EDUCATION IS COLLATERAL DAMAGE IN THE WAR ON DRUGS

New York state solved the problem of where to get more funds for law
enforcement in the drug war (Vancouver police require more money for drug
fight, March 26). I quote from Friday's local paper, the Ogdensburg
Journal/Advance News, about the school my kid attends (Lisbon Central):
"Because of cuts to education funds we will drop drivers' ed and the
marching band, and school athletes will have to cover uniforms and
transportation themselves."

This year alone, $600 million has been transferred from education to law
enforcement.

There will be cuts in every department of St. Lawrence County, where I
live, except for the drug task force. A local tax increase is on the table
- -- not for the schools, but for a new $40-million jail.

Chasing cannabis is dumbing down our kids.

Larry Seguin

Lisbon, N.Y.