We live in an information and knowledge-based economy.

Rather than following through on the proven crime and violence prevention techniques that work, we are back to tough-talking sound byte policies that have been proven to not only fail to reduce crime but actually increase crime, waste taxpayers' money and discriminate against minorities.

While we must ensure that these dangerous new drugs and precursors do not get in the hands of children or others who would use them improperly, we must also be aware that these same drugs have legitimate uses.

Mandatory minimums have been shown to be discriminatory and waste the taxpayers' money.

If we increase spending, we have got to raise taxes or any combination.

While there are many obstacles that deter students from going to college, finances by no means should be the deciding factor.

Unequal funding resources also results in unequal educational opportunity when you consider studies that show that one half of low income students who are qualified to attend college do not attend because they can't afford to.