I can tell when someone buys the lies. The phraseology for questioning what drugs teenagers first try invariably includes the word "illegal." The availability of alcohol from bars, cupboards and refrigerators within any teenagers' own home, provides ample opportunity for entry into recreational drug use. Alcohol is the actual gateway.

After recognizing the similarity of alcohol prohibition with current drug laws and the utter failure to stem recreational usage (as alcohol prohibition failed), we can begin to redirect our efforts. Alleged partial success is another phrase for failure. Drug czars, "War on Drugs," interdiction, prohibition, DEA, CAMP, and every other acronym, attempt or law to restrict or reduce recreational drug usage have failed miserably. Yetsome continue to believe the fiction legislation can control stop those seeking to recreate or escape painful situations.

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Rehabilitation is a myth. Time served doesn't pay any debt to society, only burdens it with expenses. Victims are never justifiably compensated for criminal acts against them. Let's change enforcement policies and our perspectives to get more for our tax dollars.

Institute chain gangs, prisoners willing to earn credits, for duties that benefit the state, earn early release; honor work like the current inmate fire crews. Road cleanup, habitat restoration, flood control, projects to protect California's infrastructure, work beneficial to society pays debts. Good behavior and time served don't.

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