Freedom is drug free
On Sept. 11, terrorists tried to bring the United States to its knees. Since then we are continuing to work our way through the grief, horror, devastation and tragedies that were forced upon us. On that infamous day, the war on terrorism began in earnest. Men and women of the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies have been heavily engaged in the fight to ensure that all Americans are given the opportunity to pursue their goals without limitations on freedom and choice.
But, with all this effort, terrorists continue to target Americans and our lifestyle everyday in the streets of our cities, towns and communities through the transportation, distribution and sale of illegal drugs.
Although the war on terrorism may have started with 9-11, the war on drugs has been ongoing. In Pennsylvania, underage drinking continues to be the number one drug problem, but there has been a significant increase in the illegal sale and use of marijuana, ecstasy, heroin and other drugs. This trend extends nationwide, and with each illegal drug sale, terrorists can continue to plan and finance future actions such as those that were perpetrated in New York City, Washington D.C. and Shanksville.
In 1985, Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” S. Camarena of the Drug Enforcement Administration was kidnapped, tortured and killed by drug traffickers in Guadalajara, Mexico. Kiki’s death enraged many Americans in his hometown of Calexico, Calif., and they began to wear red ribbons to commemorate his sacrifice. The anti-drug message spread quickly, and in 1988, the National Family Partnership (NFP) took the Red Ribbon Celebration nationwide.
On Oct. 21, NFP, in conjunction with the Department of Defense and the Drug Enforcement Agency, kicked off its annual Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 23-29) at the Pentagon’s Main Concourse in Arlington, Va. This year’s theme is appropriately “Freedom is Being Drug Free: Plant the Promise.” The week’s observance began on Oct. 23, “National Plant the Promise Day,” a day to encourage Americans to plant red, white and blue flower bulbs and “plant the promise” to stay drug free.
Throughout the week, Americans are encouraged to wear a “Red Ribbon,” display a “Red Ribbon” banner, and host a “Red Ribbon” community or family event.
Also, Students Against Drunk Driving/Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) will be hosting a variety of activities in local schools and communities to symbolize their commitment to a healthy, drug free lifestyle and to create awareness of the problems related to the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
Although the act of planting flower bulbs, wearing a red ribbon, displaying a red ribbon banner, or hosting a red ribbon family event may seem simplistic, their significance is tremendous.
We encourage all communities, families, business, schools, and organizations to take part in this unique and meaningful program. Help us spread the “Freedom is Drug Free” message across Pennsylvania loud and clear.
Liane Petras
Acting state coordinator
Pennsylvania SADD
Vote wisely
The time is fast approaching for our elections. This is a privilege as well as a duty. We should take advantage of this hard-earned opportunity as well-informed citizens.
Do not vote for the party, but for the candidate who most reflects your own personal desires.
It is important to know what each one endorses, but it is also important to review the records of any incumbent.
We have had too many instances of abuse of the trust we have placed in our chosen representatives for personal gains – money-wise, power-wise or even personal vendettas. There is no honor either for them or for us.
The newly elected have to build their agenda, but those in power for many years feel we are not important anymore. The power is theirs to use as they please for personal gain.
There also are those who genuinely wish to do what they were elected to do. So choose wisely and well at the poll.
Wanda Krutch
Greensboro