Today's modern day "chain gang" perhaps.
I've noticed these Sheriff buses, with flashing blue lights, along route 11e the last few times I've driven to our farm. Big bright signage, reading "roadside cleanup ahead", were placed in the breakdown lanes well before coming upon these crews -
The crew looks to be grouped in pairs, with several pairs on each side of the east bound side AND the west bound side -
Chain gangs originated in the south after the Civil war and was a form of penal (hehehe, I said "penal") labor. Back in those days the prisoners' were chained together and forced into doing labor like road work or farming.
Due to controversies like historical ties to racial injustice, public humiliation, and potential for abuse this practice has been largely abolished today. At least from a 'forced' perspective. My assumption is the crews I saw were a part of some volunteer program that's offered - to the well behaved, non-violent prisoners'. Honestly, I would jump at the change to get outside of the prison to do such chores.
I would NOT be opposed to see these programs reinstituted. Why not have these criminals earn their keep for needing to be fed and housed and cared for, while helping towns and cities with chores and tasks, liking picking up unsightly roadside trash!
Kudos Tennessee!
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