Pubdate: Mon, 16 Feb 2004
Source: Plain Dealer, The (OH)
Copyright: 2004 The Plain Dealer
Contact:  http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/342
Author: Adam Scavone
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n222/a10.html

INANE DRUG POLICIES HAVE GOTTEN OUT OF CONTROL

In response to President George W. Bush's call for increased drug
testing in our nation's schools:

I was a high school student six years ago. Drug testing would have
ruined my relationship with my parents and my school administrators. I
always have been (and probably always will be) stubborn and defiant
and never eager to bend when people push me.

I smoked pot pretty regularly all through high school and college. My
parents trusted me and made clear what they expected out of me - my
best effort in school, involvement in my community and respect for
other people. By freshman year of college, I smoked pot every day and
every night - and I did my work, maintained strong and healthy
friendships and a close relationship with my parents.

If Bush really wants to help kids, he should forgo this urine-based
witch hunt. The "drug problem" is one heck of a collective delusion
that is perpetuated by lies, damn lies and statistics pushed by people
who make money housing and getting cheap labor from the 1 million
American prisoners of the drug war, the urinalysis companies, police,
prosecutors and drug counselors. End the drug war - for everyone's
sake.

Adam Scavone

New York, N.Y.
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