ADULTS OWE YOUNG PEOPLE EDUCATION ABOUT DRUGS

I asked my 14-year-old son, who was in the DARE program as a
fifth-grader, if he could remember anything he learned from the
class. He recited for me: D -- I won't do drugs. A -- I won't have
attitude. R -- I will respect myself. E -- I will educate me now.

Our youth from all ethnic, socioeconomic and religious backgrounds
face the paths of right and wrong on a daily basis. As parents,
grandparents, community leaders, teachers and coaches, we must
provide strong messages that reinforce the right choices so that the
drug dealers and other detractors do not corrupt and harm our children.

It saddens me to see Sheriff Barnes decide to do away with a
proactive program that reaches the children before entering middle
school. I know he is a good man who cares about our youth. I hope he
reconsiders or money comes from other sources to help all children
learn about the dangers of drugs.

Our principals, teachers, PTAs and school administrators should ask
for this program to be continued. If it is not continued, principals
should reinforce the DARE program in fifth-grade PE classes.

Joe Plante

Summerfield