`NO' AND GROW

`Just say no.' There was a time when that simple saying embodied our
society's efforts to teach children how to resist the pull of drug
abuse. It was more than a simple saying, of course, because behind it
was the thought that we had to teach kids about the harm that drugs
can bring, and that the right thing to do is to turn away quickly.

Now, in Tarrant County, we are shocked to find that a large number of
young people apparently didn't get the message. Heroin has a grip on
these young people, and many of them are dying.

That doesn't mean that the message was wrong, or even that it was
poorly delivered. It is a blunt reminder that times change -- and that
the fight against drug abuse, like everything else in our society,
must continue to grow and change if it is to be effective.

DARE -- Drug Abuse Resistance Education, taught by police officers in
Tarrant County since 1987 -- has been one of the most popular
in-school anti-drug efforts, but it is drawing criticism from some
people who see its approach as outdated. "Dorky," say some students.

It is encouraging to see a trend toward holding such programs up to
the light, to demand proven effectiveness. New programs are being
introduced, with new catchy names and new ways of teaching kids to
stay away from drugs. One of the clear messages so far is that such
efforts must be continuously reinforced through high school -- not
just taught in one grade, as are most DARE classes.

There is no one perfect way to fight drugs in our society -- law
enforcement, treatment programs and prevention efforts all play
important roles -- and there is no perfect way to inoculate kids
against the dangers of drug abuse. Even DARE can grow and change to
meet the challenge -- and it has to do so, as a matter of fact.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry