REPLACE DARE WITH EFFECTIVE DRUG EDUCATION

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Your Feb. 1 editorial about DARE was completely off the
mark. As numerous studies have shown, DARE is dangerously ineffective at
deterring drug use and abuse. This is not because of small problems that
need to be modified but, rather, that DARE is a fundamentally flawed program.

The DARE program is based on three terrible ideas. First, it groups all
drugs together, including alcohol. This makes children fear their parents
when they have a beer. It also undermines the authority of the police
officer when these kids go to high school and see classmates drink and do
drugs without instantaneously ruining their lives.

Second, the DARE program also misunderstands peer pressure. There are no
drug dealers desperately trying to force innocent children to do drugs. The
market is there because people want drugs. Peer pressure is important, but
it is a much more subtle force.

Third, the drug information is often flawed and biased. Kids only get the
message that drugs are bad. While we are facing a serious national drug
problem, simplistic answers will not solve it.

I strongly support drug education but only if it is truthful and objective.
In this way, people can make educated choices about the health and legal
risks they want to take, instead of just relying on vague information about
drugs being bad.

Shut down DARE and start real education programs.

Henry White