TESTING FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST DRUGS

I believe that lessons in reality are far more valuable than the civic
lessons suggested in your editorial, "Mandatory drug testing of students a
poor civics lesson," (AC-T, March 24), objecting to random drug testing in
our schools. You have joined forces with the other ill-informed who have
helped to maintain and support our growing drug problem. If education was
the cure for the problem, we would not have drug issues within the medical
profession or at the Air Force Academy and the millions spent for education
through the "war on drugs" would have been more than a dismal failure.

Even though illegal drug use is a major contributor to most social
problems, our society has never decided to get serious about illegal use
and abuse of drugs anywhere. This abdication of responsibility is not only
confined to our schoolchildren but is also seen with teachers and the
school administrative staff. In addition, our jails and prisons are likely
our least drug-free zones.

Random testing with consequences at all levels of our society is the only
way to get serious. Inspection is far more effective than education in
effecting change. I hope that you will give the roots and consequences of
your editorial another look.

Don Boone,

Asheville