Pubdate: Thu, 30 Oct 2003 Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer (WA) Copyright: 2003 Seattle Post-Intelligencer Contact: http://www.seattle-pi.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/408 Author: Abi Ludwig Cited: Office of National Drug Control Policy ( www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov ) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/campaign.htm (ONDCP Media Campaign) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) CRITICAL THINKING IMPAIRED The Office of National Drug Control Policy's National Youth Anti-Drug Campaign is up for refunding. If you're wondering what your $150 million a year has bought, just think back to those ridiculous ads during the Super Bowl that suggested marijuana can get girls pregnant or result in teens accidentally shooting one another. Lying about the real effects of drugs and drug abuse does not equip our children with the knowledge needed to make critical decisions in their lives, including about taking drugs. In fact, the last five years of ad campaigns by this ONDCP program and the exorbitant amounts of money spent have proven ineffective; and further, it is believed these ads have had a direct effect on increasing teen drug use. This program is ruining the bond our government and adults need to establish with our children, and that's (the bond of) honesty and truth. Our own Sen. Patty Murray is in a unique position as the leading Senate Democrat on the House-Senate conference committee that determines how many of our tax dollars are spent on this program. For the sake of our children, let's all tell her none. Abi Ludwig, Seattle - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart