SCHOOL BOARD MUST FIGHT DRUG USE

The headline in the Nov. 19 Mobile Register stating that "27 percent of
Baldwin students used drugs" should come as no surprise to parents and
school system administrators.

In fact, the figure of 27 percent is probably lower than the actual usage
rate for kids in Baldwin and Mobile counties. In some areas, drug use
probably exceeds 50 percent. That means 20,000 or more children in our area
are using marijuana, crack, ecstasy and other illegal drugs.

"Drug use by children is of epidemic proportions." Our county health
officer has said this on numerous occasions, yet many parents seem clueless
when it comes to their Johnnie or Jennie using drugs.

Each time one of these children sneaks around smoking a joint or pops a pill:

They are breaking the law.

They are thumbing their noses at our system of law and order just the same
as if they purposely drove through a red light or shoplifted from a local
store. There is no difference.

They are thumbing their noses at thousands of dedicated law enforcement
officials and military personnel who spend their lives trying to keep the
drugs off our streets.

They are thumbing their noses at Mom and Dad and all the adults who
patiently explain the reasons why they should not use drugs.

At the same time, Johnnie and Jennie are helping terrorists continue their
efforts to grow their businesses throughout the world. The people who are
involved in the smuggling of these poisons into our country are terrorists
in every sense of the word. So are the street corner drug peddlers.

As long as there are willing buyers of drugs, there will be sellers of
drugs. Stop buying, and the sellers will go elsewhere.

The only way to stop this kind of terrorist-induced illegal activity in our
country is to get people to stop using drugs. The best way to do that is
through random drug-testing programs at school and in the workplace.

I applaud the Baldwin County school system for its plans to begin a pilot
drug-testing program. I challenge the Mobile County school board to show
the same courage and determination.

Our kids need your help; don't way any longer. Every year you wait, more
children come under the influence of drugs and terrorist-induced illegal
activities.

GEORGE E. KREITEMEYER

Mobile