Wednesday, May 13:
Yesterday I wrote about the “MPR,” the group of prisoners who work, and specifically the work release program where some are allowed to leave for outside jobs. While I’m sure all of their rules exist for a reason, government involvement typically results in a never ending series of unintended consequences. Despite the best of intentions, government solutions often end up missing the forest for the trees. The MPR is no exception.
The idea is a simple one. Take prisoners about to be released, and acclimate them to a structured work environment similar to what they may encounter once released. Unfortunately, the punitive authoritarian environment makes this objective impractical if not impossible.
To begin with, jobs in the private market are voluntary in nature with both parties understanding the terms and agreeing to the relationship. Ignoring the fact that most prisoners re held against their will, the jailers attempt to duplicate this by allowing those in the MPR, some of whom were put there involuntarily, the “opportunity: to work. Anyone who declines the “opportunity” to work gets lugged. That means two jailers come in, handcuff you, and take you to the hole for 15 days.
That’s the maximum secutiry “E-block” where you are in solitary confinement and only let out for a shower and the federally mandated 1 hour per day to a slightly bigger room (I was denied this unless I processed). In the private market I work out of choice and desire to create things I want in life. The jailers fail to simulate this because they use a fear-based punitive system of motivation.
In the private market I typically sign an employment agreement or statement of work which outlines the job’s roles, responsibilities, job tasks, travel requirements, hours, and compensation. I’m free to ask any questions and negotiate better terms related to salary, assignments, vacation time, or any other job perk. The jailers fail to simulate this by assigning a guard, Ms. Bacala, to dole out work assignments as she sees fit. There is no disclosure, no negotiation, no choice, you take what they give you or face 15 days in the hole. While most are happy to take whatever job they can get, successful people understand their perspective value, strengths and abilities. Evaluating one’s position and gaining the courage to ask for what you want is an invaluable character building experience. The jailers fail to teach this as well.
We’re just getting started, but I want to get these out today, so I’ll continue this comparison in the next post.
SamIAm
