Assistant Editor
Police officers and educators have long been asking children to "just say no" to drugs. Now, a children's book by an Albany lawyer is adding another voice to that fight -- and reminding them that the police are there to help.
Terry O'Neill has much experience watching law enforcement officers struggle to make a difference in a world wracked by crime. From his childhood as the son of a Connecticut State Trooper through his own work with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Mr. O'Neill learned that police officers are simply human beings, trying to do their jobs but often ridiculed by the public for "not doing enough."
His answer is "Constantine's Circus." A slim book of poetry and prose for children, it addresses problems with drugs, alcohol and gun control while portraying police as heroes.
Heroes in blue
Several officers from the Albany Diocese are featured in the book, including Mr. O'Neill's personal hero (for whom the book is named): former State Police superintendent Thomas Constantine, now head of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
The officers are touted as loving their work, whether they pound the pavement on foot patrol or solve crimes while standing in the shower. The author also reminds children that police are there to stop people who break the law, as is stated in "The Speed Limit": "Now, you might think that just for fun/ The Trooper points the radar gun./ But that's not true. No how. No way./ He's not just out to spoil your day."
Breaking stereotypes
Myths about police officers are dispelled, as well. In "The Sacrament," one of the author's favorite poems, Mr. O'Neill warns against "the silly stereotype that people have" of cops and doughnut breaks as inseparable.
Instead, he writes, officers drink "the bitter coffee and something sweet/ To fortify them for the street./ And that is when they say their prayer/ For strength when they're alone out there."
Anti-drug message
In addition to avidly supporting police work, "Constantine's Circus" provides a gentle way for kids to learn how drugs and illegal activities can hurt them.
Some anti-drug programs, Mr. O'Neill explained, can be "standardized and very didactic." But of the lessons he learned as a child, "the things I remember best are literary." Poetry is one way to educate children while keeping their interest.
For example, "Crack" compares the use of a drug to freeing the genie in "The Arabian Nights": once its power is released, it's nearly impossible to force it back into the lamp -- or crack vial -- it came from.
The author said his message to children is that "you may think you can try drugs and not get addicted, but that's not true."
Supporting others
Mr. O'Neill hopes that parents and teachers read and interpret his book for children. To supplement his anti-drug, pro-law enforcement message, he has begun "Constantine's Circus, Inc.," a not-for-profit corporation to promote other literary ventures with similar aims.
The author is applying for government grants and searching for financial support to publish a children's book about stealing by another local author, a piece drawing on the Shaker heritage to highlight domestic violence and a play that expands on the "DARE" anti-drug program for children.
If young readers gain one insight from his work, Mr. O'Neill hopes it will be "that we can gain control of this [drug] problem: that the problem of drugs is everybody's responsibility, that we have to be supportive of our law enforcement community. There is hope."
(To contact "Constantine's Circus, Inc.," write to PO Box 7223, Capitol Station, Albany, NY 12224.)