DRUG LAWS SHATTER LIVES

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of
student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses ("Time for a drug-free
FAFSA," Mar. 16, p. 6.) Anyone born into a wealthy family need not fear the
impact of HEA. Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college
degree, HEA limits career opportunities and increases the likelihood that
those affected will resort to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists
and murders are still eligible for federal student loans.

Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving illicit drugs.
An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life-shattering.
After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling), former President Bill
Clinton opened himself up to "soft on drugs" criticism. And thousands of
Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered lives. More
Americans went to prison or jail during the Clinton administration than
during any past administration.

As an admitted former drinker and alleged illicit drug user, President
George W. Bush is also politically vulnerable when it comes to drugs. While
youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton or Bush from assuming leadership
positions, an arrest surely would have. The short-term health effects of
marijuana are inconsequential compared to the long-term effects of criminal
records. Students who want to help reform harmful drug laws should contact
Students for Sensible Drug Policy at www.ssdp.org.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy