THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING

To the Editor of THE EAGLE:- I have read with much concern about the
undercover drug buys and arrests of Great Barrington teenagers who
were arrested for selling drugs. I feel great sympathy for their
families who surely are suffering as the result of their children's
poor judgment and illegal acts. However, I have no sympathy for the
teenagers. They knew what they were doing. They knew the risks and
they did it anyway. And they got caught.

Drugs are a serious problem in our country. The victims are the users
who get hooked. They lose their ability to work, to learn, to pursue
productive careers and so they become a burden on society. They
become criminals to support their habits. The Great Barrington
teenagers were not arrested because they stupidly bought a packet of
marijuana for a quick high, or to experiment and see what it was
like. These teenagers were knowledgeable enough to be qualified to
sell the stuff. They knew what they were doing. No sweet innocents
were these. I believe anyone caught and arrested for selling any kind
of drugs should have the book thrown at them. They deserve no
sympathy. There are the destroyers of their classmates' futures. Your
tough stand, Mr. Capeless, is justified and I commend you for your
courage in pursuing these sellers of drugs.

DORIS NELSON

Pittsfield