Pubdate: Thu, 26 Sep 2002
Source: Deseret News (UT)
Copyright: 2002 Deseret News Publishing Corp.
Contact:  http://www.desnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/124
Author: Ray H. Barton Jr., M.D., Salt Lake City

HELP YOUTHS JUST SAY NO

Recently, when asked about how I became a medical doctor, I gave the 
following response:

"Yes, I served in World War II, U.S. Navy Medical Corps, to repair broken 
bodies. Yes, I served in the Korean War, U.S. Army Medical Corps, to repair 
broken bodies. Yes, I practiced in civilian practice, a total of 43 years, 
to repair broken hearts, bodies and to usher in new life, about 2,000 or so.

So, how does that help today?

Sadly, we are in the midst of a new war -- total complete all-out World War 
Ill. It's a war on people's spirits and bodies, reached by a master enemy 
who would take away your freedom.

A person with a sick body and spirit has the worst combination, and that's 
the aim of the tobacco, alcohol, drugs, violence and porn dealers.

So, today I am back in a war. Joined by an emphysematous WWII vet, who 
stopped smoking a few years ago at death's door, we go to schools and shoot 
our ammunition, with everything we've got, to help these kids to say NO! 
when they are even approached by their "well-meaning friends."

It's wonderful to hear applause as my friend, Charlie, drags his oxygen 
tank off the stage and we depart arm-in-arm to make our next enemy 
encounter and fire our salvos.
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MAP posted-by: Beth