Thomas Emery believes the advertising campaign linking drug use and terrorism is just another in a long line of ineffective anti-drug efforts.
“It’s been drummed in our heads for so long,” the criminal justice senior said. “Commercials aren’t going to matter.”
Regardless, State Rep. Barb Vander Veen, R-Allendale, and federal drug enforcement agents met Thursday to kick off a national campaign drawing attention to the link between drugs and terrorism.
“Shoulder 2 Shoulder” is a partnership between the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the National Foundation for Women Legislators to raise awareness about narco-terrorism, the use of drug money to finance terrorist operations.
“Some of the most violent and ruthless terrorists in the world fund their malicious acts with drug money,” Vander Veen said. “People that use drugs are supporting the people that hate America.”
The campaign will include legislation, education and rehabilitation, as well as public service announcements with a similar message to the current narco-terrorism ads, she said. While the campaign is similar to another that is running on television, the new ads will not be connected.
But Emery said ad campaigns won’t deter students who use drugs.
“They won’t work with American youth today,” he said. “They’re just doing it for the instant high, not thinking about the ramifications.”
Charles Atkin, an advertising professor and the chairman of the Department of Communication, contends the ads are “timely and something new.”
“It’s a very smart strategy because most of the other persuasive appeals used, students have become familiar with and they wear out,” Atkin said. “It also plays upon the current focus in the U.S., so it has current-day applicability.”
Half of the 28 international terrorist organizations identified by the U.S. State Department are linked to drug trafficking said Michael Braun, special agent in charge of the Detroit Division of the DEA.
“The attack on the U.S. didn’t just start on 9-11,” Braun said. “For those that want to throw in the towel, that is simply the wrong thing to do.”
Vander Veen said funding terrorism is just one more reason to quit drugs.
“People who use illicit drugs should stop for a whole laundry list of reasons,” she said. “They can support the war on terror and help bring an end to terrorism throughout the world.”
“Shoulder 2 Shoulder” also is targeting “club drugs,” commonly found in the rave circuit. The three most popular, ecstasy, ketamine and gamma-hydroxybutyrate, GHB, which has been known to be used in rape cases, are specifically targeted.
“It’s time that we did more than ‘just say no’ to drugs,” Braun said. “We need to say ‘yes’ to family, ‘yes’ to character, and take the time to know where our kids are at.”
