TESTING STUDENTS FOR DRUG

Recently, the nation's drug czar, John P. Walters, came to
Philadelphia to urge schools to offer random - but voluntary - drug
testing of students.

Walters, whose title is director of the National Office of Drug
Control Policy, argues that young people who take drugs are more
likely to engage in violent behavior and join gangs.

He said that "early use of marijuana" was an indication of future
criminal behavior, sort of like that "check engine" light going on.

Teens who use drugs, particularly marijuana, are more likely to steal
and experiment with other drugs and alcohol, compared to teens who
don't, according to research Walter's agency cited.

Walters wants high schools and middle schools to offer a program of
voluntary, random drug testing, which is done in about 1,000 school
districts in the United States. (Schools are allowed to require drug
testing for students who take part in athletics and extracurricular
activities.)

Do you think Chester County schools should offer this program? Would
you encourage - or pressure - your children to volunteer for this test?

If you're a student, what do you make of this? Does it suggest that
kids can't be trusted?

Is it meaningless because kids using drugs certainly won't volunteer
to take the test. Or does it deter drug use because parental pressure
to take the test could lead to exposure?

Tell us what you think about this. Please keep all letters to about
200 words.

Reply by Tuesday to chesterletters@phillynews.com. Include a home
address and day and evening phone numbers; phone numbers will not be
published.