email correspondence with Bulls and Bears Fox News Program.

I agree that wasteful spending makes no sense – pardon the pun. However, I believe more government dollars should be spent on addiction prevention and recovery programs. 111.8 Million is a drop in the bucket for programs to prevent substance abuse. The cost to society is incalculable. Joseph A. Califano Jr. in his book, How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid, documents that 25% of our nation’s college youth are clinically abusing or addicted to alcohol or drugs. High School drop-out rates approach 50%. 620 participants celebrate 8150 clean & sober years @ www.bradmersereau.com/sobriety.html Kids who don’t drink or drug before 21 significantly improve the possibility to avoid future addiction. 155 teens pledge to honor mind, body, and spirit without drugs or alcohol before 21 @ www.bradmersereau.com/lauraspledge.html. It’s a start!

Sincerely, Brad Mersereau