Pubdate: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 Source: Poughkeepsie Journal (NY) Copyright: 2002 Poughkeepsie Journal Contact: http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1224 Author: Jen Rog OFFICER'S INFORMATION ON DRUGS IS OFF BASE In a recent letter, Hyde Park Police Officer Robert Benson tries to discredit Rob Robinson by saying he may have criticized DARE "be-cause he is an activist for the legalization of marijuana." He adds, "I'm not an activist, but a realist," implying Robinson's arguments are out of touch with reality. The reality is the statements taught to children in DARE, are largely based on slanted interpretation of evidence. Take the gateway theory. "For every 100 people who have used marijuana, only one is a current user of cocaine." The theory is merely an observation that people who have used harder drugs are likely to have tried the most popular drug, marijuana, first. There's no proof smoking pot causes hard drug use (from the book, "Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts"). Robinson believes drug use is a health issue; that is the alternative answer to police teaching about drugs. Kids want to think for themselves and will make sensible choices if given all the facts about drugs, positive and negative. Not all drug use is negative or self-abuse. "From Chocolate to Morphine," by Andrew Weil, M.D., is a great alternative to DARE that works for adults, too. Mr. Benson suggested he might include Robinson in his "how to resist peer/ media pressure" curriculum. What is there to resist? The public discussion of public opinion? Or is this another attempt to discredit Robinson as pushing drugs? He never said he is pro-drugs. What he is is anti-jail. Mr. Benson is pro-jail. His life depends on it. Jen Rog New Paltz - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom