FOR THEIR OWN GOOD

Concerning drug testing for teens in any county anywhere: We adults
are worried; we do not really know what to do to help teens make the
right decisions about illegal drugs.

As I told my daughter when she was 3 and did not want to hold my hand
as we crossed a busy street: "This is not about power; this is about
safety and health; it is about keeping you alive long enough so that
you begin to see the value of health." Of course, at 3, she did not
understand that. But she did grab my hand, and we did cross the street
safely. I have taught teens for 34 years and know that, from the 1970s
until now, we have a health and safety problem in our nation because
of drugs. One of them is alcohol. Lives are destroyed.

What adults need to see is that they are in charge of precious lives.
I do not care about privacy when my son or daughter is endangering
their lives. I care to take their hands and say "This is for your own
good; you will not realize it is for your health until you are older."

We adults have nothing to fear if we are rearing our children to
respect authority and respect their bodies. Teens who take no drugs
have nothing to fear, either. The ones who take drugs perhaps can get
the help they need to appreciate their own health.

PATRICIA A. HOPPE

West Point