Pubdate: Wed, 03 Jul 2002
Source: Tribune Review (PA)
Copyright: 2002 Tribune-Review Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://triblive.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/460
Author: Therese K. Bell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

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
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MAP posted-by: Beth