Incarceration alone doesn’t solve problem

“Fathers Challenge Sentences …” I concur with basic question: How can they possibly keep their child-support paid up if they are incarcerated? Georgia correction centers are full of delinquent fathers. Some are otherwise good citizens, if only they had a job to pay their way. Not all are not dope heads. For those on work release programs — e.g. farmed out to the state trooper posts to keep the enforcement vehicles detailed, and the enforcers’ boots shined, pay them minimum wage. Half the check goes to state or county to pay for their stay in crossbar hotel, and other half goes to DFACS for the needy child(ren).

I’ve had the experience of supervising/working with inmates augmented to work programs with state and county facilities and services. I found most of them work harder — basically because captivated by society — and have a need to prove their worth to humankind. If they don’t want to work, they go back to camp for replacement. For those in just for being delinquent in child support, I say pay them the minimum wage so they can defray their indebtedness, get out and get on with their lives. Everyone turns out to be happy campers, and the correction facilities are partially reimbursed for their expense of housing, meals, medical and all the other logistical support. It might even free up a few rooms for those who really need uncomfortable resting places.

The state or county prosper from the free labor. Why not “spread the wealth,” as the president would say? The human resource is our greatest wealth — always has been, and always will be. If migrant workers are moving north to get out of Georgia, plug in local labor resources — work release programs inclusive. Inmates could be literally “farmed out” to help with the disparity of labor in agriculture. Keep America green — not only by saving the trees, but by trimming a few more collard leaves as well.

Enough already. Y’all take care, and may God richly bless you for all you do. As for me and my house, I gotta get outa here and find something more productive. Writing letters to the editor don’t keep grits on the table, but I sure did like “Banjo” Davis’ article. It was mighty nice.

DONNIE CORBIN

Albany