OMG everything is fucked up, I almost wish I was in prison playing video games!
but in fairness, it's a playstation 1
The only thing a prisoners should be doing in their cells is pondering the actions that got them there.
I'm all for some form of mandatory work. My only rules would be: Make it useful, no breaking rocks just because it's something to do; no profit for private enterprise, there is always going to be something to do for the state and anything that can be abused for profit will be abused; Quality performance can earn extra bonuses, there needs to be incentives, like the real world.
Then, out of their salary, take (in this order):
1) rent for their cell, at standard rental rates for a Studio apartment.
2) a fee for the guards salaries an other security measures.
3) an 'administrative fee' which basically amounts to utilities (food, water, heat, light, etc)
With all excess going to restitution for the vicitms...
If you become too much of a tax burden by being unwilling to work -- so-long....
However forced labour in private prisons would be tantamount to Fascist concentration camps, regardless of why the cons are in there.
Apparently forcing incarcerated people to work is against "civil rights". But the alternative is allowing these idiots to bankrupt our states... Which we are apparently willing stand for...
The criticism of prison labor is that it is, in effect, legal slavery. This is especially poignant when private companies benefit from said labor. It benefits the company for more criminals to exist, which doesn't exactly encourage society to cut down on criminality.
It's my opinion that people in prison should have access to television, but not gaming consoles. Television can serve a purpose to keep those in prison in touch with the shared reality of society.
However, it does serve the purposes of society to keep excessive mindless entertainment out of the hands of criminals while at the same time providing good educational materials and opportunities. Boredom has a good way of pushing one into practical education, such as woodworking and electronics.
Yes, I dream of the day that as the elected benevolent dictator for life, I will have Sims like control over the populace.
