HIGHER EDUCATION ACT 'LIFE-SHATTERING'

N.C. State's Student Senate is to be commended for opposing the
Higher Education Act's denial of student loans to youth convicted of
drug offenses. Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college
degree, HEA limits career opportunities and increases the likelihood
that those affected will resort to crime. Speaking of crime,
convicted rapists and murderers are still eligible for federal student loans.

Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving illicit
drugs. 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 or jail 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 politically 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 effects of marijuana are inconsequential compared to the
long-term effects of criminal records. Students who want to help end
the intergenerational culture war otherwise known as the war on some
drugs should contact Students for Sensible Drug Policy at
www.SchoolsNotPrisons.com.

Robert Sharpe

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy