Pubdate: Fri, 24 Feb 2006
Source: City Paper, The (TN)
Copyright: 2006, The City Paper,LLC
Contact:  http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3080
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06.n207.a02.html

LIFE-SHATTERING CONSEQUENCES

Students for Sensible Drug Policy is to be commended for their
successful efforts to limit the Higher Education Act's denial of
student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses. Congress' vote to
offer amnesty to students busted back in high school is a major
legislative victory. Currently enrolled college students, however, are
still at risk. And the risk extends far beyond losing 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
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.

Robert Sharpe, policy analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin