I wanted to express my view of DARE in Houston ad other earlier anti-drug campaigns.

Let me start off by saying I spent the first sixteen years of my life in the Houston area (Clear Lake area to be exact). We were hit with propaganda at a very early age—somewhwere between 2^nd and 4^th grade (1985 ~ 1988, approximate). It started with a group called CHICKEN, which is an acronym long forgotten—or ever learned? CHICKEN’s purpose was very similar to DARE—free t-shirts, pencils, etc.

CHICKEN had "convicts" come talk to the children (I was in 2^nd grade) about the dangers of crime and drugs. Even then the horror stories of marijuana use fell on a few deaf ears. Luckily, some of our parents had already begun teaching us to think for ourselves. I knew then or realized shortly thereafter that most of the "convicts" were there as part of their probation. As I sat in the school cafeteria, I clearly remember thinking the only reason they are here is because they got caught.

Like the rest of the elementary students, I joined CHICKEN, but not because I was scared of drugs or disliked drugs, which is Clinton’s aim; I joined because membership guaranteed a free trip to Astroworld (Six Flags theme park). Hey, what kid is going to pass up a free trip to an amusement park? I believe I was not in the minority.

CHICKEN faded out and DARE faded in. DARE, like CHICKEN, spoon-fed us lies about how drugs are going to ruin lives. There were local celebrities who gave us their counsel on drugs; all was negative. We were never told why drugs were bad—they just were. In those days, DARE’s influence consisted of local celebrities, police, and pencils (just like today).

I was born in 1977, and grew up during the Reagan administration. When I was forming those first crucial views on the world, Reagan’s "War on Drugs" was starting. I saw these efforts on the small-scale local-community level where propaganda came from those you trusted, teachers, police, etc. I am the product of such programs.

What will the next generation be like with more fear implemented and no education? Will they be even more weary of those you can "trust."

Hearing anti-drug propaganda for over the past decade has had a positive effect. It sparked my curiosity. Who wouldn’t want to know what all the fuss is about? So, I educated myself quite thoroughly. I first smoked marijuana when I was thirteen, and I was smart enough, even at such an "impressionable" age, to do it responsibly. The media often seems to portray early teens in a not so "intelligent" or a not very free-thinking fashion. I knew many parents who thought the same way.

Now? Now I am thankful to CHICKEN and DARE, otherwise I would not be so outspoken on drugs, and my self-drug education would have been delayed. I am also thankful for the ticket I received from Sterling County police in Texas for possesion of two marijuana pipes. Our vehicle was searched by a K-9 unit on the premise "I smell marijuana smoke." (The dog smelled nothing) Nevermind the fact no marijuana was in the vehicle or had been smoked, and the pipes had not been used for almost a year (the pipes were a gift from a friend who had quit smoking).

But, that is another story. The ticket was the push I needed to become more active in the reform of marijuana laws (and still working on it).

If it wasn’t for the scare tactics of the "War on Drugs," I would have been less curious and a little more quiet. Sex education started in the 5^th grade; where was the drug education?

At least I got a couple of t-shirts.

Faithfully puffing away,