Pubdate: Sun, 03 Feb 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: Craig Nelson

SEARCHES ARE SENSELESS

In response to the Neshaminy School District's random drug dog searches:

Although I agree with the Supreme Court's view that, if there is a real 
need, sending drug-searching dogs through a school is legal, I disagree 
with Neshaminy's decision. Being a graduate from the class of '88, I 
remember some kids using drugs, but most kids didn't use. I see this as 
nothing more than another waste of money -proven by the search of 
Poquessing, only to find a bottle of Aqua Velva.

The simple fact is, if the dogs are only allowed to search lockers and 
cars, then the best place to keep the drugs is in pants pockets. If the 
dogs were allowed to search the kids, then their bedrooms are the real 
place to take the search, and better yet, the parties the kids go to on 
Friday and Saturday nights.

My point is that kids are pretty smart, and school ends at 3 p.m., so it's 
really up to parents or law enforcement to deal with them. The 
superintendent says that if these searches save one kid, then it's all 
worth it.

I'm tired of my tax money being used to save people. The only thing my 
taxes should go to is the building of more prisons to lock up anyone who 
causes trouble, which is really where any kid who is stupid enough to bring 
drugs to school is going to end up.

Craig Nelson, Bristol Township
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