Pubdate: Wed, 01 Oct 2003
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA)
Copyright: 2003 Richmond Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/365
Author: Lennice Werth
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1430/a11.html

PIECE GAVE KIDS BLUEPRINT FOR ABUSE

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Thanks to Joe Dombroski for writing a Commentary column that is a perfect 
example of why we shouldn't let anti-drug fanatics take over educating our 
kids.

In "Everyday Products Can Offer Highs," the DEA supervisor clearly informs 
us all - including at-risk children - which chemicals in Mom's cleaning 
basket can be used to obtain an altered state of consciousness! Thanks, 
Joe, I bet there are a few teens grateful for the guide.

This is not the only reason to reconsider our ideas about drug
education. Almost everything I see in the way of pro-parenting
public-service announcements involves drugs and how to keep children
away from them. Lost in the blizzard of anti-drug propaganda are more
traditional messages of morality.

I find myself wondering how much emphasis is put on the Golden Rule
these days. I know it by heart because I was asked recite it quite
frequently and to consider my actions by that standard. This gave me
an occasion to think about self-respect as well as consideration of
others. Do we do this as much as we used to or has the anti-drug
avalanche displaced too much of the ethical education our children
receive?

Lennice Werth

crewe
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake