cannabisnews.com: Anti-Drug Pledge of Allegiance Stirs Controversy Anti-Drug Pledge of Allegiance Stirs Controversy Posted by FoM on April 24, 2000 at 11:05:36 PT By Jill Archer, CNS Correspondent Source: CNSNews.com Students in American schools have been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag for decades. But today, students are also pledging allegiance to themselves.Public schools throughout the states are embarking on a new style of DARE - Drug Abuse Resistance Education - by taking a vow against drugs in which where students, hand on heart, pledge allegiance to themselves. The pledge, put out by The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, was first used during the Drug-Free Southern California Day and was spoken as the culmination of the anti-drug campaign in January 2000. Elementary and middle schools from New York to California have used the pledge since."We think and hope the pledge will help students to commit to action [against drugs]," said PDFA spokesman Howard Simon. "We know when something is written or said it holds more weight for them and makes them think about the issues."The pledge reads: I pledge allegiance to myself, And to who I want to be'Cause I can make my dreams come trueIf I believe in me.I pledge to stay in school and learnThe things I need to knowTo make the world a better placeFor kids like me to grow.I pledge to keep my dreams aliveAnd be all I can be.I know I canand that's because I pledge to stay drug free.Despite its aim for awareness, prevention and building self-esteem, the pledge has its critics, particularly within the drug policy community itself.Marsha Rosenbaum, a sociologist and director of the Lindesmith Center, a drug policy organization that advocates drug needle exchange programs, believes that the message offered by the pledge is simplistic and faulty. Rosenbaum claims that youth are cynical of moralistic drug education and regard esteem-building programs as "a joke." She believes drug education should instead be taught in the context of other subjects like physiology, psychology and history, rather than esteem oriented efforts."Self-esteem is the end product of hard work and discipline," Rosenbaum said. "One little program, one little pledge can not give self-esteem as though it is something you can pick up at Macys."Another critic is Bob Maginnis, an appointed board member for The Parents Advisory Council on Youth Drug Abuse, who's concerned that "the pledge tends to be me, me, me-oriented." He also claims that teaching drug abstinence is important and much needed but when educators hand out slogans, they must consider who they are asking students to place their confidence in.But Bev Kinard, a drug education teacher with the Christian Drug Center, contends the pledge has a positive message and lets students feel like they're part of the solution. She also said that students can feel proud because the adult world does not have its act in order, while children taking the pledge are taking a stand together to fight a pervasive problem.A point of contention among some opponents of the pledge is whether positive slogans are enough to solve the problem of drug abuse. Richard Evans, a critic of DARE who has written articles on drug education for The New York Times and The Boston Globe, claims that the pledge is much like the mantra of DARE. According to Evans, the DARE program, like the pledge, has some essentially false, unfounded and unresearched premises. "The notion that drug use is caused by a self-esteem deficiency has no basis whatsoever in science or in scholarship," said Evans. In fact, he asserts high school students who are the most popular and feel best about themselves tend to use illegal drugs the most.Some research on drug education supports Evans' position. A 10-year longitudinal study conducted by the University of Kentucky traced 1,000 Midwestern students from sixth grade until age 20, revealing that while the DARE program may have had a temporary impact, it offered no long-term effect on combating peer pressure or preventing drug use. The study also tested self-esteem and the results that some students actually had lower levels of self-esteem, which researchers said may have been incidental. But the data concluded that the more than $220 million of tax money and contributions spent on such programs were wasted.However there are foot soldiers in the war on drugs to say they've seen the benefits of such programs over the years. Jeannette MacDougal, a veteran drug education teacher in Minnesota, believes that the halls of schools have changed over the last 10 years as a result of drug prevention education. As she puts it, "The halls are no longer punky, funky and junky."Some of the criticisms go beyond simple disagreements over which approach works best Evans said he believes programs like DARE and Pledge Days "illustrate the historic wall that has always existed between the state and the individual, and between the individual and the family." "Drug education is the excuse with which the state intrudes into the lives of children and their families," said Evans. Barry Mehler, a parent who objects to drug education based upon his Jewish faith, shares that sentiment. Mehler said the key to successful anti-drug education is not the recitation of positive messages but making sure parents and teachers "give [students] the ability to make moral decisions. (Pledges are) not the ability to make moral decisions. This is brainwashing." Web Posted: April 24, 2000CNSNews.com325 South Patrick Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314CannabisNews DARE Articles & Archives:http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/list/DARE.shtmlThe DARE Program and a Parent's Concernshttp://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread4393.shtmlStudy Questions Effectiveness Of DAREhttp://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread2684.shtmlhttp://google.com/search?lc=&num=10&q=cannabisnews+DARE+site:cannabisnews.com Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #19 posted by CongressmanSuet on April 26, 2000 at 00:51:40 PT: ddd, to that I say... "Most people thing great god will come from the sky, take away everything,and make everybody feel high. But if you know what life is worth will look for your's on earth" A quote from the "King" [ no it aint Elvis] [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by Mimosa on April 25, 2000 at 13:31:25 PT Grasping at Straws.. is what the drug warriors behind this "pledge" are doing.Nothing else has worked, so now they just want their ears soothed with pretty words. Enjoy, warriors, because your glory days are behind you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by kanabys on April 25, 2000 at 09:24:27 PT don't worry too much I had to say many 'chants' when I was in school and that's just what they were, memorized chants. I forgot them as soon as I said them. I feel that to most of the kids made to memorize and puke them up at command, they will do what they are told and do what they want to when the 'eye in the sky' isn't watching. I was preached 'no drugs, drugs are bad' all my childhood, but when I got to a responsible age, 20, I tried some, [MJ] and found all to be LIES!! outright!! I wouldn't worry too much about the effects on the CHILDRUUUUN. They have minds and will use them. Peace from an optimist....... [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by dddd on April 25, 2000 at 03:47:58 PT Vancouver CongressmanSuet....No you are not alone in your observation concerning the look of law enforcement.It is indeed,quite chilling....Also,I have read several articles about the demand for chip implants,and this is even more chilling. I am tempted to take you up on the offer of going in half on the Vancouver idea,but by the time we finally relocated,things would be the same there,or we would be too old to care......That is why I think the best thing to do,is take the enigmatic advice from the old Shaman who said; "One should live every day,as if it was their last day on earth.Only then will all your actions have true power and meaning.".........JAH be with you......................dddd [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by CongressmanSuet on April 25, 2000 at 02:22:43 PT: Funny chip implants should be mentioned... There are a few companies that make surgically implanted computer chips for dogs, so they can be located if they get lost.But, according to one company spokesman the requests for chips that can be used in humans is overwhelming, and really somewhat problematic for the company, since they havent even considered the possibility or so they say. We are embarking on a new age of paranoia in this country, brought to you by your local and state police forces, all with the approval of the "decent" citizens. As far as the cops go, am I the only one who has noticed that 90% of them have conformed to a military look with the short haircuts, and the lack of humanity when dealing with the public? Its going to be a rough ride. Anyone need someone to help with the driving to Vancouver? I will pay half the expenses. Time to bail..... [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by .... on April 25, 2000 at 01:25:40 PT Mind control any way you look at it.... Schools teach to memorize, not to think. SAD! If I were a kid forced to take this oath and listen to medical marijuana debates, I'd go stark raving mad. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by dddd on April 24, 2000 at 21:06:50 PT oaths The best evidence we have that oaths are inneffective can be clearly seen when one considers the oath elected officials must take to "defend and uphold the Constitution"......dddd [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Scott on April 24, 2000 at 18:44:49 PT: My pledge I pledge conformityto the flagof the united states of hypocricyand under a cocaine economyfrom which America survivesAll BrainwashedUnder big brotherWith propaganda and injustice for all Scott, this joints for you PFDA [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by Rainbow on April 24, 2000 at 17:44:08 PT Remove all exhortations Back a few years ago Dr. Deming proclaimed the 10 mistakes of management and the 12 principle of total quality management.>>positive slogans are enough to solve the problem of drug abuse. Richard Evans, a critic of DARE who has written articles on drug education for The New York Times and The Boston Globe, claims that the pledge is much like the mantra of DAREHe is the one who helped lead the Japanese into the industrial revolution while American CEO's scoffed at him.He warned us in the business world that slogans provide a false sense of security and do more harm than good. Not only do slogans not work at places like IBM (I was there when we had P.R.I.D.E. and MDQ) but they do not work for the total inquisitive children. These people are as unenlightenned as doorknobs in a closet.Mantras work in meditation.Jeannette MacDougal, a veteran drug education teacher in Minnesota, believes that the halls of schools have changed over the last 10 years as a result of drug prevention education. As she puts it, "The halls are no longer punky, funky and junky."She has not been to some ofthe schools I have visited in Minnesota. I think she should take a look at the schools in Rochester,MN. But then racism is even more of a problem in those schools. This lady while a veteran has been discredited many times. She is not as good as the czar but tries hard. What a stupid thing to say. I wonder if it is a style thing. I say make them all wear uniforms :-)PeaceRainbow [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by J Christen-Mitchell on April 24, 2000 at 17:08:28 PT: Pledge Perhaps the brainwashing began in the 50's when the original pledge was altered to include 'under god'. Also, Epluribus Unium, Out of Many One, our country's motto, was pitched out to make room for 'In God We Trust'. Both of these were a reaction to the 'red scare'. What's next is chips in the forearm or behind the neck to tell them where the 'evil doers' are. It will start with sex offenders (the FBI is telling folks now that one out of three females will be sexually assualted in their lifetime), and soon evolve to known drug users. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by damian on April 24, 2000 at 16:21:25 PT: Newspeak what the hell is this country about? I read nothing but slogans and propaganda everywhere these days, even under a carton of milk. It is mind-boggling; too much to remember. Freedom of thought is slowly being banned by such programs and institutions. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by I_Pledge on April 24, 2000 at 16:14:23 PT Pledge I pledge allegianceto the Czarof the U.S.S.R.and to the Republics,for which he stands:one nation,under the Czar,with liberty and justice --for all the friends of the Czar. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by Harvey Pendrake on April 24, 2000 at 14:40:15 PT Pledge I had to say the Pledge of Allegiance when I was in grade school. It meant nothing to me then and frankly, it means even less now.If they're going to do this, why not go the extra mile and have the kids pledge to never be commies, homosexuals, agnostics or members of the ACLU? That should just about cover it, and we'll never have to worry about the children again... [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by freedom fighter on April 24, 2000 at 14:35:49 PT Hilter once said to the critics,"We do'nt care about critics. We own your children." [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Freedom on April 24, 2000 at 13:04:15 PT Speak of the devil. Heh-heh, funny to see an article from CNS pop up here. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Alexandre Oeming on April 24, 2000 at 12:50:30 PT: I'm lost >According to Evans, the DARE program, like the pledge, has some essentially false, unfounded and unresearched premises. "The notion that drug use is caused by a self-esteem deficiency has no basis whatsoever in science or in scholarship," said Evans. In fact, he asserts high school students who are the most popular and feel best about themselves tend to use illegal drugs the most.Whoa! I missed this little gem! What are we saying here then? We want to degrade the self-esteem of those that already have a good amount of the positive stuff so they don't use drugs? Or wait! They said they want to raise self-esteem! So that means they want to encourage drug use, since the ones with the best self-esteem use them the most! Can anyone fill me in on just WHAT this idiot is really trying to say here? I'm really lost. :) [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Alexandre Oeming on April 24, 2000 at 12:35:18 PT: Now this is funny! >"We think and hope the pledge will help students to commit to action [against drugs]," said PDFA spokesman Howard Simon. "We know when something is written or said it holds more weight for them and makes them think about the issues."This guy is a joke. A living, breathing joke. What's next? "A Clockwork Orange" style brainwashing used to keep the youth off drugs? The truly tragic thing is that i can almost hear the collective sigh of relief coming from the parents out there, going, "Gosh, thank goodness little Johnny or Susie is now safe" b/c we all know how much making an oath means to someone in grade school. When i grew up, we never had to say the pledge of allegiance, but i did know it. Nevertheless, it meant exactly nothing to me. I was a kid and had more important things on my mind, like where my friends were and if i could get to the swings first. These kids aren't going to remain mindless little zombies forever. And when they invariably wake up to the realization that they've been lied to, AGAIN, your pathetic little pledge isn't going to mean s***. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on April 24, 2000 at 11:56:24 PT Viewer Poll on Above Article and Message Board Viewer Poll!New Questions will be posted each afternoon along with the results from the previous poll. If you have any comments about the poll or its results, just post a message in the "Letters to the Editor" section on the Bulletin Board. http://www.conservativenews.org/bboard/bboards.aspStudents in American schools have been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag for decades. But today, students are also pledging allegiance to themselves. Public schools throughout the states are embarking on a new DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program by taking a vow against drugs in which students, hand on heart, pledge allegiance to themselves. Critics say the "pledge" is bows to the culture of self-esteem, doing nothing to actually educate children about the dangers of illicit drugs. Are programs such as this effective in discouraging students from engaging in illicit drug use over the course of their lifetime? Yes No Uncertain http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewerPoll.asp [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by observer on April 24, 2000 at 11:52:35 PT Hitler Youth/Jungvolk Oath Hitler Youth: The Future of Germany ''In a speech at the Reichsparteitag of 1935, Hitler said, “He alone, who owns the youth, gains the Future!” He then went on to describe the different age groups and possibilities for the future the youth had. They could enter theprogram at the age of six, then at ten they graduated into the Jungvolk. At fifteen years of age they were officially Hitler Youth. As a Jungvolk, the boys had to swear an oath, basically saying that they were willing to give up their lives for Germany and Hitler.''http://www.cord.edu/homepages/ammorris/paper.htmlDARE info, Links http://www.pdxnorml.org/dare_index.htmlThe Wehrmacht Oath of Loyalty to Adolf Hitler, 2 August 1934"I swear by God this sacred oath that I shall render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler, the Führer of the German Reich, supreme commander of the armed forces, and that I shall at all times be prepared, as a brave soldier, to give my life for this oath."http://www.igc.org/ddickerson/oath-of-loyalty.html [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: