This is an article I have referenced many times. If you think you understand why we house millions of prisoners you need to thoroughly read this and find out exactly what companies are profiting from our full prisons.
Reading so many articles recently about the many politicians jumping on the bandwagon and saying we need to release inmates because it is wrong what we have done – but these politicians accept campaign contributions from these very prison corporations leads me wonder if it is mostly all BS. An election is coming. They have to appear to support what the people want, but after the election how much will really happen? These corporations are not going to want to give up their profit. Besides, they have contracts with the government to keep the prisons full – binding legal contracts.