[punky]

Chain gangs are a great idea in principle. If you had a choice between having a prisoner locked up and on his bed 22 hours a day, and him actually doing something useful. Think of all the cleaning up jobs that don't get done because we can't afford to pay people to do it?

The chain thing isn't inhumane, as it just makes sense security wise, but what you do have to be careful is that it isn't too punishing on the body. In the US, they take it a bit far, and they have to work 12-14 hours a day, (and in some places, in 90 degree temperatures, high humidty), with little water, rest and food. So long as the prisoners health and physical wellbeing is preserved, i'm all for it.