EARNED RESPECT

Kids in chess and French clubs are usually those whose parents got them
involved in outside activities to protect them from the influence of drugs
and other negative elements. They have worked hard to not be associated
with those who think using drugs and alcohol is cool.

Forcing random drug testing on honor students is a slap in the face to
every effort they have made to stay on the right track. It is telling them
that every time they said no to drugs or smoking or alcohol and endured the
ridicule of their peers, it meant nothing.

Kids in scholastic extracurricular programs deserve the benefit of the
doubt - they have earned our respect and, unless proven otherwise, should
be treated accordingly.

We already have high insurance rates because of those who commit fraud,
more expensive retail items because of shoplifters, DUI stops because of
those who don't limit their alcohol and few public phones because of vandals.

The losers have taken so much from society already, I honestly believe we
owe young people who are making an effort to be successful the right to
keep at least their dignity. Let's give them hope that staying on the
straight and narrow really does pay off - at least until they have to take
the first drug test to get a job.

We need to continue setting an example that doing the right thing ensures
getting the benefit of the doubt when character is questioned. Leave random
drug testing to teenagers who have not earned that privilege.

Therese K. Bell

Mt. Pleasant