
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 26, 1993                   TAG: 9305270310
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

HEALTH, HAPPINESS - AND SOBRIETY

AS ADULTS in a free society, most agree on the need to protect our citizens, especially young people, from destructive influences and behavior. We have programs to discourage the use of illegal drugs (in fact, there are laws prohibiting these harmful substances) and to educate them on the dangers of drinking and driving.

I have yet to hear anyone say, "I personally don't drink and drive, or do drugs, but I don't think I should impose my personal views on anyone else."

(Why, then, is the encouragement of abstinence before marriage, which is clearly a positive and healthy choice, viewed by some to be "imposing a religious viewpoint on other people"?)

From the standpoint of physical health, emotional and mental well-being, people will be far happier and healthier when they avoid drugs and alcohol. NANCY C. BRENNEMAN TROUTVILLE

by CNB