TRAMPLING ON RIGHTS IS NOT CORRECT SOLUTION

David Shapiro (July 23) states that "public school teachers displayed
a disturbing lack of integrity" over the drug-testing issue.

His accusation is unfair and misdirected. Everyone is against drugs in
the schools. But to trample on constitutional rights to enact an
ineffective program is no solution at all. Our governor, who is sworn
to uphold the Constitution, has failed in her duty to protect the
citizenry against unreasonable searches.

I am a public school teacher, and proud of the work I do. Along with
thousands of other teachers, I did not vote for the last contract
because I felt that the governor blindsided us at the end of
negotiations with her demand for random drug tests.

I do not use drugs, nor do I approve of drug use. I did not sell my
rights for a pay increase; I received a justifiable salary increase
which almost keeps me current with the increased cost of living.

Am I to give up my constitutional rights because our governor wants to
present the illusion of taking effective action against a widespread
societal problem?

That would be shortsighted, Mr. Shapiro. And watch out, because
freedom of the press might be the next casualty of this misdirected
thinking.

James F. Karkheck

Captain Cook, Hawai'i