PROTECT RIGHTS

To the editor -- Re: Random drug testing that the Sunnyside Athletic Club
wants in schools. They should be ashamed. Their proposal violates two
articles of the Bill of Rights, the rights to privacy and due process.

The premise of drug testing is guilty until proven innocent, a very
un-American concept. What kind of message does this send children? The
message is I don't trust you, I assume you use drugs until your urine test
shows different. How can they teach them respect for law and authority when
the policy they want to implement violates our legal system's basic tenets?
Being forced to submit urine samples without cause is demeaning, insulting
and an egregious violation of privacy.

The Sunnyside Athletic Club must be aware that this policy constitutes a
civil rights violation, otherwise they would not be concerned about the
legal expenses of getting it past the American Civil Liberties Union. But
what they do not realize is that you cannot have partial civil rights. You
cannot pick and choose rights to fit each situation. It's an all or nothing
deal.

The lessons of history show that if you lose one right the precedent is set
for losing the rest. Hundreds of thousands of servicemen have died to
preserve our freedoms. Campaigning to dismantle any of our civil rights is
a disgrace to their memory.

If you feel the Bill of Rights is too burdensome, I suggest you see if
China is accepting immigrants. I'd be happy to drive you to the airport.

PAUL KOLUDA

Selah