START AT HOME

I recently resigned from a federal agency involved with the intelligence
community and the war on drugs. I was not at a high level in the
organization, but I was able to see the effects of the government's processes.

When I worked for this agency, I really wanted to believe that we were
doing something that mattered. I must be frank: I question the actual
efficacy and value that most federal counter-drug agencies provide. I also
question how our tax dollars are used. As in many federal agencies, there
was a significant amount of ``red tape,'' bureaucracy and delays. I think
we often kid ourselves when we believe the government is stopping or even
slowing the threat of drugs.

I do not pretend to have the answer either. But I would say this: The drug
war can't be won only by agencies like the DEA, FBI or the CIA. In our
nation and in our own families, we need to become more involved with our
children, including discipline, nurturing and education. As parents and
adults, we need to educate ourselves as to why young adults get involved
with drugs, what the health hazards are and how to prevent addiction. Just
being ``present'' in a child's life is one of the best ways to prevent drug
abuse.

There are no easy answers to this problem. Some Internet resources include
www.clubdrugs.org, www.theantidrug.com, www.connectforkids.org.

Jim Frey
Ligonier