Drug Problem In America

The other day, someone at a store in our town read
that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old
farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a
rhetorical question, ''Why didn't we have a drug
problem when you and I were growing up?''

replied: "I had a drug problem when I was young":

I was drug to church on Sunday morning.

I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.

I was drug to family reunions and community
socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was
disrespectful to adults.

I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed
my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report
card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of
the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put
forth my best effort in everything that was asked
of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth
washed out with soap if I uttered a profane
four-letter word.

I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and
flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.

I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and
neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no
one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or
chop some firewood;

and, if my mother had ever known that I took a
single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would
have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect
my behavior in everything I do, say, and think.
They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin;
and, if today's children had this kind of drug
problem, America would be a better place.

~ Author Unknown ~