ONE POOR CHOICE COULD DESTROY A TEEN'S FUTURE

Carson school officials may want to reconsider the practice of destroying
the futures of teenagers in an attempt to protect them from unhealthy choices.

Parents of Carson High School students should be worried about the school's
renewed commitment to zero tolerance.

According to the Monitoring the Future Survey, more than half of all high
school seniors have used an illegal drug. Most teenagers outgrow their
youthful indiscretions involving 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 on the drug issue.

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.

Drug abuse is bad, but the zero-tolerance drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe

Drug Policy Alliance Washington D.C. (via e-mail)