TEXANS' WAR ON DRUGS 11044 Research Boulevard Building D. Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78759 (512) 343-6950 September 21, 1989 The Honorable William P. Clements Governor of The State of Texas Post Office Box 12428 State Capitol Austin, Texas Dear Governor Clements: In recent weeks there has been a great deal of attention focused in Texas on the alcohol beverage industry's sponsorship of anti- drunk driving youth groups. There is concern that youth groups like these promote a confusing message to young people because they don't clearly express that drinking under the age of 21 is illegal and harmful. Youth should be encouraged to abstain from drinking at a times, not just behind the wheel of a vehicle. Anheuser-Busch recently announced they were targeting Texas with a $250,000.00 campaign to start Students Against Driving Drunk Chapters. Since it's inception SADD has, through omission inferred that it is aLright for young people to drink if they don't drive. Our laws are very clear, if a young person is under the age of 21, alcohol is illegal, therefore there can be no responsible use of alcohol. The SADD philosophy is in direct contradiction to the Texans' War on Drugs, as well as your task force on drugs. It is our understanding that a request has been made for you to participate in a press conference on October 5, 1989 by Buddy Jones to kick-off SADD clubs in Texas. The purpose of my letter is to alert you to the risk of participating in the press conference and any other support of SADD because of the mixed message young people would receive and the possibility of unfavorable press: a few examples are enclosed. Alcohol can easily be forgotten as a drug, but as many young people will confirm, alcohol is the number one drug of choice, the number one killer of youth, and constitutes the biggest problem confronting them. I have a real feeling of urgency in this matter and stand ready to discuss it with you or your staff, if desirable. Sincerely, Ro inson Risner Executive Director RR/sy/bh Dedicated to a Drug-Free State