Rehabilitation runs into brick walls, a sad story

Some of the writing in AlterNet is worth reading but whoever writes the stupid sensationalist headlines should be fired. This is not really about "Is AA Too White". This is worth reading.

This about what happens when an individual in recovery, specifically a single mother, gets out of jail and makes a strong effort to pull her life together and wants to get her kids back. This is about a system that is designed to send you right back to jail (that would be the privatized penal system that makes a profit off of your return and not off of your rehabilitation), as a result of problems getting employment and housing. Add to that the ridiculous requirement that you pay back to the state a huge bill that was racked up for "child support" while you were inside.

This is worth reading. This is about a white judge with self-righteous hemorrhoids.

This is worth reading. I hope anyone with influence in hiring at their business or job makes a special effort to seek out ex-cons, especially parents trying to get their kids back, and give them a chance.

This is worth reading. I don't agree with the author's implied premise that 12-step programs are the answer for everyone, IMO from what I've seen every recovery is a different story (and, yes, AA *is* too: White. Middle-Class. Middle-American. Christian. Higher-Power-oriented for it to work for everyone). But, still, this is worth reading.

Is Alcoholics Anonymous Too White?

Dismissing AA as a white-person's movement, many black addicts take a pass on the 12-steps and seek salvation from their church.

GA may use prisoners to bust unions

(image by ilyse kazar, CC NonCommercial)

Camden County, Georgia is considering replacing union firefighters with unpaid convicts. That's right, this brilliant plan contemplates placing two loosely monitored prisoners in each firehouse, who will respond to all emergencies including residential fires. And it seems that this would be forced, not optional, labor.

Let's say that nonviolent, nonlarcenous prisoners are selected. Let's say that even though the prisoners did not _choose_ to fight fires, they nonetheless put their all into protecting life and property, rather than doing the bare minimum. What do they get in exchange for running into burning buildings? _Maybe_ some time off. And the right to work as a firefighter 5 years after release, instead of the usual 10.

Oh, yes, and let's say the unionized firefighters are down with this. AS IF.

This is the worst. Cost-saving idea. Ever.