Pubdate: Thu, 16 Oct 2003 Source: Star-Herald, The (MS) Contact: 2003 The Star-Herald Website: http://www.starherald.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1745 Author: Mark Thornton MELTON'S BOTTOM LINE: GET AN EDUCATION, DON'T DO DRUGS ... AND PULL UP YOUR PANTS Melton, the executive director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, didn't mince words when he talked to about 350 kindergartners and first-graders at last week's Health Expo in the Attala County Coliseum. But his message didn't just deal with drugs. Melton talked about education and attitudes, and gave youngsters a blueprint for success. "Have faith in God, faith in family, get a quality education and do volunteer work," he said. And when it comes time for a job interview, appearances and first impressions are crucial, Melton said. Look people in the eye, offer a firm handshake, speak appropriately, leave the earrings to "your sisters, mothers and grandmothers ... and young men, pull your britches up over your behind," he said as adults applauded and shouted their approval. He also criticized the culture that causes young people and their parents to dole out big bucks for designer clothes and shoes. "I'm so sick of Tommy Hilfiger, I don't know what to do," he said. "Air Jordans cost 150 dollars; that's ridiculous when you're growing as fast as you are ... and they're ugly." He praised Mississippi teachers but was critical of the way money is spent on education. "We spend $22 million a year on alternative schools, all because a few people don't know how to behave," he said. "We could use that money to send every child to college, to make an investment in your future. "Instead of spending $22 million, I'd go to Wal-Mart, buy a 3-dollar paddle, and we'd have school." He said there's no excuse for anyone not getting a quality education, especially in Kosciusko. "You have one of the best school systems in the state right here," he said. Melton challenged the children to be respectful to everyone, from teachers to cafeteria workers. "Today, when you take that tray, I want you to say, 'Thank you,' " he said. "That's just basic human decency." Everyone can learn right from wrong and succeed, he said, regardless of race or background. "No more excuses," he said. Melton said he has a gift that some would call a handicap. "I'm so colorblind, someone has to lay out my clothes for me," he said, "so when I look out at your faces, I see a group of very smart children -- and that's all I see." Melton, who was appointed MBN chief in January after years of serving as the outspoken CEO of WLBT, said statistics show that 80 percent of all crime is the result of drugs. Crystal methamphetamine is the worst problem in the state, he said. "I'm fired up about this generation because I've had to bury too many kids," he said. "If anyone ever offers you meth, run in the opposite direction," he said. "When they're making it, one mistake could blow up this entire coliseum ... imagine what it must do to the human body." He said crack addicts' life expectancy drops off by 15 years "if we can rehabilitate them" and marijuana is now manufactured to make users want more. He warned the children not to give in to the allure of fast, easy money by dealing drugs. "We'll take everything from you," he said, adding that he had just done that with a major bust in Jackson that morning. "Don't take anything for free," he said. "If I give you something, I can take it away. That means I control you. "If you earn something, it's yours forever." In closing, he made the youngsters yell, "I can be anything I want to be .." then closed with his signature line from his days of doing commentary for WLBT -- "And that, my friends, is the bottom line." - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk