DRUG POLICY MISGUIDED

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial
of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses ("Stopping drugs
- -- and students," Feb. 21, p.6 and "Advocacy group fights against
drug conviction act," Feb. 24, p.1). Anyone born into a wealthy
family need not fear the impact of HEA. Instead of empowering at-risk
students with a college degree, HEA limits career opportunities and
increases the likelihood that those affected will resort 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.

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 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 health effects of marijuana are inconsequential compared
to the long-term effects of criminal records. Students who want to
help reform harmful drug laws should contact Students for Sensible
Drug Policy at www.ssdp.org.