Pubdate: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 Source: Spokesman-Review (WA) Copyright: 2003 The Spokesman-Review Contact: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/417 Author: Katy Gray Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) D.A.R.E. NEEDS TO STAY IN PLACE Spokane Valley D.A.R.E. program "wasted money''? Discontinuing program "no great loss''? My son graduated from the Valley D.A.R.E. program this year. He and all the fifth-graders enjoyed it immensely and learned so much from Officer Bailey of the Spokane Sheriff's Office. My 11-year-old is as much at-risk as any child in Spokane to being exposed to the increasing abuse of cigarettes, drugs and alcohol in society. Because of this program, my son has learned, and truly believes, that people who drink or use drugs are only headed for trouble and are destroying precious brain cells. Due to my son's reaction, I disagree that money for D.A.R.E. is wasted and does not help prevent youth from drug use later in life. Any money spent in helping our youth make good choices and educate them about the dangers of drugs is an investment in their, and our, future. Children who learn to say no and walk away from drugs at an early age are stronger and more informed. Knowledge is power; used in the right way, it can make a world of difference for all of us. Keep the D.A.R.E. program in place and give power to our children. Katy Gray Spokane Valley Spokane Valley, WA - --- MAP posted-by: Thunder