Pubdate: Mon, 17 Oct 2005
Source: Spectrum, The (NY Edu)
Copyright: 2005 - The Spectrum Student Periodical, Inc
Contact:   http://spectrum.buffalo.edu/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3958
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1613/a07.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

YOUTHFUL INDISCRETIONS SHOULD NOT RUIN LIVES

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of 
student loans to youths convicted of drug offenses ("Law that strips 
financial aid for drug convictions reconsidered," Oct. 12). Instead of 
empowering at-risk students with a college degree, HEA limits career 
opportunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will resort 
to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murders 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 to "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 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 effects of marijuana 
are inconsequential compared to the long-term effects of criminal records. 
Students who want to help reform harmful drug laws should contact Students 
for Sensible Drug Policy at www.ssdp.org.

ROBERT SHARPE - Policy Analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D