PIECE GAVE KIDS BLUEPRINT FOR ABUSE

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Thanks to Joe Dombroski for writing a Commentary column that is a perfect
example of why we shouldn't let anti-drug fanatics take over educating our
kids.

In "Everyday Products Can Offer Highs," the DEA supervisor clearly informs
us all - including at-risk children - which chemicals in Mom's cleaning
basket can be used to obtain an altered state of consciousness! Thanks,
Joe, I bet there are a few teens grateful for the guide.

This is not the only reason to reconsider our ideas about drug
education. Almost everything I see in the way of pro-parenting
public-service announcements involves drugs and how to keep children
away from them. Lost in the blizzard of anti-drug propaganda are more
traditional messages of morality.

I find myself wondering how much emphasis is put on the Golden Rule
these days. I know it by heart because I was asked recite it quite
frequently and to consider my actions by that standard. This gave me
an occasion to think about self-respect as well as consideration of
others. Do we do this as much as we used to or has the anti-drug
avalanche displaced too much of the ethical education our children
receive?

Lennice Werth

crewe