YOUTHFUL INDISCRETIONS SHOULDN'T BLOCK HELP

I respectfully disagree with your Aug. 6 editorial on the proposed
reforms of the Higher Education Act denial of student loans to youth
convicted of drug offenses. According to the Monitoring the Future
survey, over 47 percent of U.S. high school seniors have tried an
illicit drug. Can America really afford to disenfranchise half the
nation's youth? 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. And
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 previous administration. As an
admitted former drinker and alleged illicit drug user, President
George W. Bush was also politically vulnerable. President Barack
Obama has admitted to past illicit drug use as well.

While youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton, Bush or Obama 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.

ROBERT SHARPE

Policy Analyst,

Common Sense for

Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.