Pubdate: Fri, 02 Nov 2007 Source: Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 Parksville Qualicum Beach News Contact: http://www.pqbnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1361 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1241/a12.html?94683 Author: Bruce Symington COPS SHOULD DO REAL JOB The road to hell is paved with good intentions, they say, and the item by Jeff Scott (The News, Oct. 26) illustrates this perfectly. His stated intention is to make a positive difference in the lives of the children of the community. To this end, he embraces the DARE program and seeks to support its continuation by speaking of the intentions of the program. He also offers several opinions, which he claims incorrectly are facts. (see www.drugwardistortions.org or www.drugwarlies.org for the truth and the facts. His unquestioning support of the program is incredible. Many studies of DARE have been performed, and none show it reduces youth drug experimentation. Some actually show that it increases this activity. Perhaps it is because the kids find out that the cops are telling them outright lies mixed with half truths, perhaps it is because they rebel against society more as a result of this indoctrination. Perhaps there are other reasons, but the fact is that DARE does not work. Therefore, it is a monumental waste of time and resources. I believe that the real reason that cops like to do the DARE program is because it is a break from their real job. That cop would be doing more for society if he just went and did his real job, and left teaching to the real teachers, ones who have had more than a quickie two week teach the teacher course, and can actually communicate facts, truth and nuances to kids. Bruce Symington Medicine Hat, Alberta - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom