DRUG ABUSE IS BAD, DRUG WAR IS WORSE

Your June 22 editorial about illegal school searches highlighted a
growing problem in the United States.

These days zero tolerance poses a greater threat to students than
drugs. According to the Monitoring the Future survey, more than half
of all high school seniors have tried an illicit drug.

Denying a majority of the nation's youth an education and the chance
to grow up to become productive members of society is not in America's
best interest.

Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving 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 Mr. Clinton or Mr. Bush from
assuming leadership positions, an arrest surely would have.

The short-term health effects of marijuana are inconsequential
compared with the long-term effects of criminal records.

Drug abuse is bad, but the drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.