Prisoners, inmates are still people who matter

Whenever the time comes for people to vote for new leaders, the majority of us lean toward the candidate who possesses the most power for the people. With that being said, why do “we the people” ignore the fact that inmates/prisoners are part of “the people” just as well as anyone who makes a mistake with the absence of correction through a facility of some sort?

We fail to realize that as humans we are all inadequate and make mistakes from which we learn. Many U.S. jails do not charge inmates for their stay, but among jails who do, Linn County is included. It amazes me how the county brings in so much money through inmates alone, but yet still strives to obtain more through the use of undercover stings. Have you ever wondered what the money obtained through such things is actually used for? We the people have the right to know.

So in order for us to make conscious decisions as voters as to who best fits the many positions, we must put aside stereotypes, racism and any other negative aspects that segregate the people. Only then will we be able to see the true potential of a leader who is ready to make conscious decisions for the people as a whole.

Zaya Daens

Linn County Jail