TRUTH OR D.A.R.E.?

Are they on crack or what?: Regarding Nadia Pflaum's "Buzzkill!"
(September 2): I don't have children yet. But when I do, I don't want
a police officer showing my child what drugs look like. To me, that
really does pique their curiosity. Children are always wanting to do
things, and showing them what they are does not keep them from trying
them.

Keeping children busy with activities helps keep them from drugs. I
would keep my child out of school on the days DARE came to the school,
and I know family and friends who would do the same when their kids
are of age for the DARE program. I have even heard that they have
started having DARE in grades lower than fifth, which is younger than
most think is appropriate. Yes, we know that some children are trying
drugs starting at that age, but those that have never seen drugs
should not be shown what they are and what to use them with.

I think that the DARE program is almost a teaching process for drug
use. It has been a long time coming for the program to be changed a
lot, starting with not showing children drugs.

Michelle Hall

Kansas City, Missouri