Pubdate: Mon, 22 Nov 1999 Source: USA Today (US) Copyright: 1999 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc. Page: 27A - Lead Letter Contact: 1000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington VA 22229 Fax: (703) 247-3108 Website: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nfront.htm Author: Stephen S. Heath Note: Yes, Steve is a part of the MAP editing/posting team. Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99/n1245/a04.html BE HONEST WITH CHILDREN ABOUT PAST 'POT' EXPERIENCE Columnist Patricia Pearson is right on the money on why we should be honest with our children, rather than lying about or exaggerating our experiences with marijuana ("What should you tell your kids about your drug use? Dear Parents with foggy memories: Please don't pretend you never inhaled." The Forum, Wednesday). It would behoove us to be more honest with each other as adults also. The Clinton administration's drug czar Barry McCaffrey continues to insist on telling American adults that any and all use of marijuana will lead the country down an inexorable slope to ruin. He repeatedly presents images of stoned schoolchildren and crazed drivers. This despite the obvious successes of millions of Americans who may use or have used marijuana. Lying to adults makes no more sense than lying to children. Pearson's column is a refreshing reminder that freedom has nothing to fear from the truth. Stephen S. Heath Largo, Fla. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake