Stories must be told whether we like them or not

Some people around here don’t like unpleasantness. Because we live in a sheltered part of the world, without much crime, they’d prefer not hearing about the seamier side of society.

But the fact remains, no place is immune from trouble.

Take, for example, drugs. If you don’t think that there’s drug abuse around here, you’re kidding yourself. Drugs are abused everywhere in America, not just in the ghettos and barrios. A strong case could be made that certain drugs are probably more widely used in affluent areas than elsewhere. A study from a few years ago, for instance, showed that the white powder form of cocaine was preferred in upscale areas while "crack" cocaine was the choice in low-income areas.

Two stories in this week’s edition talk about recent presentations at local high schools. One was about drugs, the other about rape.

On drugs, we found it interesting that there are negative aspects to both over-the-counter products and with some herbal supplements.

In a perfect world, a community newspaper wouldn’t have to report about drugs and rape. But the meetings happened here and they weren’t presented without reason. People need to know that drug abuse is happening—right here—and the victims aren’t always adults. Kids, too, are taking drugs.

Rape is probably the most under-reported crime in America. Too often, a victim won’t tell because she wants to completely hide it. Complicating matters today are date-rape drugs. When they’re used, victims lose consciousness and any recollection of the incident.

We’re reporting about the recent meetings because local people need to know.