he’s been on crack for more than 30 years, how can prison be the answer? And what you said about treating death row inmates like lab rats was just cruel. I had an innocent friend on death row. He’s off, but imagine if they would have done that to him. Prison in no way should be fun for the prisoners, but it also shouldn’t be as cruel as you described. Instead of profiting big businesses, they should be working to pay for their stay instead of tax payers doing so. And I know you stand firm thinking that someone who uses drugs and has NEVER hurt anyone else, but themselves should be in prison, but that is the EXACT same thing as someone trying to kill themselves. Drugs is a crime, attempted murder is a crime, they are both doing it to themselves. My father isn’t like the people you’ve described who’ve done bad things as a result of being on drugs. He does crack and then sleeps for 5 days straight, eats for 4 days straight and does crack again. They get crack in prison so what’s the point of it? And prison is supposed to be a place that gives you time to think about and correct your mistakes. But after someone’s been on crack for 30 plus years, they’re mind is no longer stable. I used to be on the debate team and one of the biggest debates was whether or not drug abuse should be a mental illness. I know one thing’s for sure, my father isn’t normal. And I’m sorry about YOUR father. but like I said, MY father hurts himself just like a suicidal person does!
Pro's comment says
On April 27, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Like whoa… martha you is raw. ne way I had to respond on this. If i had an the chance to get my buisness involved with prison labor i do it. Do I think its slavery No,,, cuz slaves didnt have a choice. Does everybody in prison deserve to be there of course not but life sucks sometimes. Is the millions of dollars america puts into making prison gonna solve our problems.. nope the problems starts in the home so mabey thats were we should put the money. Is it wrong for people who had a bad break or just messed up to help me do something positive for low cost. thats for you to decide just sign me up.
Optimistic's comment says
On April 27, 2008 at 4:18 pm
This is a tough situation all across the country because no matter what someone’s done, they’re still human. To God adultry is just as bad as murder. Murderers are God’s people too. Of course they have to repent to see Jesus, but you get what I mean. But I think the post JohnJohn put up was about the big businesses profiting off of the prisoners. Looking at that, that is an issue whether we want to address it or not. It may not be slavery to some of you, but according to dictionary forms of the word, JohnJohn wasn’t inacurate in saying that. Some definitions of slavery are: A condition of hard work and subjection. And also, A mode of production in which slaves constitute the principal work force.
Now maybe slavery is too strong of a word, but the fact is big businesses are milking the system. And maybe that’s why drug users go to prison, they need the bodies. If you really think about most it, of us are SLAVES to Big business and government. For instance we go to school and work basically to pay the government. Everything we buy is profiting some big business. Again, it’s all in how you think about it.
Optimistic's comment says
On April 27, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Well, PRO there goes that big business mentality… just because Dave Chappelle calls it joking doesn’t mean it isn’t racist and just because you call it “doing something positive at a low cost” doesn’t mean it isn’t slavery.
I like some of the earlier thoughts, allow their hardwork to relieve tax payers, not help some loser get rich quick!
Pro's comment says
On April 27, 2008 at 6:34 pm
lol… wow john you got you a dope little site here.. I just dropped my comment like 15 seconds ago and here come some egg head comment to twist up what i said… i think im in luv, but first let me get open,i mean what da hell,Its my day off

My reply is NO Mr. Optimistic… If the prison system provides labor at a much lower cost then anywhere else i go its cheap, If I use that service to feed my family and build jobs for other people(along with a million other things i could do with the money) its positive… I did not “Call it that” thats what it is. Now your attempt to suggest that I have simpified the issue and my statement “doing something positive at a low cost” is me justifyiing every assepect of the situation is bout as crazy as me believing “allow thier hardwork to relieve tax payers” is some how more honorable then “help some loser get rich quick” I mean get money but as long as you dont get rich its cool… ok den.
Since you skipped the first half of my statement My reason for why “I think this is not slavery” (i.e. My opinion) Is because slaves did not have a choice and ended up in a harsh work for no pay situation where prisoners made a choice that got them there and now they are being punished with very little pay. As for the correct definition of slavery out of the most current publication of the newest accepted version dictionary… what eva.
I do feel you on the concept with going to school to pay da goverment… thats much deeper.. I mean as kids we really didnt have a choice. We got forced to go to school, in a lot of cases got brain washed in believing working for somebody is the only way, get a job making 30k-80k, get beat to death with taxes, overwhelm with advertisment and propaganda so we can spend all our money on BS, Then sit back and make all the big decisions that effect our lives to benifit them. Its like the matrix, most of us just go along with the system while some of us wake up and do something different.
RS's comment says
On April 27, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Tunette you have every reason to be upset. Martha, I know your just speaking your mind and thats what this is for but try at least to be respectful while doing it. Also if you read more carefully you would see that you misread our comments. You did this on another blog where you misread someones comments. Not trying to start any thing I just wanted to let you know.
Tunette I agree drugs is very much like suicide and people who have never dealt with it don’t really understand how much they are alike. I wish more people would see drug addition the way you do… there would be more poeple coming out of treatment clean and staying clean then just sitting in a cell waiting till the day they get out so they can have another hit.
Optimistic's comment says
On April 27, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Hold up WATTS, don’t try to act like you over here with plans of changing the world and making it better. You over thinking of YOU and YOU only. So don’t go there. The idea I embraced was on a whole different level, cuz unlike you I’m going to be rich without prisoners doing my dirty work. But I’m thinking about all of the problems with this world. Why does it cost thousands of dollars to go to college, but free for prisoners? Why do we have to pay for healthcare, but free for prisoners? I’m saying charge them for all of that, and give us the free stuff, since we’re the people that are free and have chose to follow the law. but to use them to make you a buck, that’s just like the people in Chine and other places paying a quarter to its workers… get your own money, stand on your own two feet! And relieving tax payers isn’t “getting money”, it’s giving the workers the money they’ve already earned that the government has taken away from them. You’re smart enough to know that much, right?
But I agree with you, I wouldn’t call it slavery, but as I said, it could be looked as if it were that way. I gave the example that we’re little slaves of America.
And at the end of the day, at least we agree that we are little slaves of the government. I guess that’s something to Amen about. And as far as that’s concerned, I got my own get rich scheme and I don’t have to use prisoners, GET YOURS! And last but not least, don’t be adding nothing to my name, it’s Optimistic unless I ADD Mr.! nice talking to you, Little Pro.
TUNETTE's comment says
On April 27, 2008 at 7:41 pm
RS, thank you. I’m in no way trying to gang up on Martha, but I’m 22 years old and my father’s been on drugs a lot longer than I’ve been alive. Every memory I have of my father has been in prison and back out on drugs. When he talks of prison he’s never talked of how it’s helped him. NEVER. I write people in prison just to see the difference from them and my father. I write one man who’s in for murder and one who’s in for SELLING drugs… both men agree that they aren’t made for prison and that if they had to serve again, they’d break down. My father has been in the same prisons with them and hasn’t said that once. Something’s mentally wrong with him. When he gets out, he’s not saying, “I never want to go back.” He’s not hurt or in there figuring out how to stop doing crack. He’s in there looking for a way to get crack. It’s sad and this hurts me more than anyone on this site could imagine. I cried last night after reading Martha’s post and it’s mainly because she has NO IDEA of how my father is. He’s trying to kill himself. He actually told me that “He has no reason to live.” Can you believe a man with 3 children, who are all successful would say that? Yes, he did. He’s waiting to die is what he tells me. And that’s why I compare him to suicidal people. You can’t tell me a drug addict belongs in prison. Write that in every language, break it down and all, but you’ll never convince me that you’re right. I’m living this and my entire life has been battling my father’s addiction! And after it’s all said and done, tell me how he’s committing a criminal act?
Pro's comment says
On April 28, 2008 at 4:42 am
Dont call me little Pro Clown…lol. nah just playing. go head wit ur bad self.
AD's comment says
On April 28, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I still think that too many opinions are being taken personal instead of as opinions. Everybody has a voice, let em use it. Tunette, she did say, “I’m not calling you out.” The only thing to do after that point is decide if what she is saying is relevant or not, and if it is irrelevant address it… but address because you feel it’s wrong, not because it’s about YOUR FATHER and it’s wrong. Optimistic, make money how you wanna make it, but don’t hate on Pro if he makes 20 million off of prisoners. If you honor your values while making money, Great! If he honors his, Great still. The amount doesn’t matter as much as how THE INDIVIDUAL feels about how he/she made it. If I can get 10 million in 6 weeks off of prisoners, verses 10 million in 6 years off of “Good Citizens”, call me stupid, but i’m going with the 6 week payoff. Business is business. If you did the opposite, I would call you stupid. That’s just keepin it real.

If I am a voluntary slave for America, I believe that I would like to see the greatest and quickest return on my “voluntary” time and efforts so I can do more for the one’s who mean most to me (i.e. wife, kids, mother, etc..).
Tunette's comment says
On April 28, 2008 at 2:55 pm
AD, please read that I aoplogized to Martha! But even though she said, “I’m not calling you out” that’s what she did. It’s the same thing when people say, “I ain’t even trippin’ but everybody else knows they really are trippin’. But I’m not here to take shots, just voice my opinion like everyone else. It is what is… I ain’t even trippin’ lol
Optimistic's comment says
On April 28, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Little Pro, OK, I confess I just like bothering you. You’re a new name on this site and I’ve managed to piss everyone else off so I thought, why not add you to the list. Honestly make your money (AD and everyone else) however you can, as long as you can sleep at night then you’re good. Me, I’ll choose to get a different, in a way God finds favor! And go ahead AD, I’m waiting for you to write something on a hate note!
Prisoners are people too!