PARENTS AND DRUGS

Eugene Del Carlo (letter, Feb. 1) asks, "Where are the parents of all these
juveniles who are getting involved in drugs?" He adds, "Probably most of
these parents can't even conduct their own lives responsibly, much less
have children."

In response to him: "Most of us" are trying to raise our children in a
society that would appear to give more rights to minors than to us. We are
trying to provide them with a happy childhood in an environment that is
constantly bombarding them with horrific acts of violence and conflicting
images relative to alcohol and drug usage.

If we suspect drug use, we cannot have our child tested without his or her
consent. Why? It would violate their "rights."

We are trying to raise our children in a society that constantly
second-guesses our motives.

Please don't make assumptions about who or where "the parents" are.
Instead, ensure that parents be included in those actions having to do with
their children.

Parents should have faith in their parenting skills. They should get
involved and speak up for their families' rights.

Diana Garcia
San Francisco