DOWN ON DARE

Here's my suggestion. Cancel DARE because it is ineffective. If that
is not possible, it should be replaced by a program offering
fact-filled presentations by those who really know about drugs such as
doctors with experience treating addicts or drug users.

Presumably (hopefully) these experts will inform the kids that nearly
all the harm inflicted upon users and non-users alike by illegal drugs
is because they are prohibited by law.

Police officers know very little about drugs. All they know about
illegal drugs is the law that prohibits them and simply telling
children merely that "it's against the law" may only persuade them to
reach for the forbidden fruit.

ALAN RANDELL

Victoria, B.C.