DARE PROGRAM FAILURE

Dear Editor,

I'm sure Lori McPhee means well in supporting DARE [Painter accepts a
DARE to help fundraise, Feb. 29, Langley Advance]. However, nearly
every study, including government studies, shows DARE - including the
revamped model - is a failure and may be causing more drug use than no
program at all would.

One reason DARE fails is because it teaches lies, half truths, and
discredited reefer madness propaganda. One example: when youth finds
out cannabis (marijuana) is less harmful and addictive than taught,
they think truly hard drugs are also not so addictive, causing grave
results. Contributing to DARE perpetuates failure; art should be
donated and money should be spent on honest programs proven effective
at protecting children.

Stan White,

Dillon, Colorado, USA