MELTON'S BOTTOM LINE: GET AN EDUCATION, DON'T DO DRUGS ... AND PULL UP YOUR
PANTS

Melton, the executive director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics,
didn't mince words when he talked to about 350 kindergartners and
first-graders at last week's Health Expo in the Attala County Coliseum.

But his message didn't just deal with drugs. Melton talked about education
and attitudes, and gave youngsters a blueprint for success.

"Have faith in God, faith in family, get a quality education and do
volunteer work," he said.

And when it comes time for a job interview, appearances and first
impressions are crucial, Melton said.

Look people in the eye, offer a firm handshake, speak appropriately, leave
the earrings to "your sisters, mothers and grandmothers ... and young men,
pull your britches up over your behind," he said as adults applauded and
shouted their approval.

He also criticized the culture that causes young people and their parents to
dole out big bucks for designer clothes and shoes.

"I'm so sick of Tommy Hilfiger, I don't know what to do," he said. "Air
Jordans cost 150 dollars; that's ridiculous when you're growing as fast as
you are ... and they're ugly."

He praised Mississippi teachers but was critical of the way money is spent
on education.

"We spend $22 million a year on alternative schools, all because a few
people don't know how to behave," he said. "We could use that money to send
every child to college, to make an investment in your future.

"Instead of spending $22 million, I'd go to Wal-Mart, buy a 3-dollar paddle,
and we'd have school."

He said there's no excuse for anyone not getting a quality education,
especially in Kosciusko.

"You have one of the best school systems in the state right here," he said.

Melton challenged the children to be respectful to everyone, from teachers
to cafeteria workers.

"Today, when you take that tray, I want you to say, 'Thank you,' " he said.
"That's just basic human decency."

Everyone can learn right from wrong and succeed, he said, regardless of race
or background.

"No more excuses," he said.

Melton said he has a gift that some would call a handicap.

"I'm so colorblind, someone has to lay out my clothes for me," he said, "so
when I look out at your faces, I see a group of very smart children -- and
that's all I see."

Melton, who was appointed MBN chief in January after years of serving as the
outspoken CEO of WLBT, said statistics show that 80 percent of all crime is
the result of drugs. Crystal methamphetamine is the worst problem in the
state, he said.

"I'm fired up about this generation because I've had to bury too many kids,"
he said.

"If anyone ever offers you meth, run in the opposite direction," he said.
"When they're making it, one mistake could blow up this entire coliseum ...
imagine what it must do to the human body."

He said crack addicts' life expectancy drops off by 15 years "if we can
rehabilitate them" and marijuana is now manufactured to make users want
more. He warned the children not to give in to the allure of fast, easy
money by dealing drugs.

"We'll take everything from you," he said, adding that he had just done that
with a major bust in Jackson that morning.

"Don't take anything for free," he said. "If I give you something, I can
take it away. That means I control you.

"If you earn something, it's yours forever."

In closing, he made the youngsters yell, "I can be anything I want to be .."
then closed with his signature line from his days of doing commentary for
WLBT -- "And that, my friends, is the bottom line."