Pubdate: Wed, 03 May 2006 Source: Hudson/St. Lazare Gazette (CN QU) Copyright: 2006 Lake of Two Mountains Gazette Ltd. Contact: http://pages.infinit.net/gazette/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4094 Author: Sherri Graham Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06.n542.a08.html CHANGING ATTITUDES I attended the meeting that was organized by the Town of Hudson and the CLSC concerning Drug Awareness. The first thing on my mind is to give praise to the girls who were there representing Westwood High. They were there to share with us their program which basically is to change the attitude of their peers about drugs. They are out to promote a drug free environment by exposing the real dangers and exploring the reasons that lead us to such vises or escapes during those critical years. They have set perfectly achievable goals while others in the room expected, and in the case of our soloist, demanded that we rid our world of the drugs by way of locking up our troubled youth who have slipped into this dark lifestyle. Bear in mind that these are good kids who have made BAD choices. They need help not a hiding place! And yes, I am sorry to tell you but they can be your kids. People were quick to point fingers to the SQ officer who was there of his own accord. He remained composed while under attack and pointed out that Hudson is not the drug ruled town the media has made it out to be. He reminded us of all the great youth here and that there were many who may have experimented lightly and then got past that and become respected citizens. He noted that there are problems that no one gives any attention to like the juveniles out in the early hours of the morning vandalizing the neighborhood. These police must be asking where these parents are. Sherri Graham - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin