ZERO TOLERANCE POOR ANSWER TO DRUG FIGHT

Editor:

Roy N. Pullam's Dec. 31 column was right on target. These days zero
tolerance poses a greater threat to teen-agers than drugs.

According to the Monitoring the Future Survey, over half of all high school
seniors have tried an illicit drug. Denying a majority of the nation's youth
an education and the chance to grow up to become productive members of
society is not in America's best interest.

Most teen-agers outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving drugs. An
arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life- shattering.

After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling), former President Bill
Clinton opened himself up to "soft on drugs" criticism. And thousands of
Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered lives. More Americans
went to prison or jail during the Clinton administration than during any
past administration.

As an admitted former drinker and alleged illicit drug user, President
George W. Bush is also politically vulnerable when it comes to drugs.

While youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton or Bush from assuming
leadership positions, an arrest surely would have. The short-term health
effects of politically incorrect drugs like marijuana are inconsequential
compared to the long-term effects of criminal records.

Drug abuse is bad, but the zero tolerance drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe, M.P.A.

Program Officer, Drug Policy Alliance

Washington, DC