Classic case of denial
We are a community of ostriches with our heads in the sand about the drug problem in Marion.
Talk to high school students. Find out from them how easy it is to get drugs at school. They know when and where the parties are being held. They even know who is supplying the alcohol or drugs.
It's a classic case of denial. What will it take to wake us up? Will a major drug bust make us realize the severity of this problem? Or will it take something more drastic — say an accident, overdose — or worse?
Our kids need to know that underage drinking and drug use will lead nowhere good. To do this, we have to get tough. Parents, schools, law enforcement officials have to unite to show kids that drugs are serious business. Breaking the law is not something that can be swept under the rug.
We need to dispel the "who they are" theory. It shouldn't matter if your name is Joe Schmo or Mr. Country Club. Breaking the law is breaking the law. Punishment is punishment — regardless of who you are.
We seem to be sending the message to our kids that it's OK to do something wrong as long as you don't get caught. We don't want the schools or law enforcement officials to discipline our kids, but we're not doing such a good job ourselves.
Those who are saying, "it's not my problem" live in a fantasy world. These kids are our future. We don't have all the answers, but must realize there is a problem and want to be part of the solution.
The landfill issue caused a rift in Marion. Yet it proved people can get passionate about a topic and work together to get something accomplished. Aren't our kids worth as much as a pile of trash?
The first step is admitting there is a problem. If enough ostriches get their heads out of the sand perhaps they can unite to find a solution.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
