ARMED AGAINST DRUGS...

I read your May 2 news article and May 5 editorial about the DARE
drug-education program, and I disagree. I think DARE is important for
kids to learn.

I have DARE in my school. We have Officer Savage, who is very good at
teaching us about drugs. And many things about drugs, why they are
bad, not to use them, and many ways to say no.

Many kids who had DARE do not take drugs, smoke or drink alcohol. This
information is very important to kids, teenagers and adults too. The
DARE system helps kids know about drugs and not to take drugs. I
didn't know what the names for drugs were until DARE.

A lot of adults who didn't get DARE wish they could have had that
teaching when they were our age. I'm 11 years old and already know
that DARE is a big part of my life. And know that drugs aren't the way
to go. Yes, I did already know not to take drugs before DARE, but DARE
taught me many ways drug dealers can trick you, so you know how to say
no to drug dealers. DARE is keeping kids out of drugs, alcohol and
fights. I think DARE is great and we should keep it in our schools.

ZHARA AL-NADAF
Raleigh