Pubdate: Fri, 31 Aug 2001
Source: Southern Standard, The (TN)
Copyright: 2001 Southern Standard & The Smithville Review
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=941
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1513
Author: Alicia Lara
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1549/a03.html

PARK WON'T CURE DRUG WOES

It was interesting reading Austin Cleek's letter to the editor. I would 
like to present a different view. I am 13 years old and I would like to say 
I totally don't agree with Austin's statement. "If you don't provide us 
with some place to get us off the street, then we might just be one of the 
druggies on the front page of the paper."

You act like everyone else is responsible for your decision of whether or 
not to do drugs! That is a personal choice that only you can make and 
having all the activities you want, won't stop you from doing drugs if you 
choose to do them.

What do you think about high drug usage by teens in larger cities than 
McMinnville. Those cities have a lot more to offer in activities (even 
skating parks).

A person can make their own happiness because that is something that comes 
from within. Even if we had a skating park you would probably want more, 
and the people who pay for it would more than likely never use it. Don't 
speak for all teens when you try to blame stupid decisions on others. It's 
not everyone else's responsibility to provide you entertainment.

Alicia Lara

238 E. Airport Drive McMinnville
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MAP posted-by: GD