The goal here to keep nation in suppressed condition, in mortal fear of punishment for disobedience. The same with capital punishment. Clear sign of obscurant society, where fear and panic are handy tools to conduct business.

Many are happy to see these "drug offenders" behind bars and few care. But, I'm with you, most of these people come from disadvantaged settings. Give them a hand up! Don't enslave them for the all mighty dollar!

Some weeks ago I got a mail by Kellog's, to give $$ for the starving people in USA.
I heard nothing about starving prisoners.
I think, if the economic situation develops further negative, - and there about is no doubt - the government has to decide any change about the prisoners (also the laws), as more as the possible work for prisoners will be minimally available with the amount of unemployment, what the costs will let climbing additional.