Pubdate: Sat, 09 Feb 2002
Source: Tribune Review (PA)
Copyright: 2002 Tribune-Review Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://triblive.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/460
Author: Jim Frey

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
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