this post was submitted on 09 Jan 2025
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United States | News & Politics
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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.
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.
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?
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.
Huh, apropos name...
I'd like to introduce you to the concept of being "volun-told." Basically, it's "volunteer, or be forced. Your choice."
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.