Pubdate: Sun, 19 Oct 2003 Source: Sun Herald (MS) Copyright: 2003, The Sun Herald Contact: http://www.sunherald.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432 WHAT IF A SNIPER HAD KILLED 34 OF US SO FAR THIS YEAR? Other Voices -- Throughout the coming week you'll read a lot about substance abuse and its tragic consequences for our children. At least we hope you'll read it all. Because that's the first step in addressing the problem. As Sun Herald publisher Ricky Mathews writes in his column on the facing page, this Red Ribbon Week drug series is an initiative that, along with our daily coverage of the war against drug abuse, is one of the most important and more expensive things we do. Why do we do it? Because - as of last week - 34 South Mississippians have died this year from drug overdose. And we - as a community - have got to do something. As pointed out on today's front page, a year ago two snipers killed ten innocent people in suburban Washington and the entire nation was shocked. We were scared. We kept an eye glued to the news until we were sure the shooters were caught. But here at home we've already lost three times as many victims, yet we don't see the same reaction. That is unacceptable. Author Steven King could write a best seller about a nice middle class community where everyone happily goes about their business while, behind the scenes, their children disappear one by one. The movie would be a hit. But this isn't a movie; these deaths are real. And we all too often know those who are dying. All these deaths were so unnecessary. But to prevent more of them, certain it is necessary to take certain steps. That's why this series is so important. Just as intelligence is the most important resource in the War on Terrorism, good information is our best resource in a local War on Substance Abuse. Too many parents think "the drug problem" only affects other kids. They don't realize that alcohol abuse, or improper use of prescription drugs, takes as many victims as crack cocaine. They don't know how to talk to their kids, to set a proper example, or how to offer alternatives when their kids start feeling peer pressure. This week-long series, which we call "Fighting Back," gives you ammunition for the best weapon you have in the fight against substance abuse: a few moments of your time. Parents tell the experts "I just don't know what to say to my kids, or what questions to ask." So they do nothing. Well, we'll give you plenty to talk about. The series is a crash course in the abuse of alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamines and prescription drugs. We'll help you identify the problem and help you explain the consequences. Equally important, we'll introduce you to local teens who have faced the peer pressure and found alternatives to help them successfully avoid drugs. We won't just badger you with only the bad news; we'll offer solutions. Unlike tropical storms we can't prevent, substance abuse is a disaster we can keep from striking our family. It just takes a little education and a little time talking with your kids. Our series is intended to give you a foundation for those discussions. Thanks to several corporate sponsors who care a great deal about this community, copies of The Sun Herald and the "Fighting Back" series will be delivered every morning this week to more than 26,000 high school and junior high students in George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone counties. Please, let this series be the start of an open and honest discussion in your home. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens