I'm sure the Oakland Police Department means well in pushing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program (Oakland DARE Ready To 'Rock' In New Year, Dec. 28). Nearly every study, including government studies, however, show that DARE, including the revamped model, is a failure and may be causing more drug use than no program at all would.

One reason DARE fails is because it teaches lies, half-truths and discredited "Reefer Madness" propaganda.

One example is when young people find out cannabis (marijuana) is less harmful and addictive than taught, they think truly hard drugs are also not so addictive, causing grave results.

Contributing to DARE perpetuates failure; money should be spent on honest programs proven effective at protecting the children.

Stan White

Dillon, Colo.