Pubdate: Wed, 08 Dec 2004 Source: Mobile Register (AL) Copyright: 2004 Mobile Register Contact: http://www.al.com/mobileregister/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/269 Author: George E. Kreitemeyer SCHOOL BOARD MUST FIGHT DRUG USE The headline in the Nov. 19 Mobile Register stating that "27 percent of Baldwin students used drugs" should come as no surprise to parents and school system administrators. In fact, the figure of 27 percent is probably lower than the actual usage rate for kids in Baldwin and Mobile counties. In some areas, drug use probably exceeds 50 percent. That means 20,000 or more children in our area are using marijuana, crack, ecstasy and other illegal drugs. "Drug use by children is of epidemic proportions." Our county health officer has said this on numerous occasions, yet many parents seem clueless when it comes to their Johnnie or Jennie using drugs. Each time one of these children sneaks around smoking a joint or pops a pill: They are breaking the law. They are thumbing their noses at our system of law and order just the same as if they purposely drove through a red light or shoplifted from a local store. There is no difference. They are thumbing their noses at thousands of dedicated law enforcement officials and military personnel who spend their lives trying to keep the drugs off our streets. They are thumbing their noses at Mom and Dad and all the adults who patiently explain the reasons why they should not use drugs. At the same time, Johnnie and Jennie are helping terrorists continue their efforts to grow their businesses throughout the world. The people who are involved in the smuggling of these poisons into our country are terrorists in every sense of the word. So are the street corner drug peddlers. As long as there are willing buyers of drugs, there will be sellers of drugs. Stop buying, and the sellers will go elsewhere. The only way to stop this kind of terrorist-induced illegal activity in our country is to get people to stop using drugs. The best way to do that is through random drug-testing programs at school and in the workplace. I applaud the Baldwin County school system for its plans to begin a pilot drug-testing program. I challenge the Mobile County school board to show the same courage and determination. Our kids need your help; don't way any longer. Every year you wait, more children come under the influence of drugs and terrorist-induced illegal activities. GEORGE E. KREITEMEYER Mobile - --- MAP posted-by: Beth