PUT CHILDREN BEFORE TESTING

In response to the letter that appeared in your Thursday, Sept. 5, issue, I
would have to disagree and say drug testing will solve many, but not all,
problems. Students in after-school activities do use drugs, and if you
think they don't you should take a moment and re-examine your opinion.

It is very stereotypical.

Today, more young children and teenagers use drugs on a regular basis than
ever before.

They have easy access, peer pressure that people of older generations have
no idea of, and in some cases two working parents, which leaves them an
opportunity that may not have existed in the past.

My problem with the drug-testing policy is that it only reaches to
extracurricular activities. I think all children should be tested.

I would have to agree with your suggestions regarding the testing of
teachers and administrators. These people certainly have access to drugs.

My point of view is that we need to be less concerned with our rights in
this case, and more concerned with the well being of our future.

I have two small children and it is very hard to monitor what they do at
all times during the day. I can only imagine that when they are teenagers
it will be twice as hard. I want a backup plan. I want all of the help I
can get to keep my children out of harm's way. I intend to teach my
children right from wrong at home, as well as discipline them there, but I
would be foolish to think that one day a suggestion from a friend would
have no impact on them at all. Parents, stop being so concerned with your
children's rights, and start being more concerned with your children.

It is when a child knows that he/she doesn't have to answer to anybody that
these problems start occurring.

Carla Brockman, Conway