Pubdate: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 Source: News-Journal (Mansfield, OH) Copyright: 2011 News-Journal. Contact: http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/customerservice/contactus.html Website: http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2413 Author: Robert Cleckner IT'S TIME TO ADDRESS DRUG PROBLEM IN COUNTY The News Journal headlines of March 29 led with "Drug charges possible after TV Program" and upon further reading I was horrified to find that Shelby Police filed charges against the Oprah network because they actually showed the truth about drug addiction in America. It was real reporting, not the news we have been spoon fed by other media. It wasn't pretty, but it was real. Death and dependency are ugly, but the final result of a life of chemical dependency. After a Lisa Ling expose on drug and heroin problem in the greater Richland Count area, Shelby Police are more concerned about their image than dealing with the awful truth about our drug problem, as you quoted "You pick (ed) on an area like Richland County, and it makes us look like we're the worst there is in the country, Simply not true." What a statement, in other words it's OK to have a drug problem; we just don't want to be the worst in the country. Shelby Police Department, stop worrying about your image. We have a very serious drug problem in Richland County; just ask the County Coroner if you need corroboration. Richland county residents, wake up. Parents, go to your schools and demand they perform random drug tests on their students. Parents, if you suspect your child is using illegal drugs perform a drug test on your child. Demand all athletes be tested before and during the season for drug use. Students, stop this code of silence and allowing others that you see on drugs to continue without intervention. Tell your teacher, friends, parents if you know of drug usage. Your actions may save your friend's life boundaries. Question your kids and get involved with their peers. Parents, get help if you are addicted to prescription drugs. Set an example for your child that does not include drug misuse. I am not sure about you, but I am "mad as hell and I am not going to take it anymore." Robert Cleckner Mansfield - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom