DENVER METROPOLITAN SYMPOSIUM 549

to one of the most vexing problems facing our society. They will have
the continued support of this administration in this endeavor. "

One of the major recommendations to be presented to the Gov-
ernor and the General Assembly for the 1968 session will be a com-
prehensive prevention program through education, including revision
of higher education curricula to include a course on teaching primary
and secondary school children the hazards of experimentation or use
of narcotics and drugs.

Governor Agnew earlier this year advocated institution of such
programs in the schools in a speech before the Maryland Boards of
Education.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT DENVER METROPOLITAN
SYMPOSIUM, DENVER, COLORADO

December 4, 1967

May I preface my remarks by saying that I regard your invitation
a singular honor and a tremendous pleasure. Denver — despite the
topic of this symposium — is one of America's most beautiful, invig-
orating cities. Denver is also one of the few cities in America that can
boast character as well as incomparable scenic magnificence.

Denver's character has been forged out of adversity, spontaneous
pioneer vigor, the vision and passionate commitment of its civic
leaders to culture and beauty. Your interest and involvement in creat-
ing a vibrant, viable community follows in the finest tradition of
Denver's turn-of-the-century leaders, men like Henry Brown, John
Rush and Robert Speer. Their vision offers you inspiration, their
tangible success proves that you, too, can triumph.

Denver is a relatively new city vis-a-vis Baltimore, and has bene-
fited from a greater degree of planning, from the tremendous talents
of men like Henry Barnes, from having only a minimum of the
pernicious social and environmental problems and pressures which
corrode our community life. While your metropolitan area may not
be the model you seek, it is far from the muddle you fear.

This is not to say you are perfect. You are to be commended for
your determination to correct present flaws and confront present
challenges — NOW! Your commitment to prevent crisis through posi-
tive action today will spare Denver the anguish and expense of re-
medial reaction to crisis tomorrow.