US Products made by Chinese Inmates?

It has been brought to my attention through a recent case that a particular person of an Anglo decent was detained (not arrested) for running an unregistered gathering of worship. The charges and sentencing is to be announced at a later date, that date can be eternally Indefinite unless this person agrees to a confession. Until then, this person is to be housed at a re-education through labor center that produces everything from shoes to toilet paper.

US Products made by Chinese Inmates

US Products made by Chinese Inmates

In February of 2009, a representative of the Chinese government told the United Nations Human Rights Council that there are exactly 320 registered re-education through labor centers in China and couldn’t comment on the unregistered ones. The registered centers are for the most part in Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Henan provinces with most of these being in Guangzhou.

If you look at the issue of inmates producing products pragmatically, without the Gestapo tactics and corrupt infrastructure then yes, it makes sense. Sure, reforming inmates to a healthy behavior, learning a new skill, self reliance, and self-respect while making money, why not? Can this be the answer to our over populated prisons in the US or is Governor Schwarzenegger right to send them all across the border? Considering the recent top headlines in China about police corruption; confiscation of pornography only to repackage them for export, confiscating farm animals for slaughter and sale as meat on the market. You must wonder though, are these inmates really getting reduced sentences and remuneration as promised?

The person I mentioned above, along with a few hundred other inmates is as we speak producing a well known named brand ladies shoes by hand. Even the customer is not aware that their product is being produced at a prison. The warden explains it as purely economics of supply and demand. When there is a time crunch and personnel limitations at a factory then where better than an institution that houses free labor. The warden also explains that the money produced has made expanded sleeping quarters, air conditioning and heating, better food, better clothing and overall living conditions better for the inmates. While he was explain this I was thinking yes, but you drive a $300,000 car. That’s how much a top Cayenne goes for in China.

The aforementioned person has strong religious beliefs and refuses help in any nature. He wants to ride this out no matter how long it takes. His spirits is high and are taken well care of. Though I do acknowledge and honor his wishes but I can’t help but to feel helpless and anger that he is in a lawless void, a purgatory so to speak unless a higher power lifts him out. Until then, he is in my petitions.

By the way, was I wrong to anonymously tip…?

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