DRUGS, BAD; DRUG WAR, WORSE

The MU chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy is to be commended
for raising awareness about the Higher Education Act's denial of
student loans to people convicted of drug offenses. Instead of
empowering at-risk students with a college degree, the HEA limits
career opportunities and increases the chance that those affected will
resort to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murders are
still eligible for federal aid.

Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions with 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. Thousands of Americans paid the price in the form of
shattered lives.

Marijuana's short-term effects are inconsequential compared to the
long-term effects of criminal records. Drug abuse is bad; the drug war
is worse.

Robert Sharpe, Policy Analyst, Common Sense For Drug Policy.