NO LOGIC IN SEIZURE POLICY

The opinion by Bill Loomis, "Teens are OK with drug tests," is ...
interesting.

While it makes sense to encourage youths not to use drugs, where is
the logic in seizing personal property of an American citizen without
a signed warrant detailing what the searches will be seeking? What
kind of civics lesson would that be for a student?

The comparison between drug testing and speed limits is fallacious.
There is no seizure employed in establishing limits for speed. There
are proven safety values in applying legal vehicular speed limits.
There is no proven success for drug testing. The onus is on Loomis to
provide it.

There is, however, an interesting link between our government's drug
warrior bureaucrats and the drug testing industry.

Perhaps as well as ignoring the obvious negative consequences to
freedom and liberty, we should ignore the revolving door of
prohibition's bureaucrats (drug testing's cheerleaders) becoming the
captains of the drug testing industry?

Perhaps ... just a thought ... the money targeted for drug testing
could be used for keeping playgrounds opened and supervised after
school? Maybe even a Saturday?

Prevention, not seizure, is the answer.

ALLAN ERICKSON

Drug Policy Forum of Oregon