Words from the web
A judge in Alabama is allowing people who owe fines or fees to avoid jail by donating a pint of blood. The move has come under criticism by some who call it demeaning. However, others say it saves taxpayers money by keeping jails from being overcrowded and it serves a good purpose by making sure there’s blood available for those who need it. What do you think of the idea? Do you think it would work in Fayette County? Would people here be willing to donate blood in exchange for not going to jail?
“They wouldn’t be able to use 90 percent of the donated blood due to the high drug use in Fayette County.”
“I think it’s a great idea. It’s about time someone came up with a new idea.”
“It’s a bad idea. There would be too much drug-tainted blood from these people. No way.”
“It’s a wonderful idea.”
“It’d be good to at least give it a try. What do we have to lose?”
“Sounds like a good idea, as long as the blood is safe. It’s so sad to say, but they have to really be careful because of all the drug users we have here in Fayette County.”
“It’s not just here in Fayette County. Drugs are a problem just about everywhere.”
“Do you guys actually think that blood donated this way versus the other walk-ins is more likely to have contamination problems? Exactly what is your logic behind this? Do you think only clean, sober, STD-free people sell their plasma for $200 a month? You people amaze me!”
“Good idea, but half the people wouldn’t or will not be able to do it, because of drugs. These people would rather go to jail than take a drug test. It’s a shame.”
“I think it is a great idea.”
“Give the judge a lot of credit for coming up with something like this.”
“People are already getting away with stuff. I don’t like this. Do the crime, do the time. That’s what I say.”
“It’s a good idea depending on the type of crime of committed. Sex offenders need fixed!’
“It’s a win-win-win for taxpayers, the poor offenders and society, in general.”
“Good idea, but what about some sort of community service, too? What about keeping weeds cut down on abandoned properties or shoveling snowy sidewalks for the elderly? There are many ways to get better restitution for the taxpayer rather than putting people in jail.”