Pubdate: Sat, 11 Mar 2006
Source: Virginia Gazette, The (Williamsburg, VA)
Copyright: 2006 The Virginia Gazette
Contact:  http://www.vagazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3760
Author: Richard A. Reynolds
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

VOLUNTARY TESTING A SHAM

Did the members of the WJC School Board lose sight of the intended 
goal of the proposed random testing of high school students for use 
of drugs and alcohol?

The testing was to identify the users of these products and provide 
confidential assistance to overcome those situations. The decision to 
make this testing available on a voluntary basis flies into the face 
of reality. What are the real chances of those using these substances 
to admit to the problem and ask to be tested?

Both our superintendent of schools and the attorney general for the 
Commonwealth of Virginia have reported that the use of drugs, 
particularly among the younger age group, is definitely increasing in 
Virginia. It is obvious that parents and caregivers of these children 
are not involved enough in the lives of their young adults to detect 
and be involved in the prevention of drug and alcohol use.

Yes, those who are vocal about espousing individual's rights, making 
people feel good, being politically correct, etc. have caused a 
reduction in demands for excellence. This has resulted in a 
dumbing-down in our educational system and generally lowered 
performance expectations for members of our society. It is time for 
adults to point out the fallacy, that this behavior is not in our 
mutual best interests for survival.

Let us remember: Our job is to drain the swamp, forget the alligators!

Richard A. Reynolds

James City
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom