I appreciated the thought-provoking insights provided by Chief Don Scheibler and Detective J.B. Burkholder in the article by James Bell (Hays Police Department warns of increasing danger of drugs in the city) in the June 14 issue of Hays Post online.
Our state motto is "To the Stars Through Difficulties," but the reported widespread use of illegal drugs among young people in Hays suggests they are being driven by less lofty goals. An athlete recently asserted that the majority of college players regularly smoke marijuana. Yet it is hard to believe that could be true, since the most inspiring coaches, most effective mentors, and most successful teammates are all so focused on health, fitness, and self-discipline.
I believe sports, social activity, and a balanced lifestyle remain essential aspects of the solutions that Chief Scheibler and Detective Burkholder would hope to see in the Hays community. Perhaps modeling more honesty and open debate in our politics would also encourage our students and children to put forth the necessary effort that allows people to learn from each other through conversations based on mutual respect.
There are so many good examples among the adults in Hays, especially those who teach in our local schools. None of these answers will be easy, but the statements by the law officers quoted in your article make it clear that doing nothing is not a viable option if we want to keep faith with previous generations of Kansans.
Robert Bruce Scott, Hays