RANDOM TESTS ARE A SMALL PRICE

I have long believed in random drug testing in our schools. This opinion has
only been strengthened by the recent tragic death of a student who was
supplied with drugs and alcohol. Had drug testing been in force, it is
unlikely this young man would have risked being suspended from the football
team, knowing that he might be tested. I have heard all the wailing and
crying from the "sky is falling" crowd about violations of civil rights,
privacy, etc. The truth is that every rule, regulation or policy ever passed
is a violation of someone's "rights."

If we lived in a perfect world, these rules would not be necessary. However,
we don't live in a perfect world. Living in a free society does not mean
living in a society without laws.

Our children and our nation in general would be much better served if
parents would teach their children to obey rules and respect people placed
in authority instead of encouraging their children to question and rebel
against authority.

Opponents of drug testing complain that the wrong students are being
"targeted." The fact that a student maintains good grades and is in
extracurricular activities does not make them immune from the temptations
and peer pressures.

Random drug testing is a small price to pay to help reduce drugs in schools
and very possibly save a life. It should cover all students and teachers.

Bill Redden, Springfield