Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jul 2002
Source: Bucks County Courier Times (PA)
Copyright: 2002 Calkins Newspapers. Inc.
Contact: http://www.phillyburbs.com/feedback/content_cti.shtml
Website: http://www.phillyburbs.com/couriertimes/index.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1026
Author: William Hamilton

DRUG TESTS FOR THE CHESS CLUB? DON'T PUT OUR RIGHTS IN CHECK

I Don't Think The Chess Club Is "Doing Lines" To Gain A Competitive Advantage

Involuntary drug testing of high school students participating in 
activities other than sports may have good intentions, but it would also 
set a dangerous precedent.

As soon as something like drug testing becomes "involuntary," it begins to 
encroach on the territory of being unconstitutional. While it seems noble 
to want to catch a few young people before it's too late, we simply cannot 
give up our rights so easily. I don't think the chess club is "doing lines" 
to gain a competitive advantage.

What's next?

It is easy to see how under the guise of it being "for the good of the 
children," any number of rights underlined in the Constitution could be 
violated. It is not the public school system's responsibility to keep a 
child from using drugs, nor is it its job to raise a child. It is about 
time parents stop wanting everyone else to do their job of properly raising 
their children.

Drug use is not a cause, it's a symptom of a misguided youth. The real 
problem starts in the years leading up to high school. You do not need a 
positive drug test to spot someone who may need help, and you don't have to 
violate their constitutional rights to help them either. Checkmate.

William Hamilton

Newtown Borough
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