LEGISLATION WOULD ONLY LESSEN SEVERITY OF PUNISHMENT

I was disheartened to read the letter to the editor "Virginia Tech has
a reputation to uphold" (CT Feb.7), which was a response to the
headline story, "High Hopes," in the previous day's paper. The problem
with the author's argument is that not one of the things that were
listed (academic excellence, innovative research, community service or
outstanding athletics) is in any way threatened by the legislation
backed by Students for Sensible Drug Policy. They are not
"legitimizing" marijuana use; they are simply asking for the reduction
from an extremely harsh punishment, to one that is on par with its
offense. I do not see it as a leniency policy that will overshadow our
achievements in any way, but as a sign that we are a group of
intelligent students, tomorrow's leaders, who understand the hypocrisy
of drug policy. We are those who believe it is time to start amending
outdated and unfounded policies which represent an injustice, not just
to basic freedom, but also to the concept of sovereignty over one's
body.

I believe 10 years from now, I will look back and be proud to have
been part of this university as it takes this progressive step. I
commend the Students Government Association Senator Kris Reinertson
and SSDP for supporting this respectable, long overdue, piece of
legislation. A piece of legislation that I believe many members of the
student body support, but are discouraged to speak out about because
of the unfortunate stigma attached to trying to change the status quo.
But the times, they are a-changin'.

Aaron Bowman

Senior, Biological Systems Engineering