Pubdate: Wed, 17 Nov 2004
Source: UWM Post, The (Milwaukee, WI Edu)
Copyright: 2004 The UWM Post
Contact:  http://www.uwmpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2130
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1574/a09.html

HIGHER EDUCATION ACT TARGETS POOR, AT-RISK STUDENTS

Kudos to Students for Sensible Drug Policy for raising awareness of the 
Higher Educations Act's denial of student loans to youth convicted of drug 
offenses. Anyone born into a wealthy family need not fear the impact of 
HEA. Instead of empowering at-risk students with college degree, HEA limits 
career opportunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will 
resort to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murderers are 
still eligible for federal student loans.

Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving illicit drugs. 
An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life shattering. 
After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling), former President Bill 
Clinton opened himself up on "soft on drugs" criticism. And thousands of 
Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered lives. More 
Americans went to prison or jail during the Clinton administration than 
during any past administration.

As an admitted former drinker and alleged illicit drug user, President 
George W. Bush is also politically vulnerable when it comes to drugs. While 
youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton or Bush from assuming leadership 
positions, an arrest surely would have. The short-term health effects of 
marijuana are inconsequential compared to the long-term effect of criminal 
records. Students who want to help end the intergenerational culture war 
otherwise known as the war on some drugs should contact the Students for 
Sensible Drug Policy at www.ssdp.org.

Robert Sharpe, MPA,

Policy Analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy, http://www.csdp.org, 
Washington, DC
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D