CLARKE D.A.R.E. OFFICER CLARIFIES A RECENT STATEMENT

In the Nov. 27 article, "D.A.R.E.'s bites out of budget worth cost,
Edwards says," I was paraphrased as saying that in my last class of
the day (at Barnett Shoals Elementary) all but three children said
they had family members who had been involved in some sort of criminal
activity. That was not an accurate statement. During the lesson at
Barnett Shoals Elementary, we talked about how youth gangs and
criminal activities in our communities affect the way we live. I
shared a story about my home being burglarized. The students were then
asked, how many knew of criminal activities in their community or have
been victims and how have those activities changed the way you live
daily. Many of the students agreed that there are criminal activities
in their communities and it affects their lives and families. None of
the elementary students said their family members are involved in
criminal activities. My statement was not aimed at Barnett Shoals
Elementary School nor was it a reflection of the school's student
body, teachers or parents. I just happened to be at Barnett Shoals
Elementary during this interview. However, many of our children do
see, hear and witness these negative activities. The D.A.R.E. program,
with help from the school system and community, can assist them in
making positive choices by teaching them not only the tools to resist,
but the consequences of their actions.

Kenneth C. Straughter Clarke, County Sheriff's Office, deputy