WHAT IF A SNIPER HAD KILLED 34 OF US SO FAR THIS YEAR?

Other Voices --

Throughout the coming week you'll read a lot about substance abuse and its
tragic consequences for our children. At least we hope you'll read it all.
Because that's the first step in addressing the problem.

As Sun Herald publisher Ricky Mathews writes in his column on the facing
page, this Red Ribbon Week drug series is an initiative that, along with
our daily coverage of the war against drug abuse, is one of the most
important and more expensive things we do.

Why do we do it?

Because - as of last week - 34 South Mississippians have died this year
from drug overdose. And we - as a community - have got to do something.

As pointed out on today's front page, a year ago two snipers killed ten
innocent people in suburban Washington and the entire nation was shocked.
We were scared. We kept an eye glued to the news until we were sure the
shooters were caught. But here at home we've already lost three times as
many victims, yet we don't see the same reaction. That is unacceptable.

Author Steven King could write a best seller about a nice middle class
community where everyone happily goes about their business while, behind
the scenes, their children disappear one by one. The movie would be a hit.
But this isn't a movie; these deaths are real. And we all too often know
those who are dying.

All these deaths were so unnecessary. But to prevent more of them, certain
it is necessary to take certain steps.

That's why this series is so important. Just as intelligence is the most
important resource in the War on Terrorism, good information is our best
resource in a local War on Substance Abuse. Too many parents think "the
drug problem" only affects other kids. They don't realize that alcohol
abuse, or improper use of prescription drugs, takes as many victims as
crack cocaine. They don't know how to talk to their kids, to set a proper
example, or how to offer alternatives when their kids start feeling peer
pressure.

This week-long series, which we call "Fighting Back," gives you ammunition
for the best weapon you have in the fight against substance abuse: a few
moments of your time. Parents tell the experts "I just don't know what to
say to my kids, or what questions to ask." So they do nothing. Well, we'll
give you plenty to talk about.

The series is a crash course in the abuse of alcohol, marijuana,
methamphetamines and prescription drugs. We'll help you identify the
problem and help you explain the consequences. Equally important, we'll
introduce you to local teens who have faced the peer pressure and found
alternatives to help them successfully avoid drugs. We won't just badger
you with only the bad news; we'll offer solutions.

Unlike tropical storms we can't prevent, substance abuse is a disaster we
can keep from striking our family. It just takes a little education and a
little time talking with your kids. Our series is intended to give you a
foundation for those discussions.

Thanks to several corporate sponsors who care a great deal about this
community, copies of The Sun Herald and the "Fighting Back" series will be
delivered every morning this week to more than 26,000 high school and
junior high students in George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and
Stone counties.

Please, let this series be the start of an open and honest discussion in
your home.