Pubdate: Sun, 09 Apr 2000
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2000 The Dallas Morning News
Contact:  P.O. Box 655237, Dallas, Texas 75265
Fax: (972) 263-0456
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Author: Terri Ernst
Bookmark: MAP's shortcut to Lockney, TX items-
http://www.mapinc.org/lockney.htm

TANNAHILL HAS BACKBONE

Re: "Father says he's outcast for fighting drug-test policy - Many residents
in small town unhappy with lawsuit filed against school district," March 30.

Each time we have to decide between personal freedom and the well-being of
society at large, we must evaluate what is at stake on both sides. It seems
Larry Tannahill has done just that. So why are some Lockney residents so
unhappy with him?

Mr. Tannahill has obviously given thoughtful consideration to the matter of
mandatory drug testing. His conclusion is that it is unacceptable for his
son. Now he's working through the system to try and find a resolution. What
is wrong with this?

We tell our children to think for themselves and stand up for what they
think is right. Larry Tannahill is doing what we all talk about but seldom
have the backbone to do. He is an example of how we say we want to live our
lives and what we say we want to teach our children.

If people in Lockney are angry with Mr. Tannahill for acting like a
responsible United States citizen, it makes me wonder whether they
understand the responsibility we all have. Have all other parents in Lockney
thought beyond the initial superficial knee-jerk reaction? Have all other
parents taken enough time to judge for themselves? Is everyone else sure
that drug testing is effective in keeping kids off drugs? Is everyone sure
they will gain more than they lose?

All Lockney parents need to take a good, hard look at the issue and have
enough guts to join Mr. Tannahill if that is what their conscience tells
them. All Lockney residents have the duty to support Mr. Tannahill's right
to question this policy. Any other reaction is just plain un-American.

TERRI ERNST, Frisco
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MAP posted-by: Don Beck