Pubdate: Thu, 14 Jul 2005
Source: Telegraph Herald (IA)
Copyright: 2005 Telegraph Herald
Contact:   http://www.thonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/604
Author: Becky Doty
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

REMEMBER, DRUG USE ILLEGAL

A letter on July 11 stated that people of Dubuque would oppose police 
using drug dogs randomly throughout the city of Dubuque, so why allow 
them in schools. Aren't drugs illegal? Those not using drugs have no 
need to worry if a drug sniffing dog happens to cross their path. It 
doesn't make any difference what the age, race or social status is of 
the person, if they are using drugs they are breaking the law.

I recently lost a relative to a drug overdose. For years I witnessed 
how drugs can tear a family apart, only to end in tragedy. If having 
drug dogs in our schools will prevent or deter drug users from 
infiltrating our schools, preventing another family from going 
through the same heartache, then it's time to allow the dogs in our schools.

I have two children enrolled at Senior High School. I am definitely 
in favor of having a drug dog patrol their school, resulting in a 
safer school and preventing my children, their friends or peers from 
being exposed to drugs. Have any of the people who are opposed to the 
dogs even thought that if a child is found with drugs, it may be a 
defining moment in their life and they could get help to kick the drug habit?

It's time those opposed to the drug dogs stop burying their heads in 
the sand and realize that drugs are real and they aren't going away. 
As responsible adults, we need to protect our children.
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MAP posted-by: Beth