Illegal Drugs in America?

Tougher laws and longer sentences are an indication of failure and feeling of helplessness on the part of government and citizens to adequately deal with drugs. It would help if the government stopped putting out disinformation and dealt squarely and honestly with the issue. Too many people, as the result of propaganda, believe that any illegal drug is dangerous and it's users worthy of long prison sentences, while prescription drug abuse is a medical problem to be excused for that reason. Neither is being adequately dealt with and prescription drug abuse and death are reaching epidemic proportions as a result, while many thousands of illegal drug users, some only casual users, are in jails and prisons across the US, leaving children to manage without one or both parents. People need to educate themselves, and we all need to put pressure on our representatives to confront the issues surrounding drugs in ways that will reduce harm on society and its members. Change is long overdue.