The US prison system

Our prison system is the most compassionless and un-spiritual place in the US. I feel that the way we deal with our "problem people" is barbaric. Most people in prison, once they are released, return. There is no rehabilitation, only breeding of more hardened criminals.
"The model that permeates our lives is retribution. Someone is to blame, and someone must pay. Our prison system is the most blatant example of a complete and utter lack of compassion. Within the last several years, even the term 'correctional institution', which hinted at some attention to rehabilitation, has been officially dropped. Now our prison system doesn't even pretend the least interest in helping or supporting inmates. They did something wrong; they pay the price. It's only fair. Each individual is to blame....(as if he or she didn't emerge out of a dysfunctional subculture or family, created by overwhelming social and economic inequalities), and when you screw up, these are the consequences: an even worse, appallingly dysfunctional society (prison), fully supported by tax dollars. 'in god we trust?; not in our prison system. In our ability to be as cruel and vindictive as possible we trust." (from "Why Talking Is Not Enough" By: Susan Page)
In prison people are abused, raped and denied basic human rights - yet the public couldn't care less. We figure that they did their crime, they are wrong, and must pay the price. Why did they commit their crime in the first place? I strongly feel that more crime would be prevented, not by cracking down on crime, but by helping out impoverished, abused and mistreated people in our country.
Polititians want to be tougher on crime, it is unpolitically-correct to protect the rights of criminals - who, by the way, have lost thier right to vote. Prison gards are unionized and want to protect thier jobs. The system is self perpetuating and sickening... and people will just sit by and watch.