NO GAIN, BUT WHAT LOSS

It is nice to see in the column, "Let's just say no to random drug
testing" by Andy Parker (May 16, The Oregonian) that there remains
strong opposition to random drug testing of students in Oregon.

There is no lawful or moral gain in illegally seizing anything from
anyone, especially something as personal as one's urine, without a
signed search warrant that shows probable cause.

There is no evidence that random drug testing succeeds at reducing
drug use, just as there is evidence that programs like D.A.R.E.
actually are counterproductive.

Parker shows how the feds are not interested in discussion. They won't
debate because they can't. Too high is the evidence of Prohibition's
harm piled against them.

Drastic, draconian levels of enforcing Prohibition have made even the
Constitution (and its protections aimed at the individual citizen)
null and void. When such un-American behavior is legislated as law,
what have we gained?

How much have we lost?

ALLAN ERICKSON

Eugene