For 17 years Mel Sembler's Straight program was the biggest chain of juvenile drug rehabilitation programs in America. But former clients have come forward to say they were severely abused by Straight's "brainwashing methods." There have been over 40 suicides associated with Straight and its imitators. The anti-Straight crowd continues to protest Mel Sembler. His business interests are protested by the Uhurus for allegations of racial descrimination and by anti-Iraq war activists. The Sembler story is at "[http://www.thestraights.com theStraights dot com]".
==Possible Removal==
It is possible that Mel may be removed from his ambassadorship. According to the World Peace Herald:
*"Among these, reportedly, is Mel Sembler, the U.S. ambassador to Rome, who has made it plain he would like not to be recalled for at least another two years. But the sources understand the shopping mall developer and Bush supporter has been told a partial extension is not in the cards."[http://www.wpherald.com/North_America/storyview.php?StoryID=20041213-060311-4177r]