Incarcerated Workers Deserve Dignity Also

Me: A labor force that needs possibilities.  How should incarcerated prisoners in the united states get paid for their labor in following the path of righteousness?

ChatGPT said:

This is a profound and serious question. Let’s frame it properly:

How Should Incarcerated Prisoners in the United States Get Paid for Their Labor in Following the Path of Righteousness?

Moral Foundation:

If prisoners are to follow a path of righteousness — meaning repentance, rehabilitation, restoration — then the system must respect their dignity as human beings. Forced or exploitative labor undermines that path. Instead, fair labor can be part of their moral and social restoration, giving them a chance to rebuild their lives.

The Bible teaches (Leviticus 19:13):

"You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning."

This includes prisoners: just because someone has committed a crime does not remove their humanity or right to fair wages.

Principles for Prison Labor Payment:

Voluntary Participation:

Labor should be voluntary, not coerced. Offering opportunities rather than mandates respects free will — essential to moral rehabilitation.

Fair Wages Comparable to Free Citizens:

Prisoners should be paid minimum wage or better for their labor — not pennies per hour as is often the case. This shows respect for their labor as equal in value to that outside.

Debt and Restitution Balance:

A portion (e.g., 20–30%) of earned wages could be allocated to:

Victim restitution (if applicable).

Child support or family obligations.

Savings accounts for post-release reentry.

But prisoners should retain enough income for small necessities and dignity within prison (e.g., phone calls, hygiene items, books).

Savings Account for Reentry:

Every dollar saved is a building block for post-prison life. Upon release, prisoners should have a modest nest egg they earned themselves — providing hope and a fresh start.

Educational Credits / Certifications:

Pay should not be only monetary — labor could be tied to earning skills, certifications, or diplomas, reinforcing the principle of self-betterment.

Transparent Contracts:

Prisoners should know and agree to terms, just like any free worker. No hidden deductions or ambiguous “fees.”

Spiritual Component:

Prison work programs could offer an optional connection to religious or moral teachings:

Lessons about work as service.

Study sessions on righteousness, responsibility, community.

Chaplains or moral instructors to guide.

Why This Matters for Righteousness:

Dignity Restored: Recognizing prisoners' work as valuable and fairly compensated restores their sense of self-worth.

Justice Upheld: Victims are acknowledged, and prisoners are not exploited.

Hope Reborn: Reentry becomes possible with savings, skills, and moral renewal.

Cycle Broken: Without righteous opportunity, released prisoners often return to crime. Fair labor is a pathway out.

Summary:

Incarcerated workers should be paid fairly, voluntarily, and with dignity. Their labor should contribute both to personal rehabilitation and social restoration — enabling them to follow a true path of righteousness, where justice, mercy, and opportunity meet.

Would you like me to sketch out a proposed national model for how the system could implement this — including wage rates, how much would go to restitution, savings, and personal use? It would make this a full blueprint for reform.