YOUTHFUL INDISCRETIONS SHOULD NOT RUIN LIVES

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of
student loans to youths convicted of drug offenses ("Law that strips
financial aid for drug convictions reconsidered," Oct. 12). 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 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 reform harmful drug laws should contact Students
for Sensible Drug Policy at www.ssdp.org.

ROBERT SHARPE - Policy Analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy