[lumberjim]

my gut reaction to the prison problems we have is to say that they are too nice to the inmates.

There are those who intentionally get locked up so that they get 3 squares, a bed and shelter from the elements. If they kept the bad guys in holes in the ground, and paid someone to piss on their heads each morning, maybe, just maybe there'd be less inmates to deal with. Our prisoners have TV, excercise equipment, "recess", hot meals, etc. Their basic needs are handled for them. No pressure to succeed or better themseves in order to provide themselves more than the next guy has. As long as they keep their head down, and don;t get in extra trouble, they'll be released as early as possible, so the state can be done with supporting them.

Most prisons warehouse their inmates, and the potential for rehab is improbable at best. The only thing the inmate has is time. Some choose to take advantage of it, some don't. These are the redeemable, and irredeemable. The system is what it is. It is up to the individual incarcaree to rehabilitate himself.