HYPOCRITICAL

Re: We're teaching teens to laugh at authority, April 2.

The criticism of drug use directed at today's youth by many Citizen
letter-writers is hypocritical and bordering on discriminatory. Yes, Chris
Laurin had marijuana residue on his jacket, origin unknown, and yes, there
are many youths today who flaunt drug laws.

To conclude that today's youth "laugh at authority" because of recreational
drug use is preposterous. We were raised by a generation that embraced free
love and openly used drugs far more damaging than marijuana. Yet we are
scolded by parents and suspended from school at the slightest hint of
experimentation. Had such drug sweeps been conducted regularly during the
1960s, I suspect the number of students suspended from school would be
equal, if not greater, than today.

The disdain for authority expressed today is not symptomatic of a greater
societal ill, a widening rift between young and old. Rather, it is a
continuation of the youthful rebellion of generations past. Our values may
differ, and that may be frightening, but overall, most youths share the
same desires and hopes as the rest of society.

You raised us to know right from wrong, and though you may not believe it
now, chances are we'll turn out just fine if left to our own devices.

Daniel Reid, Ottawa