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Considering that a good portion of them are probably innocent (again, the conviction rate in Chinese courts is simply too high to be true) I can't consider them "criminals" in good conscience. Do some of them belong in prison (re: not work camps)? Probably but that doesn't make this scenario acceptable.
edited 31st May '11 1:38:29 AM by Rationalinsanity
Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects.
As an FYI, I read somewhere (though I can't confirm yet) that this entire operation was done for the sole, personal financial benefit of the guards (and possibly warden).
The fact that this entire thing was possible is a breach of human rights, as apparently prisoners don't have any protection by the law. Otherwise they could file a complaint somewhere.
Jackass Detector
As for the topic at hand, I can't say this is any more deplorable than every other instance of slave labor facilitated by the prison system, but assuming I was a prisoner, I'd at least want a choice in how I'll be used. At least pressing license plates has the pretense of being somewhat productive.
"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt." - Some guy with a snazzy hat.
Always Right
Good thing I'm NOT in prison eh?
And to think, I thought prison was a place of fun, respect, and freedom.
edited 31st May '11 12:02:42 PM by Signed
"Every opinion that isn't mine is subjected to Your Mileage May Vary."
Jackass Detector
No, but there is such a thing as human rights and slave labor is a gross violation of them. Slave labor that is exacerbated by how utterly pointless it is in this particular case. And who's to say you'll never be imprisoned? If you're capable of doing so, let's pretend you're in prison for something relatively insignificant. A victimless crime, something you didn't even think was enforced. Doesn't matter, you're now a slave of the penal system. Keep riding that high horse. And remember, this is China. They'll send your ass up the river for dissent.
edited 31st May '11 12:19:17 PM by KitsuneInferno
"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt." - Some guy with a snazzy hat.
What I'm wondering is, is this really in any way surprising at all? I mean, this is China, a country with enough human rights problems to fill the Yangtze River, and about as much desire to actually fix them as they have to swim upstream the length of said river.
I mean, we can complain about how horrible China is, but I personally find it pointless unless any of you plan on actually doing something about it yourselves...
Jamais vu
So what do we do, then?
watching down on us
On one hand, I see no problem with subjecting prisoners to labor and getting shit done, so long as the prisoners aren't being abused and get reasonable amounts of breaks, food and sleep. 'Cause I mean, it's prison. What are you gonna have them do? Stand in rows and do jumping jacks all day?
On the other, this is just abusing the privilege. World of Warcraft gold does absolutely nothing but entertain bored lazy people. At least manual labor gets people's roofs tarred and their roads fixed.
Banned entirely for telling FE that he was being rude and not contributing to the discussion. I shall watch down from the goon heavens.
Respect the Red Right Hand
Signed, people like you are part of the problem- Attitudes like that is why shit like this is allowed to happen.
I am vexed!
what is this i dont even
Still human beings.
Swordsman Troper — Reclaiming The Blade — Watch
Jamais vu
This.
In a twisted way, I find this kind of darkly amusing. Goes to show you the Chinese take the sweatshop approach to even gaming.
Disclaimer: not saying all Chinese are sweatshop managers. Just making a joke.
edited 31st May '11 5:15:34 PM by MarkVonLewis
Loitering? LOITERING?
You bastard! Off to the MMO labor camp with you!
Seriously, I'd take being in Section 2 over China any day of the week.
I am become Death, Destroyer of Miniputts.