There are three basic reasons for putting people in prison:Our prisoners have served as the US slave caste for some time.
They owe us. Besides, they probably like getting out rather then sit in a cement box staring at the ceiling 24/7.
"They" do? ALL of them?
How many unjust laws and unjust sentences have been handed down since our penal system gained a profit motive? Within the idea that .21 cents an hour teaches a trade, how many find gainful employment once out? If our prison labor was not for profit, I might have some agreement with you, but it isn't, and the for profit prison industry works in conjunction with the for profit prison labor industry to create our unheard from OR FOR slave labor platform.
1. You separate the criminal from society to protect society while in prison.
2. Revenge
3. Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is the only one that makes sense. The social and economic gains for society are huge. However, society's desire for revenge and the cost of rehabilitation has made rehabilitation a dirty word.
Revenge benefits no one except possibly the victim. So that leaves separating the prisoner from society. Putting more people in prison and keeping them there longer reduces crime and it makes the prison industries more profitable. As long as America is not concerned with justice, this makes sense.