Quote Originally Posted by MarkCO View Post

However, the one thing we have all left out of this discussion is the "why". A kid does not take a drink or a hit to "escape" the first time, it is usually peer pressure. Continued use of drugs, for most, is the escape from reality, a reality that is not attractive. The greater the social decline, the more drugs will be desired, used and controlling of our society. If parents would spend more time with their kids instead of chasing the drug of money and consumerism, maybe drug use could be curtailed. A person who respects others and treats them with dignity does not desire nor pursue recreational drug use, legal or otherwise, because that person values others and their future.
Your responses are confusing and contradictory. I can't tell if you are for legalization, or against.

What I have quoted here, I agree with, but I don't see the part where it is the government's job to help our children make those correct decisions by throwing them into prison and turning them into criminals.