Prison is Where Criminals Go to get Their Ph.D.

   Does our prison system unwittingly harden criminals, by bringing them all together in one place where they can interact with each other?  Do they come out more inclined toward crime than when they went in?
   If so, we should surely change our prison system.
   I ask, is it wise to put people together who are criminals? Shall we let them establish friendships that might be extended once they are out? Shall we let them discuss with each other their ideas for crime, sharing thoughts on what works and what doesn't? Shall we let them teach each other best methods? Yes, this is a wonderful little idea, putting them together so they can share trade secrets, network with each other, and come out new and improved, intensified criminals.
   To learn a life of crime, go to prison.
   Our prisons are incubators for crime. If a person wants to learn about science or law or journalism, or English or music or art, he can go to college. But, if he wants to learn about crime, he can go to prison. Prison is where the criminal goes to get his Ph.D.
   You are no better than the company you keep, it is said, and what we are rubs off on each other. So, why, if we really seek rehabilitation for the criminal, do we put them in with company we don't want them to keep? 
   It is a prison system that never was thought thoroughly through.