Cape May-Based Cutter Does Its Part In U.S. Coast Guard CAPE MAY - Richard Sambenedetto Jr. just got back from 49-day Caribbean cruise that took him along the coast of Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. He enjoyed warm tropical breezes. He saw palm trees and beautiful sunsets. He also heard gunshots. And the accommodations were a bit Spartan. Sambenedetto slept in a cubicle the size of a closet. He had to cook his own food, and the cruise ship kept putting him to work - and not just once in a while: He had to work 19-hour shifts. [continues 1030 words]
Drug tests wouldn't harm Congress, either Don Williams says political talk-show hosts should be drug tested. I say we should drug test all of Congress - often, consistently and persistently. After all, who's in a position to cause more pain and suffering than the people who make these laws? Jay Hunter Pittsburgh, Pa. [end]
What is the world coming to? During the past few months two of America's leading spokesmen for conservative beliefs have admitted they were addicts. First there was Bill Bennett, the man who has spent the past 20 years or so castigating those who have succumbed to various addictions, saying they merely made a choice and therefore must be punished. Bill finally came clean and admitted he was addicted to gambling. By the way, Bill, how's your cigarette addiction coming along? [continues 953 words]
Nearly 700,000 for Marijuana, FBI Reports The US crime rate entered its third year of virtual stagnation in 2002 and is dramatically lower than a decade ago, the FBI reported on Wednesday, but the war on drugs continues to scoop up Americans by the millions. According to the FBI's annual uniform crime report, "Crime in the United States 2002," more than 1.5 million people were arrested on drug charges last year, roughly 80% of them for simple possession. Marijuana users made up nearly half of all drug arrests, with some 693,000 pot busts last year, 88% of them for simple possession. [continues 847 words]
The Dunedin Pool Association wants its sister organisation in Marlborough to take action over a cannabis scandal it says blighted an otherwise successful tournament in Dunedin at the weekend. Association president Elly Finnerty said the incident was particularly disappointing as it overshadowed the first win for Otago in the South Island 8-ball tournament since 1991. "All that people have heard is that the Marlborough team that came to play had cake trouble," Ms Finnerty said. A 36-year-old Blenheim woman was arrested after four members of the Marlborough team were treated at Dunedin Hospital after eating a cake allegedly containing cannabis. [continues 132 words]
The Marlborough Pool Association has written to its sister organisation in Dunedin apologising following a cannabis cake scandal at a tournament in Dunedin at the weekend. A 36-year-old Blenheim woman has been arrested after four members of the Marlborough team were treated at Dunedin Hospital after eating a cake allegedly containing cannabis. Marlborough Pool Association secretary Lyn Bowman-Rutledge said a letter of apology was being sent to Dunedin this morning regarding the incident. The player involved had resigned from the team, Mrs Bowman-Rutledge said. [continues 214 words]
Former undercover drug investigators sharing their expertise at a gathering for parents in Golden Gate and a new, multilingual hotline to turn in drug dealers are part of this year's Red Ribbon Week in Collier County. Reminders about the fight against drugs and several events start Monday, Oct. 27, and run through the week, which is set aside to make the community aware of programs involving drug awareness and education. The most visible symbol of this week are the red ribbons worn in remembrance of slain Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. While investigating a major Mexican drug cartel in February 1985, Camarena, 37, was kidnapped and his tortured body found in a shallow grave about a month later. [continues 537 words]
An action packed week for Oak Grove High School students culminates today with homecoming. "We've had a lot of things going on this week," said principal Wayne Folkes. "With it being Red Ribbon Week, we've encouraged our staff and students to sign the pledge to be alcohol and drug free." The students will participate today in School Spirit Day by wearing the school's colors of black and gold or this year's homecoming t-shirt. The traditional Warrior's war drum will also be played throughout the day to prep students and players for the game against the Natchez High School Hounddogs. Theme is "Haunt the Hounds." [continues 67 words]
Because of Bridgeville Police Department's intervention, seventh-graders at Chartiers Valley Middle School in Collier may receive DARE instruction this school year after all. The program was to be discontinued in early September when Collier, which has supplied two DARE officers to the district's primary, intermediate and middle schools, decided to not participate. Township officials cited studies that have questioned the effectiveness of the training as the reason for their decision, which knocked out DARE instruction at the primary and middle schools. The fifth-grade program was impacted, too, though officers from Scott thought they could fill that gap. [continues 298 words]
Event honors slain officer, focuses on helping kids make healthy choices Simi Valley students united this week to publicly declare before family and friends their commitment to a drug-free world. Staff and students from 21 of the 28 schools in the Simi Valley Unified School District, along with some from area private schools, participated in the annual communitywide Red Ribbon Rally Wednesday evening. It took place for the first time at the Royal High School Stadium. Traditionally staged at Bob Jacob Memorial Stadium at Simi Valley High School, the change of venue came unexpectedly when a fire last week caused an estimated $300,000 of damage to the stadium, burning bleachers, the press box and a snack bar. [continues 342 words]
