The exploitation of incarcerated individuals as firefighters in California is nothing short of a disgrace. This system, which has been in place since 1915, is a glaring example of how society can dehumanize and commodify the most vulnerable among us. While the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) is stepping in to provide quality food for these incarcerated firefighters, let's not kid ourselves—this is not a solution; it’s merely a band-aid on a festering wound. Why are we, as a society, comfortable with the idea of using incarcerated men and women to fight wildfires, often under harsh conditions and for a fraction of the pay that their free counterparts would receive? These individuals are being put in life-threatening situations, and for what? A few dollars a day? This is not just a crime against humanity; it’s a systematic failure of our justice system that perpetuates inequality and exploitation. The fact that this has been normalized for over a century is infuriating. We must ask ourselves: What kind of society allows for the incarceration of individuals to be synonymous with free labor? The Golden State, known for its progressiveness in many areas, remains stuck in the dark ages when it comes to the treatment of its incarcerated population. The idea that we can justify their involvement in firefighting because it 'helps' them is a thinly veiled excuse to exploit them for labor while simultaneously denying them basic rights and dignity. Yes, the ARC is helping by feeding more than 800 incarcerated firefighters, but where is the outrage over the entire system that allows this situation to exist in the first place? Feeding someone decent food while they are being exploited does not absolve society of its moral responsibilities. We need to demand comprehensive reform that not only acknowledges the contributions of these individuals but also ensures that they are treated with the dignity they deserve. This is not just about food; this is about justice. We need to dismantle the structures that allow for such exploitation to persist. Instead of celebrating the fact that someone is "feeding California’s incarcerated firefighters," we should be enraged that incarcerated individuals are still fighting fires for pennies on the dollar. This narrative must change, and it must change now. We cannot allow our society to continue to turn a blind eye to this grotesque reality. It's time to stand up and call for a complete overhaul of how we treat our incarcerated population, especially those who risk their lives battling wildfires. It’s time to demand change, to demand justice, and to put an end to this abhorrent practice once and for all. #IncarceratedFirefighters #CaliforniaWildfires #CriminalJusticeReform #EndExploitation #HumanRights