CURRENT DRUG POLICY ARCANE, UNFAIR

Matthew Adair is to be commended for raising awareness of the Higher
Education Act's denial of student loans to youth convicted of drug
offenses ["Say 'No' to Cutting Student Aid," Oct. 18]. 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
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 SchoolsNotPrisons.com.

ROBERT SHARPE

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

www.csdp.org

Washington, DC