No, we put people into prison for several valid reasons, the best of which is that we hope that we can protect people who are on the outside.   We also hold out some (faint) hope that the prisoner will reform their ways, but for most of the population we just warehouse them hoping they'll grow up and too old to try those things again.

The GOP in Michigan promised in the Engler years to build as many prisons as it took to make places like Detroit safe again.  The GOP passed stiff sentencing laws -- some of which I disagree with -- which then filled these prisons.  In a few short years, Detroit ceased to be the murder and drug capitol of the nation.

"I would love to stop all cuts to the prison system and focus on the Mackinac Center's suggestions, but that is simply not realistic.  The agenda is driven by Governor Granholm and Speaker Dillon..."

This is the core problem.  It is not the prisons, it is their agendas that are plaguing Michigan.  Elections do have consequences don't they?  The funny thing is that when I'm out and about I can never manage to find a single soul owning up to ever have voted for either one of them.  Either there are a lot of paltering people in this state or I just hang in the right circles.

Anyway, Thanks again for your time, and please keep a loud voice on the issues the minority certainly can effect.  It is still a Republic here in America, not a Democracy.