ON THE STREET

On the street:

The Southeast Missourian asked people if they think Missouri should follow the example of Alabama, which has reinstituted prisoner chain gangs for trash pickup along highways.

Homer Huskey, Cape Girardeau:

"I think it's a great idea. It's time these guys quit sitting around the prison, with us paying to keep them there. Let them get out and work and pay society back."

Susan Selsor, Fruitland:

"It's a great idea. Then our tax dollars are doing something besides letting these guys sit in these prison cells doing nothing. If they committed crime, they need to work for us."

Steve Gesellschap, Cape Girardeau:

"I think it's a marvelous idea. Instead of the people sitting around prisons watching TV, put them to work and have them contribute something to society. They are not in prison to have a good time."

Beverly Lewis, Cape Girardeau:

"As long as the prisoners are not abused, they ought to be made to work. I can't see taxpayers having to pay wages for that type of work when prisoners are sitting on their duffs and eating us out of house and home."

Greg Macke, Cape Girardeau:

I think it would be good. Maybe people would try a little more to stay out of jail. Maybe we should make it a little rougher on them. They would have to be guarded, but I wouldn't want to see them out there with a bullwhip."