Pubdate: Wed, 26 May 1999
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Section: Forum: Letters To The Editor
Copyright: 1999 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/observer/

PERCEPTION OF COCAINE SHOWS TEENS AREN'T FOOLED

In response to "Health officials find more teens using marijuana" (May 23):

According to Dennis Nalty, research director for the S.C. Department
of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, "Young people do not
perceive marijuana and cigarettes as being as dangerous as other
illicit drugs like cocaine."

While I agree that kids should take the risks of marijuana use
seriously, I'm glad that they have been able to conclude that cocaine
is much more dangerous. We need to step away from the traditional
means used to prevent drug abuse -- misinformation. Let the people
know the truth, and the country will be saved.

DANNY TERWEY
Santa Cruz, Calif.

WRITE THE FORUM

We welcome letters. Please sign (unless you are using e-mail or
computer fax) and include your address and daytime telephone number.

We edit letters for brevity, grammar and clarity, and we reject those
published elsewhere. Edited letters typically address a single idea
and do not exceed 150 words. Because of the volume received, we cannot
return or acknowledge letters not used. -- Editors, The Observer The
Observer Forum The Charlotte Observer Box 30308 Charlotte, NC
28230-0308 Fax number: (704) 358-5022 Charlotte-area locations of Mail
Boxes Etc. will fax Forum letters for free. E-mail - ---
MAP posted-by: Patrick Henry