If you go to your local Skid Row or talk to any drug addict you will most likely find that a screwed up childhood is at the root of the problem. A child who was ignored, not fed properly, not hugged in a loving way, not encouraged to read and do well in school, or sexually abused will grow up to self medicate. It will start with drinking and smoking and move right up the ladder to heroin addiction.
These neglected children will grow into adults who might be dangerous and will definitely be a burden on society. We will pay for their prison stays, welfare, health care, abused children in foster care...to name a few.
Let's encourage and participate in helping our local school districts in any way possible. Encouraging preschool programs, extra staff, health care, extra counselors, after school activities, and food programs, even in the summer, will benefit ALL OF US. There will be fewer children turning to crime, become teenage mothers and collecting welfare. Our country will get better and better, with civilized, educated, happy people.
Donate money, volunteer your time, write an e-mail to your local congressman, donate books, call your local school and ASK HOW YOU CAN HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE.