YOUTH NEED OPPORTUNITY, NOT JAIL TIME

It seems many people are eager to discuss a recent letter that suggests
putting a stop to jail sentences for drug offenders. I agree with this and
here is why. Many youths, especially in poor areas, turn to drugs and
alcohol during and after high school.

While this is self-destructive behavior, I think we need to realize that
many great people throughout history have used many different drugs. Our
last two presidents admitted to smoking marijuana, only one admitted it in
public, however. Many politicians, doctors, lawyers and businessmen have
used marijuana, and even harder drugs. To say that drug use only leads to
a dead-end is false. That is why we must encourage youth not to use drugs,
but be realistic when we find out that they are. Jail is no place for a
young adult. Putting our children in jail for doing something that our
current president admitted to doing is a horrible mistake. Our youth need
activities that are drug and alcohol free, yes! Jail offers neither.

ED ROSENBERG

Lynchburg