He said "There are also organizations, for example NORML [the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws], that have made efforts to criticize DARE because of its very clear message: 'Don't Use Drugs.' They don't like this message; they want kids to use drugs recreationally."

I was president of the Houston Chapter of NORML several years ago and it was stressed time and time again that NORML does not encourage people to break laws or use drugs.  NORML is very clear that its goal is to change the law with regard to marijuana.  NORML does not take any position on the legalization of other drugs.  Following is a quote from the website of NORML, http://www.norml.org :

"By adoption of this statement, the NORML Board of Directors has attempted to define "responsible cannabis use."

I. Adults Only
Cannabis consumption is for adults only. It is irresponsible to provide cannabis to children.
 

Many things and activities are suitable for young people, but others absolutely are not. Children do not drive cars, enter into contracts, or marry, and they must not use drugs. As it is unrealistic to demand lifetime abstinence from cars, contracts and marriage, however, it is unrealistic to expect lifetime abstinence from all intoxicants, including alcohol. Rather, our expectation and hope for young people
is that they grow up to be responsible adults. Our obligation to them is to demonstrate what that means."

In my opinion it would be detrimental to NORML's stated goals to advocate or encourage the use of drugs by children.  In the future when a detractor states that an organization has a certain position it would be very good journalism to check out if that was actually the position that the organization holds.

Aside from that one error of omission it was a very good article and I sincerely hope that you continue your fine tradition of investigative journalism and reporting on topics that the Houston Chronicle tends to avoid.