BREAK THE LAW, PAY THE PRICE

I have difficulty relating to what Jake Ginsky is saying in "Smoke a Joint,
Lose Your Loan," New Times, June 8.

Jake tells us about a law effective July 1, 2000, that will deny or delay
all financial aid to students with a drug conviction in the past year.
Unless it was recently changed, there is a law against possession of an
illegal substance still on the books.

Our Constitution gives us the inalienable right to freedom, but that
freedom comes with responsibility, not license to be irresponsible.
Students who accept a loan have an obligation to us taxpayers, and that is
to pay the loan back and get grades that are equal to their potential.

Fact: Millions of loans remain unpaid, and it is no secret that smoking
joints reduces a person's natural talents and destroys their ability and
incentive to do their best work.

I hold to the idea that people who break the law are lawbreakers and not
victims, as some would like us to believe. I think a good citizen makes no
excuses for mistakes, just learns from them; stays open at the top and
makes choices based on the best information available; is prepared to work,
vote, fight, and even die for our constitutional system; and has respect
for the freedom of others under the law, as written.

Victor R. Virzi, Arroyo Grande