MIXED MESSAGES ENCOURAGE DRUG ABUSE

Carl Hiaasen wrote a compelling column on the tragic effects of drug use
[One bad choice takes tragic toll, Otherviews, May 27] pointing out that
even when parents try to do the right thing, it isn't always enough. So how
could the unimaginable happen?

There is a saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." This is still
true today.

Even the best parents need reinforcement from schools and community. We
live in a time when children and young adults are constantly bombarded with
mixed messages. In this case a mother of one of Andie's friends showed her
how to roll and smoke marijuana. How can a child not be confused? One adult
is warning about drugs, alcohol and tobacco; yet another adult is saying a
little pot won't hurt you. Mixed messages are harmful.

Take, for example, the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding medical
marijuana. Even though the court unanimously upheld the law stating that
there is no accepted medical use for marijuana, the media's focus is
consistently on the point of view of the opposition. For teens and
pre-teens this sends the message that marijuana use may be OK and that the
government is being unreasonable.

For nearly 20 years Informed Families has been dedicated to helping kids
grow up safe, healthy and drug-free. We offer everything from parenting and
health realization classes to organized Community Action Teams and
parent-support groups. For more information we encourage families to log
onto our Web site www.informedfamilies.org or to call us at 305-856-4886.

One person can make a difference -- together we can create change.

PEGGY B. SAPP

President & CEO

Informed Families Miami