Pubdate: 23 June 1999 Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA) Copyright: 1999 San Francisco Chronicle Contact: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/ Forum: http://www.sfgate.com/conferences/ WINE INSTITUTE'S STANCE Editor -- Diana Conti's Open Forum piece, ``Drug War Isn't on Target,'' warrants a strong rejoinder. While I personally have great respect for her and the Marin Institute, I must correct their mischaracterization of the Wine Institute as one of ``two major opponents of the Roybal-Allard amendment,'' which seeks to include alcohol in the federal government's media campaign to discourage adolescent use of illicit drugs. Miss Conti did request our support for the amendment which, after consideration, we concluded was not merited. We chose to stay on the sidelines on this issue, which is a far cry from opposition, and does not justify our being included among those who are lobbying ``to undermine the health and safety of children.'' In studying the proposal, we found the position paper of the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy to be consonant with our view, namely that ``an anti-underage drinking message to youth is largely a separate and distinct message from the anti-drug message, requiring a significantly different strategic approach based on scientific and behavioral knowledge.'' Prominent researchers such as Stanton Peele of New York's Lindes mith Center have indicated that educators should not define alcohol as an illicit drug. Experts such as Indiana University's Ruth Engs recommend that America include ``more balanced approaches to alcohol'' in comprehensive school and community programs. To us, a glass of chardonnay with our meals should not be equated with cocaine or heroin. Such a monstrous distortion offends culture, tradition, social science and common sense. JOHN A. DeLUCA President and CEO Wine Institute San Francisco - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart