June 13, 2002

The Honorable Ernest Istook
Chairman, House Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Committee
B-307 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington DC 20515

Dear Congressman Istook:

I am writing to plead that you fund the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign (NYADMC) at $180 million, and allow the advertising and marketing professionals at the Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA) to administer this campaign.

My name is Scot Anthony Robinson. For more than eight years, I have been on the front lines of this “War on Drugs” – otherwise known as our nation’s schools – speaking to millions of kids from Alaska to New York to try to prevent drug use among youth.

I visit high schools, correctional facilities, group homes and community centers and perform a one-man theatrical lecture known as “Vision Warrior.” As a former drug addict, I personally feel the pain of the kids who struggle with this important issue. They need help, and having worked with the Partnership, I know the Partnership can help.

Having my testimonial featured in a PSA for the Partnership that won an ADDY award -- an award sponsored by the American Advertising Federation that recognizes the “best work of Madison Avenue” -- I know that ads in this campaign can indeed challenge and help kids.

Young people recognize me all the time and have written and told me honestly and bluntly that my commercial helped them make better decisions; some even say it may have saved their life!

I am very passionate about helping save lives, and am perplexed at why anyone would try and terminate an effort that is tangibly helping to combat young peoples’ choices, awareness, information and ignorance about drugs.

The NYADMC needs continued support and even more national exposure right now to combat the continuous messages that kids see and hear about drugs because of movies like "How High" and music videos that glorify drugs and violence. Kids need to see, feel and hear imagery that challenges the mythical notion that drugs are good. The most powerful way to do that is by delivering anti-drug messages through radio and TV.

As a soldier in this “war,” I beg you to support the Partnership’s efforts to stem this destructive tide that is wounding and killing our most precious resource…our children!

Sincerely yours,
Scot Anthony Robinson
a.k.a. Vision Warrior