Pubdate: Mon, 30 Oct 2006
Source: Wichita State University Sunflower (KS Edu)
Copyright: 2006 Wichita State University Sunflower
Contact:  http://www.thesunflower.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4331
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced:
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1444/a05.html

STUDENTS SHOULD TAKE NOTICE OF DRUG POLICIES

Laura Green is to be commended for raising awareness of the Higher 
Education Act's denial of student loans to youth convicted of drug 
offenses. 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 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 www.ssdp.org.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

www.csdp.org

Washington, DC
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MAP posted-by: Elaine