NEXT TO A CRIMINAL RECORD, HEALTH EFFECTS OF POT MINUTE

Editor, the Tribune: For the sake of his students, I hope MU Professor
David Webber decides to vote in favor of marijuana decriminalization come
April 8.

According to the Monitoring the Future survey, over half of all high school
seniors have tried an illicit drug. Most teenagers outgrow their youthful
indiscretions involving marijuana. 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 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 vulnerable when it comes to
drugs. While youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton or Bush from
assuming leadership positions, an arrest surely would have. The short-term
health effects of marijuana are inconsequential compared to the long-term
effects of criminal records.

Robert Sharpe