RITALIN REACTION

In the midst of a stated "drug war," we freely prescribe Ritalin to keep
control of children's behavior, all the while telling them not to use
drugs. Many of these children are guilty only of exhibiting symptoms of
being alive. Is one reason we keep marijuana illegal the fact that it does
not turn people into unthinking zombies, the way Ritalin does? After all,
we only want students to conform. Independent thinking and youthful
behavior is so inconvenient.

Ray Carlson
Redwood City, Calif.