DRUG TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES

University of Rhode Island President Robert Carothers asserts that a policy
that bars persons convicted of drug charges from receiving school aid is
unfair. Mr. Carrothers says "they should not be excluded from higher
education."

They are not. No one says these persons cannot apply to the school -- only
that they cannot receive my tax dollars to do it. If you make the conscious
choice to possess an illegal substance, then live with the consequences.

And Tom Angell, a member of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, stated: "If
you're rich, and your parents can afford a good lawyer, or you don't need
financial aid, this ban doesn't affect you." The truth is, this ban doesn't
affect anyone unless they're involved with illegal drugs. It's that simple.
I predict that Congress will also find it that simple.

TONY WOOD

Pascoag