Pubdate: Tues, 29 June 1999
Source: Plain Dealer, The (OH)
Copyright: 1999 The Plain Dealer
Contact:  1801 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114
Website: http://www.cleveland.com/news/
Forum: http://forums.cleveland.com/index.html
Author: Christopher A. Joseph

ANTI-DRUG ADS MUST INCLUDE ALCOHOL

I find it puzzling how Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey and the volunteer group,
Partnership for a Drug Free America, can evade public criticism regarding
the relationships their offices have with firms related to the alcohol
industry.  It has been admitted by both groups that alcohol is the most
widely abused drug in this country, yet they are against using any part of
the $2 billion allocated for anti-drug advertising on messages about teen
drinking.  I'm not as surprised at the PDFA's stance because most of their
volunteer firms are employed to make ads that glorify alcohol.  Taking a
stand would be tantamount to biting the hand that feeds it.  The Office of
National Drug Control Policy, on the other hand, is treading the dangerous
waters of a conflict of interest.  If they are really serious about fighting
an educational battle against teen drug abuse, then why is his office
concentrating on marijuana when it's abuse figures are insignificant when
compared to those of alcohol.  We are constantly being told the war on drugs
is "for the children," yet it looks more and more like alcohol industry
protectionism.

I'm not advocating prohibition.  But I am asking concerned individuals to
write their representatives and request their support of the
Roybal-Allard/Wolf amendment to include alcohol in the anti-drug abuse
campaign.  Say no to big business' influence on the health and lives of our
children.

Christopher A. Joseph Parma

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