DRUG DEALINGS WITH NETWORK TV

The Post's Jan. 15 editorial "Drugs, TV and Propaganda" was correct in its
conclusion that the government has a role in promoting an anti-drug
message. We are proud of our media campaign's success in raising the
visibility of the problem that costs our nation more than $100 billion and
52,000 drug-related deaths a year. Preventing drug use by America's 68
million children and adolescents is the best down payment we can make on a
healthy future.

To assert that this public-private anti-drug effort is sponsoring political
"spin" is wrong. The Office of National Drug Control Policy has worked to
make experts in the fields of drug use and prevention and public health
communication available to the entertainment industry. Our purpose is to
communicate truthful messages about drug use and the benefits of living
drug free.

At no time has this office vetoed, cleared or otherwise dictated the
content of network television or other programs. We will continue to offer
scientific and technical advice to anyone who wishes to take advantage of
it. Drug use by America's youth declined by 13 percent last year. We are
convinced that if we continue to emphasize drug prevention, juvenile
drug-use rates will drop further.

Barry R. McCaffrey,

Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Washington

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