D.A.R.E. PROGRAM SAVES LIVES FROM DRUG ADDICTION

In response to Alan Bock's article,"Do we dare say it?" [Commentary, June
13], it should be noted that the tenth lesson about the power of the media.
Bock's article merits this type of attention. Bock says "...marijuana is
almost certainly less dangerous than tobacco." D.A.R.E. students in
Placentia are taught just the opposite.

In a past arrest for "cultivation of marijuana," I learned from the
arrestee that he was routinely spraying his "crops" with malathion and
diazinon - both highly toxic chemicals. This practice is not unusual.
Marijuana is generally smoked without any filtering device. As bad as
cigarettes are, at least they have filters. It is disturbing to think that
people still feel that marijuana is not harmful.

We cannot put any price on one human life. Yet, across this country
officers have factual accounts of students using the information from
D.A.R.E. to save their lives, as well as the lives of others.

And in terms of money alone, how much does society save by keeping one more
potential drug user out of court or prison or a hospital?

Finding fault with any program is far easier than seeking additional
solutions. My hope is that "experts" like Bock would support those working
to win the war against drugs, instead of undermining our efforts.

Rick Miller
Placentia

Mr. Miller is a sergeant with the Placentia Police Department.