Regrets of 16-year-old gangbanger too late

"Dear Abby" contains a two-column letter today from a 16-year-old gangbanger who faces life in prison. He asks, "Was it really worth throwing my life away?" Abby (Jeanne Phillips) gave the name "Homesick Homeboy" to the author.

You can read his letter at http://www.dearabby.com/

This letter should be required reading for all teenagers and young adults.

Some schools teach, "Stop. Think. Act." Some schools just talk about it but don't teach it; that is, they don't see that the students learn it.

Billions are spent annually in America's penal system. The only way to reduce these expenditures is to start solving the problem in the early ages. This will cost money. Our choice? Spend it now, or spend it later.

Read that kid's letter. Print it out. Share it with the kids you know. Talk about it with them. Do something today to help them change their paths.