Mr. Fallon's letter highlights one of the unappreciated strengths of our federal republic when compared with most other countries: Individual states can run innovative political experiments without central government interference. When the success or failure of the experiment is evaluated, other states can follow (or avoid) the example as they wish. The trial by Oregon should be monitored and compared with similar results with a placebo (e.g., Washington state). Hard facts, not soft opinions, should guide the country as we deal with drug and overdose problems. Clyde Stauffer Cincinnati [end]
The Friday Enquirer reported numerous comments concerning the drug bust at Milford High School. The negative reactions - "The kids just made a mistake," "This sacrifices their lives as an example, "Teens have nothing to do so turn to drugs" - all contain an implicit idea: The drug dealers and users are not responsible for their choices and actions. The lawyers who will descend on the Milford school board will take the same position, I am sure. It is this attitude - refusal to accept the consequences of a personal choice - that clogs our courtrooms today. Until we instill a sense of personal responsibility in all our youth, the Enquirer will continue to report, on almost a daily basis, another senseless crime in our community. Finneytown [end]
