Pubdate: Wed, 11 Oct 2006
Source: Sidelines, The (TN Edu)
Copyright: 2006 Middle Tennessee State University
Contact:  http://www.mtsusidelines.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2861
Author: Robert Sharpe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?219 (Students for Sensible Drug Policy)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hea.htm (Higher Education Act)

FORMER DRUG OFFENDERS TARGETED UNFAIRLY

To the Editor:

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial 
of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses. ["Drug 
convictions cost students financial aid," Oct. 5] 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. 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 effects of marijuana are inconsequential compared to the 
long-term effects of criminal records. Students who want to help end 
the intergenerational culture war, otherwise known as the war on some 
drugs, should contact Students for Sensible Drug Policy at 
"http://www.ssdp.org"www.ssdp.org.

Thank you for your consideration.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy Analyst
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman