Originally Posted by
WhoDo
Typical Form vs. Function argument. Who cares what "impression" is created (Form) if the fear of hard labour (something most criminals assiduously avoid) cuts the number of prisoners and the work they do contributes to the society (Function) they have tried to abuse in some way or other?
True, the name "chain gang" evokes images of America's dusty roads with prisoners chained together in the 100+F heat, etc. The fact is that building infrastructure is expensive to the point that much of it is now crumbling into ruin. Why not tap that lazy labour of our prisons to have convicts give something back to society other than laundered sheets and towels? Heck, they don't even make licence plates these days!
Allowing prisoners to sit on the butts all day watching TV running on State-provided electricity, wearing State-provided clothing and eating State-provided food while whinging about State-provided amenities is a total waste of resources on those who don't deserve them, IMHO. If prisons are unpleasant places it's likely because the population have nothing better to do while they're on holiday at our expense!