Supporting Goals of Red Ribbon Week

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
Oct. 10, 2004

SUPPORTING GOALS OF RED RIBBON WEEK
S. RES. 455

Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today in support of this resolution that commemorates the annual Red Ribbon Week. The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to educate and advocate a commitment to a drug-free life style. Red Ribbon Week also remembers the contribution of one soldier in the war against drugs, DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camerena. I am honored to seek the Senate's recognition and support again for the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign.

In my State of Alaska, Red Ribbon Week will be a Statewide celebration involving thousands of school children and those people and organizations who care about the welfare of our children and community. On October 22, the City of Anchorage of will celebrate with a series of Red Ribbon events coordinating with the Alaska Federation of Natives, the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska State Troopers, the Mayor of Anchorage, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Alaska, many PTA groups and many others across the community.

Throughout the week, Alaskans will be encouraged to show gratitude for all the lives that remain drug free, pledge to live a safe and drug-free life and remember those we have lost in the fight against drugs.

The Red Ribbon Week Campaign was started in 1988 by the Federation of Parents. It was organized as a 8-day event and was then chaired by President and Mrs. Reagan. The event began as a tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camerena who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by drug traffickers in 1985. I suggest to those who advocate that drugs are a victimless crime talk to the widow and children of Agent Camerena. His sons, Erik and Enrique, Jr. continue to honor their father and work to help children and families that are victims of crimes. His death has become symbolic of the cost of illicit drugs.

The Red Ribbon which we put on is a symbol of zero tolerance for illegal drug use and a commitment to drug abuse prevention. The ribbon will be worn or displayed in the up coming Red Ribbon Week by millions of Americans in an act of unity and remembrance of Agent "Kiki" Camerena.

Illicit drugs, the abuse of drugs, and the business of illegal drugs are not a private matter. Drugs harm children. Drugs harm our communities. Illegal drugs only facilitate dependency, addiction and the breakdown of the families.

Alaska has the highest rates of domestic violence in the Nation and one of the highest rates of sexual assault in the Nation. According to the Anchorage Police Department in almost 80 percent of these cases alcohol and drugs were contributing factors to these crimes. In one rural area of Alaska, 97 percent of all the domestic cases involve drugs or alcohol.

We must encourage our children to make better choices by making the same commitment in our own lives. We as parents and leaders must set good examples.

Our children are growing up in a community that continues to send confusing and mixed signals. Our children are confronting difficult choices on a continuous basis. The popular idols in the media, the movies, television, and music often encourage them to make the wrong decisions. The Red Ribbon Campaign is one effort to help our children make the right decisions.

I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this resolution to help illustrate the Senate's commitment to ensure our children are safe and to encourage all people to live a healthy drug-free life.