the point of jail is to restrict every freedom possible without enfringing on human rights.
i doubt you have been to a prison before. well, i live about 45 minutes away from stillwater maximum security prison. that's where the scum of the world go, i.e zaccharius moussaui, and many other terrorists. this is not a pleasant place by any means for anyone to be. carpets huh? no, they do not get carpeting. no, they do not get television. if the DO get these amenities it is certainly not in their cells. their cells consist of a toilet, a sink, and a bed. the more dangerous, the less you have. as for free college courses, yes and no. i can tell you jeffrey dahmer wasn't taking any courses in cooking while he made his short visit to prison. something tells me he was busy getting the shit kicked out of him for being so sick. rapists and child abusers do get what they gave out in prison. i know guards there, it is not a pleasant place to be. it's a GOOD thing that we offer them collegiate courses while in prison. and don't be thinking these are harvard classes, cos they're basically taking classes at a junior college. but for criminals who will re-enter the workforce, it is good for them to have a trade, mechanic, electrician, the like. then they will at least have a shot at making it when they are "reformed" and let out.
imagine that you are confined to your closet for 23 hours a day. no music, no internet, no tv, maybe a book. sound like a luxury hotel?