It would do us well to remember that sometimes we house innocent men in these facilities. To consider that we often house those who have encountered a great deal of abuse as victims, and whose crimes are crimes of self destruction or addiction. This is a fine time to remember that prisons also house men who have victims, who harm people, who went in angry and dangerous, and who soon enough will be returned to our streets, often far worse than they went in and with a new sense of animosity toward society at large. We also house the worst of the worst - monsters, those who enjoy hurting people. Who thrive on humiliation, degradation, and suffering. And that it is not the goal to become monsters ourselves. If our prisons provided education, rehabilitation, and basic dignity, we may need less of them. Of course, that wouldn't turn a profit.