COMMON SENSE FOR DRUG POLICY

Dear Editor,

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial
of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses. Instead of
empowering at risk students with a college degree, HEA limits career
opportunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will
resort back to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and
murders are still eligible for federal student loans. Most students
outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving illicit drugs. An
arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life-shattering.

After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling), former President
Bill Clinton opened himself up to "soft on drugs" criticism.
Thousands of Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered
lives. More Americans went to prison or jail during the Clinton
administration than during any past administration. As an admitted
former drinker and alleged illicit drug user, President George W.
Bush is also politically vulnerable when it comes to drugs.

While youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton or Bush from
assuming leadership positions, an arrest surely would have. The
short-term effects of marijuana are inconsequential compared to the

long-term effects of criminal records. Students who want to help end
the intergenerational culture war otherwise known as the war, on some
drugs, should contact Students for Sensible Drug Policy at
www.SchoolsNotPrisons.com

Sincerely,

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy Analyst

Common Sense For Drug Policy