I think eliminating public funding for abstinance freaks' programs is the first step to eliminating most of the problem. If they have to compete in a free market, they lose.
http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/sum ... %2C00.htmlIllinois Eliminates D.A.R.E. Funding
4/22/2004
With funds for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program eliminated from the Illinois state budget, the Illinois State Police will disband its D.A.R.E. Bureau as of June 1, the Norridge-Harwood Heights News reported April 15.
School administrators, faculty, and staff members in several school districts have written to Gov. Rod Blagojevich to voice their objections to ending the D.A.R.E. program.
"Children today are being exposed to negative messages, graphic violence, and inappropriate materials on a daily basis by means of video games, broadcast media, music, and the Internet," wrote Ray Kuper, superintendent of Union Ridge District 86 in Harwood Heights. "D.A.R.E. officers are, and should remain as, positive role models to our students."
The D.A.R.E. program has been in Harwood Heights schools for more than 15 years. Police officers who have been trained as D.A.R.E. educators presented the program to 5th-graders and reinforced the program's message with 7th-graders.
But numerous research studies have concluded that D.A.R.E. is ineffective in preventing youth drug abuse -- it's primary mission.
D.A.R.E. officers are looking for ways to continue the program. Harwood Heights Officer Dan Tyrpak is looking for private companies to contribute funds for the program's workbooks.
The Norridge Police Department has received $50,000 to fund its D.A.R.E. efforts from the Norridge Village Board members. They, along with Mayor Earl Field, are strong proponents of the D.A.R.E. program.
Preacher man don't tell me heaven is under the earth; you don't know what life is worth;.......If you know what life is worth, you will look for your's on earth.
--Bob Marley
