[motzman]

Some very valid points, especially the cigarette butts all over the place issue. As the for the "gateway" effect, you're right there too. Many people, and teens in particular, get involved with some really low-down people because of cigs, drugs, and alcohol. Once they start down the path of illegality, many find themselves doing many more illegal things (not just drugs), since they've already put themselves on the "wrong side of the law". And, they start getting involved in a "culture" that will lead them down the wrong path

It's a danger in society that has no easy answer, but needs to be addressed rationally by better people than me, as soon as possible for the good of the country.

[Huck]

but needs to be addressed rationally by better people than me, as soon as possible for the good of the country.

Dittos. Don't let me pretend to have the answers.