ATTITUDES ON POT LAWS HEADED THE WRONG WAY

I do not think punishment for marijuana possession should be reduced.
If anything, it should be increased!

As a teenager myself, I know how kids would react to that. If the
penalty were reduced to a mere ticket, I guarantee drugs of all sorts
would become more rampant in schools and the lives of students.

My friends and I are fighting an uphill battle to reach friends
already on drugs. I notice as we get older, more of my friends are
getting into it. Once they do, it seems impossible to get them out.

Our parents and government are supposed to lead the next generation;
instead, they are holding us back. Here we are, trying to stop our
friends from ruining their lives, then the "adults" offer to make it
easier.

Adults consider the present and not necessarily the future. I don't
want my children to view drug use as a common crime they can commit
without fear of serious consequences.

I hope government will rethink drug possession and consider the past,
present and especially the future.

We wouldn't legalize shoplifting if the number of shoplifters
increased - why should we do it with drugs, which can be so much more
dangerous?

Amy Stubblefield, senior from Trinity Fellowship Christian School.

Amarillo