I just read a story about prisoners being employed to work for major corporation. Although under normal circumstances I wouldn't necessarily have a problem with this the story reports that these businesses using prison labor are literally closing up shop in order to save money, and benefits that they would have to pay regular Jo's and Jane's. Under the present economic circumstance, I have to say that this an indefensible, immoral, and completely anti American act on the part of these corporations if this is true.
Generally speaking, I would support big business so long as they follow the law's enforced by our government; however, this act by these corporations that may be taking part in this should cease at once. How could anyone get away with this and think it were okay? With unemployment in the U.S. over 9% I have a hard time accepting this as the right and decent thing to do.
For more information on this story:
http://brie-hoffman.hubpages.com/hub/Slave-Labor-in-America
I'll agree, in that, a lot of our systems DO need an overhaul, including the prison system. However, it's an all over thing. If we weren't in such financial trouble (of which prisoner labor is not a major factor), the dollar wouldn't be inflated more than a cheap balloon aniimal, and people wouldn't require higher and higher wages to keep with the standard of living.
ReplyDeleteBottom line business focus is far from just in the prisons. If every business could commit to not trying to post "record-breaking profits" in the economy we're in, I think we'd in the end have Americans saving money because they can afford necessities. Maybe once we've driven down the cost of the dollar, and the cost of living, we can talk businesses into reopening their doors to your average american, who won't need nearly as much money, and will still be willing to do 12 hours of work.
It's a vicious circle.
Point taken, and although I agree with most of what you say from an ethical standpoint. I don't fault a business for doing what businesses are made for; which is making money.
ReplyDeleteMost often, what we perceive as immoral may not be the case in business as a business must focus on its primary task; that task being increasing revenue. However, what I do have a problem with is the complete disregard for the American people. This as stated in the above post, is unacceptable.
What I would like to see during this time, is better government regulation. Not more, not less, but real regulation to make sure business can still increase revenue while at the same time taking care of the American people.