Star says No to Melvin’s “convicts in the schools” idea

by David Safier

I'm pleased to see the Star editorial picked up on Al Melvin's statement in the Explorer suggesting schools save money by using convict labor. The editorial wasn't kind to Cap'n Al.

There are thousands of good reasons for school districts not to consider inmate labor – kids. It's one thing to clean medians, it's another to work on school grounds.

Adults on school campuses are role models for kids. Every person, from the principal to the teachers to cafeteria and custodial workers, makes an impression on students. Kids learn the value of work, the honor of doing good work no matter the job and how an education is part of a good life.

Al Melvin has demonstrated his combined lack of empathy and common sense on too many occasions to list — though some day I may try to compile a Melvin's Greatest Hits list (It will be long. It's so hard to choose!). He and his mentor Russell Pearce are poster children for what's wrong with the extreme right wing that's controlling the state and national Republican Party.