Pubdate: Fri, 21 Oct 2005
Source: Daily Vanguard (Portland State, OR Edu)
Copyright: 2005, Daily Vanguard
Contact:  http://www.dailyvanguard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2834
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1619/a04.html

YOUTHFUL INDISCRETION SHOULD NOT BE A BARRIER

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial 
of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses ["Denied for 
drugs," Oct. 12]. Instead of empowering at-risk students with a 
college degree, the 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 people in the U.S. 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, MPA

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy
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