May 18, 2004

Dear Editor

                                    Crack Cocaine: A Growing Threat

I being a concerned parent in Ascension Parish would like to address a problem of major concern. Although not much is said about it, it has been around for a long time. I have a loved one addicted to the use of crack cocaine going on three years and the problem is “How can we stop the ease in which our children can obtain this powerful, mind altering and very highly addictive drug"? Are you aware that it is sold on any street corner and maybe even in your own neighborhood? Having experienced the affects of my child being arrested time and again, I can no longer sit idle and watch the next child and family undergo the same trials and addiction without trying to do something about it. I have seen first hand what is taking place in our community and am disappointed to say that over the last three years very little progress has been made towards getting rid of the drug problem in our parish. I am asking that parents make it a point to become aware of this serious problem in our community and speak up and demand from our leaders that aggressive action be taken to rid our community of this dreaded attack on family life. I say this because my loved one was first introduced to drugs, just before entering high school and  although several years had passed he became addicted the very first time he tried crack cocaine. So please be aware that, if something is not done soon, it is only a matter of time before your loved one and you could be the next victim. And always be aware that right on your street corner or nearby there is someone waiting to sell it to them. Young adults tend to want to experiment with drugs thinking “I can try this and I can quit”. Crack cocaine is not one of those drugs! That amazing high they get the first time they try it is never again experienced but the drug keeps them searching for it. Until this drug problem is addressed you will continue to see more and more crime in our community.

 I am aware of the seriousness of this problem for our authorities and that it takes funding for more manpower to properly address this problem. I do know that when MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) was formed it made a major difference in our community to stop drinking and driving. Crack cocaine can kill also! I know it is illegal to purchase un-prescribed drugs but I also know it is just as illegal to sell them. I have seen many in court for theft, simple burglary, DWI and how very few, if any, for selling crack cocaine. Stiff penalties are handed out to sellers of alcohol to individuals under the age of 21. Should the crack dealer be allowed to continue selling drugs? Although not all, but many are under the age of 21, This is a more serious crime. My honest opinion is, this problem is ignored because unlike the DWI, there is no income generated from the sellers of crack cocaine, nor room to put those arrested. The majority of the others arrested are capable of posting bond. I ask that all parents become aware of this and help me to contact the proper officials and request more funding to fight this growing problem in our community. Anyone interested in helping to form an organization, MACC-ON-TRACC (Mothers Against Crack Cocaine) please feel free to email me at    maccontracc@cox.net or

MACC at  P.O.Box 10, Duplessis, La. 70728

Sincerely,

Rhonda Babin

addendum:

I work at the Hunt Correctional Facility and I can attest that the majority of the inmates are there for selling or using drugs.

Chuck Le Mieux

 

July 13, 2004                                                  

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE

         Of the 454 arrests that were listed in one of our local papers over the last several weeks from May 18-July 6, 2004 only 10 were for the distribution of illegal drugs. I decided to take a ride ONE afternoon to a local neighborhood that is well known among concerned parents for the sale of crack cocaine and other illegal drugs. No sooner did I turn the corner, I counted 8, “in my opinion” that were making an attempt to sell ME drugs. Most would agree that there is something wrong with this picture!

I would like to thank everyone for their response to my letter, Crack Cocaine: A Growing Threat. We held our first meeting recently to discuss strategies to reclaim our communities back from the sellers of illegal drugs. Our scheduled meetings will be held on the last Tuesday of each month. For time and place contact me at my email address maccontracc@cox.net or Ann at ascensionmacc@cox.net 

            Any comments, suggestions, or anyone interested in helping rid our community of this fast growing problem feel free to write me at P.O. Box 10, Duplessis, La. 70728 or at my above email address.

God Be With Us
Rhonda Babin
13199 Bluff Road
Geismar, La. 70734
225-673-8754