I've been through the system myself and have always noticed from day 1 how it was all about money. I remember walking into Elmira Prison in NY feeling like a product with a serial number. Although many know about the prison system and how much money it makes, I might have to write something about the parole system which is quietly making money. I remember being in a room full of ex-cons in the "re-entry program" on parole in Perth Amboy, NJ and we weren't allowed to go look for jobs because we had to stay in the building until 2PM so that the program could stay open and all the counselors and office workers could have a job. I'm not saying the parole system is worse but it definitely lives comfortably in the shadows. I remember being puzzled as to why inmates would rather finish their time on the inside than being released on parole. I quickly learned the answer. I remember about half of the inmates in the reception center were parole violators. Parole is like a "break glass in case of emergency" for the system when they need more inmates. The rabbit hole goes deep. My parole officer hated me and wouldn't even shake my hand. He wanted to see me back in prison. I was more stressed on parole than I was in prison, sounds crazy but it's true.