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The U.S. federal prison system essentially destroys people, then sets them free. I have seen this first hand many times. It is desperately, desperately in need of fundamental reform. I think it's great that you Ace are on top of this and concerned.
I don't know what the answers are, but at the very least it needs to be radically changed to focus on positive rehabilitation, and basic human dignity. Most of the people in there have identifiable psychological issues, usually expressed as addictions, that can be treated. The prison experience only exacerbates these problems, and creates new ones on top.
If you want a good read on prison life and prisoner psychology, get a hold of any of Danny Martin's books. Committing Journalism was his first. He's written several more (I just finished "In the Hat", a great read) that give you a good picture and feeling for prison society. It's very accurate (I know Danny a.k.a. the Red Hog, he's a great human being, though back in now because he had dirty urine about a year ago).
This September will begin my brother-in-law's 30th year in Leavenworth. He was rehabilitated probably 25 years ago, is no threat to anybody anymore, and is kept in purely for punishment. It's cruel and pointless. I can't fathom how any human being can survive psychologically in a max security prison for 30 years, trying to maintain one's basic dignity and self-respect.
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