I'm not aware of Kelly Preston's politics, but if I were to guess I would say that we are of different ideologies. I am however aware of her religion and I know that I am not in agreement with her on that. But this woman, along with Kirstie Alley and a few other actresses, have taken to state and federal legislators an issue that all parents need to be aware with.
In some school districts across this nation it has become mandatory for parents to medicate their children with psychotrophic drugs in order for them to attend. Children experiencing difficulties in class are often referred to a psychiatrist to diagnose them with a disorder. This supposed disorder is in turn drugged with medications known to cause suicidal tendencies, mood swings and health issues. Children having to take these drugs in order to attend school have actually died.
Here are a few examples of parents being forced to medicate their children and the tragic outcome of their situations.
One such parent, Lawrence Smith, was threatened with criminal charges if he refused to drug his son, Matthew. In 2000, a Michigan coroner determined that 14-year-old Matthew's tragic death was caused by the Ritalin forced on him through his school. Now paying the ultimate price, Smith stated, ?This legislation will prevent parents from being terrorized because they choose to have a drug-free child. Most importantly, it will save young lives and save families."
Mrs. Vicki Dunkle was pressured by a Pennsylvania school psychologist to seek out drug treatment for her daughter Shaina, and referred her to a psychiatrist who, after a 30-minute evaluation with no tests or physical exams, diagnosed her with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and prescribed her an antidepressant. On February 26, 2001, at age 10, Shaina died due to toxic effects of the drug prescribed, according to a coroner's determination. Both parents have subsequently become outspoken critics of the psychiatric drugging of children, and have helped form a grassroots parents organization.
"If a child is struggling in class, he or she may be creative or highly intelligent and be simply bored. Environmental toxins or allergies may also be affecting the child. I am sure parents would prefer a workable alternative to drugging a child. They must have the right to choose, instead of being coerced into a situation where it's drugs or dismissal."
Look at where we are; forcing a quick fix with a pill for something that could be caused by a social situation or a difference in how a child learns and what their abilities are. When I originally heard of school districts instituting these policies years ago it was disheartening. What could an average parent such as myself do to combat this obvious mistake being carried out? Not much at all. But Ms. Preston with her celebrity status has taken to the streets and more importantly the legislators this battle and is accomplishing much. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her publicly and wish her strength in continuing this fight.
Below are a few helpful links if you would like to investigate this further. Take care.
Citizens Commissions On Human Rights, 2003 Article
Citizens Commissions On Human Rights, Another 2003 Article
Becoming Healthy Now.Com Article
Posted by Stacy at June 22, 2005 10:16 AM | TrackBack