To the Editor of THE EAGLE:- I have read with much concern about the undercover drug buys and arrests of Great Barrington teenagers who were arrested for selling drugs. I feel great sympathy for their families who surely are suffering as the result of their children's poor judgment and illegal acts. However, I have no sympathy for the teenagers. They knew what they were doing. They knew the risks and they did it anyway. And they got caught.

Drugs are a serious problem in our country. The victims are the users who get hooked. They lose their ability to work, to learn, to pursue productive careers and so they become a burden on society. They become criminals to support their habits. The Great Barrington teenagers were not arrested because they stupidly bought a packet of marijuana for a quick high, or to experiment and see what it was like. These teenagers were knowledgeable enough to be qualified to sell the stuff. They knew what they were doing. No sweet innocents were these. I believe anyone caught and arrested for selling any kind of drugs should have the book thrown at them. They deserve no sympathy. There are the destroyers of their classmates' futures. Your tough stand, Mr. Capeless, is justified and I commend you for your courage in pursuing these sellers of drugs.

Pittsfield

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