By: David Boyle

David Boyle
Wed, 08 Jul 2020 17:32:53 +0000

In reply to Marilyn” target=”_blank” title=”/2020/07/the-cost-of-zero-waste-ohio-states-use-of-prison-labor-sparks-scrutiny/comment-page-1/#comment-118378″>Marilyn”>/2020/07/the-cost-of-zero-waste-ohio-states-use-of-prison-labor-sparks-scrutiny/comment-page-1/#comment-118378″>Marilyn Sheridan.

So many perceived slights and misdeeds in this world. Here we have a program that is voluntary, provides a source of income (albeit small) and allows 6-10 inmates to do something productive and get outdoors on fall weekends. What is wrong with that? If an inmate believes he or she is being exploited for whatever reason, simply do not apply for the job. It is voluntary and if i were incarcerated, I would cherish the time I could spend outside the prison walls. The only issue I would have with such a program is if it singled out people of color, religion, ethnicity, etc. to do a particular job. That is not the case here.

Would the people signing the petition prefer that these jobs go away or that blacks be excluded from applying for them? I think not. If they are concerned about the wages paid, send a donation to the Ohio Prison system with specific instructions that it be used to supplement the wages earned under the recycling program. If all 8,000+ signers donated just $25, that would be $200,000+ or nearly 7X the amount of revenues currently earned from the recycling program.

As for the issue of finding jobs upon release from prison, I would certainly be much more likely to hire a former inmate that had showed some initiative during their confinement by taking courses, working in programs like this, etc.