D.A.R.E. PROGRAM IS VALUABLE FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the Letter to the Editor from Stephen
Heath in Clearwater, Fla.

I cannot believe he would have the nerve to write things he did about
the DARE program. I have a freshman in high school now that came home
each week and told me everything he learned each week in DARE. Yes, he
was in the fifth grade. Yes, he was young, but he listened and
remembered each and every discussion those officers had.

Drug use is not the only issue that is covered in the DARE program.
They talk about bullying, self-esteem, using tobacco, along with
drinking and driving and other subjects. They also talk about
suffering the consequences for these actions. And how they not only
affect you, but others as well.

It is not our fault as parents or the DARE program that people don't
get strong enough consequences for the use of drugs when they are
caught. You need to put the blame somewhere else on that one. Teaching
them not to do it is the first step. Some of you may have your own
opinions on the program, but to say that it is actually LEADING
children into drugs instead of abstaining them is ludicrous. If only
one student out of the whole fifth grade learned something positive
from the program, wouldn't it be worth it?

Maybe our children could use some more information from health care
professionals, but right now, all we have are our wonderful volunteers
from the DARE program doing a wonderful job so far. How can you fault
them for that? I now have another fifth-grader entering the DARE
program at Adamsville Elementary. I am very proud of what they have
taught our children in the past and know they will do a wonderful job
again. Every fifth-grader will remember and recognize "Deputy Dan"
when they see him, as well as respect him. And by the way ... my
children do not believe in the tooth fairy or Santa Claus.

JULIE HUFFMAN

Zanesville