Pubdate: Fri, 02 Mar 2001
Source: Bakersfield Californian (CA)
Copyright: 2001, The Bakersfield Californian
Contact:  PO Box 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302-0440
Website: http://www.bakersfield.com/
Author: Rich Christensen

D.A.R.E. DOES WORK

With regard to the latest data presented by the Surgeon General and the 
National Academy of Sciences, which they claim indicates the D.A.R.E. 
program doesn't work, I say baloney.

I have four children and all of them have been through the program. I am 
absolutely convinced the program is effective and has left a lasting, 
positive impression on the kids. Albeit it might not be the sole answer to 
dissuade kids from drugs, it is a wonderful asset for parents. Of course, 
at some point, parents need to take a role in their child's life also.

For these agencies to suggest the program should be abandoned, I say, let 
me check their data. Who did they poll anyway? Or did they simply compare 
statistics of previous years. I challenge these agencies to show me a 
better program for children. If the issue is about money, how many 
countless, meaningless government programs do we have now, which do 
absolutely nothing for children?

Let's keep our priorities in order. Keep this program. It may not be the 
sole answer to substance abuse, but it's better than nothing.

Rich Christensen, Bakersfield
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