DON'T TIE STUDENT AID TO MARIJUANA ARREST

As if marijuana smokers did not have enough to worry about following a
pot bust, since last July, those who are college students will now
also be ineligible for financial aid for a year if convicted.

Under the new federal law, a second conviction will result in a
two-year ban, and repeat offenders will be denied. This provision of
the Higher Education Act of 1998 is intended to save taxpayers from
paying for the education of drug users. By approving this amendment,
Congress denies an education to many low-income college students who
happen to smoke marijuana - impairing their ability to earn a living
and support a family.

Many college-educated marijuana smokers have achieved positions of
accomplishment, such as serving on the Supreme Court, serving in the
Cabinet and being elected to the House or Senate, possibly even president.

Supporters of this bill say students must deal with the consequences
of their actions. They say they are not denying students an education,
just financial aid. Losing it for a drug conviction will devastate
students in poor and lower-middle-class families.

JON WILCOX,
Scotia