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'DRUG TESTING IS A BAD IDEA'

Concerning random drug testing of students, the Dothan Eagle editor is absolutely correct.  It is a totally insane idea to random drug test students in Dothan schools.  I was amazed when Superintendent Leon Hobbs said he would back the idea if that is what the people want.

It is a very indecisive stance probably fostered by the fact that the state teachers' union has not yet handed down the position school employees must take.

Why should we randomly test students for drugs? Can we save a young person from a life of crime and imprisonment? Of course not.  All we would have then would be a known drug user.  If he or she does not have a proper home environment, drug use and imprisonment are probably inevitable.

Parents who are pushing for random drug testing in school are saying to me: "My kid may be using drugs and I want you to find out for me." That is scary.  People who want the government to take over their parenting responsibilities are way out in left field somewhere.

It is not the responsibility of the school to keep children off drugs or to find out if they are on drugs.  Since school is not an industrial setting, a drug-using student is not a danger to his fellow students.  He or she may be a nuisance, but I don't see how they could be a threat to life and limb.

Drug testing in school is a terrible idea.  It would be a costly investment with no return on monies invested.  It would be a nightmare to administer.  It would lead to dozens or hundreds of lawsuits by unhappy parents of children whose "rights" have been trampled.

If the parents of Dothan want their children tested for drug use, they can go to the drug store and buy a home drug testing kit.  Then stand up straight and be a parent.

Harold Caldwell

Dothan