Pubdate: Mon, 09 Feb 2004
Source: LSU Reveille (LA Edu)
Copyright: 2004, LSU Reveille
Contact:  http://www.lsureveille.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2879
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)

HIGHER EDUCATION ACT COUNTERPRODUCTIVE

The LSU branch of Students for Sensible Drug Policies 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 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 drugs 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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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom