Pubdate: Mon, 21 Mar 2005
Source: Daily Free Press (Boston U, MA Edu)
Copyright: 2005 Back Bay Publishing, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.dailyfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/796
Author: Robert Sharpe

DRUG LAWS SHATTER LIVES

Thank you for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of 
student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses ("Time for a drug-free 
FAFSA," Mar. 16, p. 6.) Anyone born into a wealthy family need not fear the 
impact of HEA. 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 health effects of 
marijuana are inconsequential compared to the long-term effects of criminal 
records. Students who want to help reform harmful drug laws 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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