D.A.R.E. DOES WORK

With regard to the latest data presented by the Surgeon General and the
National Academy of Sciences, which they claim indicates the D.A.R.E.
program doesn't work, I say baloney.

I have four children and all of them have been through the program. I am
absolutely convinced the program is effective and has left a lasting,
positive impression on the kids. Albeit it might not be the sole answer to
dissuade kids from drugs, it is a wonderful asset for parents. Of course,
at some point, parents need to take a role in their child's life also.

For these agencies to suggest the program should be abandoned, I say, let
me check their data. Who did they poll anyway? Or did they simply compare
statistics of previous years. I challenge these agencies to show me a
better program for children. If the issue is about money, how many
countless, meaningless government programs do we have now, which do
absolutely nothing for children?

Let's keep our priorities in order. Keep this program. It may not be the
sole answer to substance abuse, but it's better than nothing.

Rich Christensen, Bakersfield