As I think about that foundation, I m reminded of the Space Needle, which is held up because of a rock solid design built nearly 4 decades ago and is earthquake-proof. That building has stood tall since then, and we expect it to stand for a long, long time. It was built to inspire everyone who sees it and everyone who visits it. It is truly a testament to the legacy that one generation can leave something significant for those who follow. It has an impressive foundation that isn t visible.
Tourists take pictures of it.
But the foundation had to come first. That's why we need to start this morning with some reflection about how to create the solid foundation on which we can build up strong protection against drugs. But the character and nature of our society is the sum total of all that we are, all that we believe, and all that we do. That foundation is our desire to always strive to do better and more importantly, to help others. In the case of drug courts, it is that basic human nature that drives the desire to make drug courts successful - to help others.