DRUG TESTING NOT THE ANSWER

A young student from Cocoa, Danielle Franklin, writes in praise of drug
testing in the schools. I fear her missive overlooks cause for grave
concern in our school system.

In her letter, Franklin states that "Drug use is illegal. Privacy has
nothing to do with that." Apparently, she hasn't been taught about the
presumption of innocence.

She then goes on to state that this program ". . .would also make the
athletic programs at our schools better by ensuring that students are
performing while completely healthy."

Apparently, the athletics department has neglected to familiarize Franklin
with the rather rigorous and complex system of district, state and national
competition that has worked so well to that end thus far.

In closing, Franklin opines that, "The purpose of this program would not be
to isolate drug users and kick them out of school, but to lend a hand to
help rehabilitate them." It seems her history teachers no longer assign
Gulag Archipelago, either.

Yes, indeed, I believe there is cause for concern in the local schools.
Thank you for bringing this to public attention.

Ginger Warbis

Lighthouse Point, Fla.