Dear Editor

I applaud the Pantagraph for running the editorial regarding an open
dialogue about drugs between parents and children. As their number one role
model, it is the responsibility of parents to talk to their kids about the
dangers of drug abuse, but it is important to get the facts correct.

For example, the editorial specified that 84% of parents believe that
marijuana could be addictive. If our objective is an open, reasonable
discussion, this is not the kind of information that should be passed along.
Why? Because it is incorrect.

It is important that we separate fact from fiction when talking to kids
about drugs. Just remember--kids aren't stupid, and if they think what you
are telling them is not 100% accurate, they'll disregard everything you say.

If you are unsure about exactly what to say to your children, there is a
wealh of resources available from different organizations, and on the
internet at http://www.normalnorml.org/parents.html

Matthew Koglin