Alabama Is Generating Billions by Trapping People in Prison

Alabama's Billion-Dollar Prison Industry: A Look Through Scriptures

The state of Alabama is making billions by trapping people in prison. It's no secret that the prison industry is big business, but the depth of the issue raises questions about the morals and ethics of this system.

Biblical scriptures have a lot to say about justice, mercy, and how we treat the marginalized and oppressed. These timeless principles can provide a powerful lens to examine Alabama's prison industry.

The Growth of Alabama's Prison Industry

Prison labor has become a massive part of the economy in Alabama. Inmates work for cents on the dollar, creating goods and providing services that generate enormous profit margins. The exploitation of prisoners—many of whom are incarcerated for non-violent offenses—often translates into huge savings for companies and substantial revenue for the state.

Injustice in Sentencing

The book of Proverbs emphasizes fair justice. Proverbs 21:15 states, "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." Yet, what we see is an alarming number of people imprisoned for minor offenses and disproportionately long sentences. The justice system is skewed, favoring profits over genuine rehabilitation.

The Exploitation of the Marginalized

One of the most distressing aspects of Alabama's prison industry is how it exploits the vulnerable. Many prisoners come from impoverished backgrounds and lack access to adequate legal representation. Isaiah 10:1-2 warns, "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless."

Call for Compassion and Mercy

Jesus' teachings on mercy are particularly poignant when considering the treatment of prisoners. In Matthew 25:36, Jesus says, "I was in prison and you came to visit me." This scripture calls for compassion and empathy towards those who are imprisoned. Instead, the current system often dehumanizes and exploits them.

Conclusion

Alabama's prison industry is a lucrative enterprise, but it raises significant moral and ethical questions. By examining the issue through the lens of biblical scriptures, we are reminded of the importance of justice, compassion, and mercy. The profit-driven model of incarceration contradicts these values and underscores the need for a more equitable and humane approach to criminal justice.

In our journey through life, we often seek guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding. St. Mykul’s prayer is a beautiful expression of this desire, a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and alignment with Jehovah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection we can cultivate with the divine, allowing us to become vessels of His wisdom and love.

St. Mykul’s prayer:

“I pray for Jehovah to speak through me all the time, and I pray for Jehovah to remove all my thoughts, and implant His thoughts all the time, as I do not even want my thoughts.”