Pubdate: Fri, 17 Dec 2004 Source: Detroit Free Press (MI) Copyright: 2004 Detroit Free Press Contact: http://www.freep.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125 Author: Maureen O'Halloran Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1811/a06.html PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Are parents so afraid of their own lack of abilities to do the right thing for their children that they would turn over their parenting rights to the government through the schools? Monitoring children for any harmful behavior is a parent's right and responsibility, not the government's. Schools are supported by citizens' tax dollars to educate our children and to support the values of our society. Two of those values are the freedom and liberty to make our own decisions. If a parent chooses to test a child for drugs, then the parent can buy an over-the-counter test kit or go to a doctor. If a child tests positive, then parents should take the steps to get the child the right help. Maureen O'Halloran Howell - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake