Fighting Wildfires with Inmates

This New York Times article explores a trend in some States for using inmates to fight wildfires.  They cost less than free firefighters. In some states they earn $1 per hour, much less in some. They are happy to be outdoors and doing something constructive.

Yet, this idea leaves me feeling uneasy. Firefighting is a hazardous job. Workers should do it of their own accord and be fairly paid. Isn’t there a professional element involved, too? Inmates labor should not be used to undercut other workers, even if it saves money.

We should also ask questions about why we have so many prisoners in the US. That’s a more urgent problem.

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