GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF SAND OVER TEEN DRUG USE

In the last column, I criticized the strict parenting techniques the
RCMP suggested at a DARE presentation as being unrealistic. But even
more off target were the opinions about substance abuse at SRHS.

First off, to the parents and administrators that were shocked at the
actual amount of substance abuse going on, I have to say, "Get your
heads out of the sand."

As for the statistics and views presented, I felt they were very
misleading and biased towards one vice in particular while letting
others off the hook.

Little emphasis seemed to be placed on smoking (18 per cent were
regulars) and drinking (78 per cent had "more than a sip") while
marijuana use was the "most startling" (50 per cent of students tried
it). If you look at the numbers alone, wouldn't alcohol be a bigger
concern than marijuana for parents and administrators?

Everyone is well aware of the stupidity and danger that come from
drinking, yet the authorities still largely target marijuana. I feel
this distorted focus is a result of politics, partially because tax
revenue from cigarette and alcohol sales indirectly is funneled into
RCMP coffers.

Does this sound bold or presumptuous? Think about how long it took for
the feds to come clean about tobacco advertising that targeted
youngsters. Not exactly ethical stuff, if you ask me.

In addition, Portage stats said 53 per cent of marijuana users went to
harder drugs like cocaine, mescaline, LSD, crack, morphine and
Dilaudid, yet numerous independent studies have shown marijuana is not
a "gateway" drug at all. Actually, tobacco and alcohol are
increasingly considered holders of that title.

Sadly, this stigmatic anti-marijuana propaganda continues unquestioned
and has become somewhat accepted. I sometimes wonder if the police,
and the powers that be, base their facts and strategy on a Know Your
Dope Fiend video from the 1960s and Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

I'm definitely not condoning marijuana use up at SRHS, but grouping it
with harder drugs and making it the obvious heart of anti-drug
campaigns is a big mistake.

The brunt of the focus should be on eradicating the harsher synthetic
drugs that have recently permeated the school, like crack, Oxy Contin,
ecstasy and crystal meth. These culprits can quickly mess up a young
person mentally, physically and socially.

Busting a young Jeff Spicoli with a couple of joints in his locker
might seem like a job well done, but it's a Pyrrhic victory. Because
elsewhere, crack rocks are blazing and other synthetics are cooking,
anxious young minds in tow.

Though my remarks might seem harsh toward the police, I realize
they're not personally to blame for the problem. I generally feel
individual officers have society's best interests at heart. My disdain
lies with the higher-ups who write impractical guidelines for the foot
soldiers to follow.

It's sadly ironic that the RCMP have moved so close to the high
school, yet seemingly couldn't be further away from the truth and
reality that exist within its walls. For the students' sake, they
better get a move on.

Stay tuned.

Collina native Michael Baxter teaches English in Tokyo, Japan and
invites both criticism and support.