DRUG TESTS AT SCHOOL? THAT'S ABSURD

ABOUT TWO years after saying that the DARE antidrug program is a waste
of money, the lieutenant governor is now leading the charge for
drug-testing students in public schools (''Healey proposes drug tests
at schools," Page A1, May 17). This is absurd, and it will cost more
than DARE if it is allowed to go forward. Here's how all the money
will disappear: Negative results will show the policy is working, but
negative results will not eliminate the potential for future positive
results. Positive results will justify the testing process, although
there will be fewer of them. Thus, the goal of this program is to
produce an outcome that can only be ascertained by continued testing.
At least DARE had a graduation.

If the lieutenant governor wants the state to provide free
drug-testing services to teenagers' parents, she should work to get a
tax rebate attached to home urinalysis kits. It would be the more
Republican thing to do.

KEITH SAUNDERS

Roslindale