Laguna School Recall Drive

I love Laguna Beach. One of the things that I always have liked best is that it seemed to be an island of reason in a crazy world. Lately, however, I am seeing the specter of emotional irrationality rear its ugly head in our very own town. I refer to the well-meaning, but misguided folks who are spearheading the drive to recall four members of our school board.

Drug dependence in our society is a reality. It includes coffee, cola drinks, aspirin, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, alcohol and cigarettes. I suggest that anyone who regularly uses one or more of these items should not be too harsh in his or her judgment of another drug user.

There is no question that cocaine abuse is a major problem of our times. I read recently that 65% of our high school students have used it at least once. Please realize that in their attempt to feel “grown up” they are only mimicking their elders.

The point is that many of our teen-agers do not look at Cedric Hardman as degenerate or a drug abuser. I believe that a large number of our high school students view him as a victim of the system, rather than as a law breaker. Nothing will enhance his image more than making him a martyr.

I believe our school board acted in a well advised, rational way. It is not condoning drug use. Hardman is being given another chance, by seeking rehabilitation and working for free. In the 20th Century, this is the attitude we all should have. I applaud the action of our school board. Most of our students support that decision as well. They see clearly that society can be two-faced and that our school board has chosen not to be.

I hope that rational people in this town will not be influenced by hysteria, nor will they be apathetic. If it comes to a vote, I hope these rational people will go to the polls and squash this recall effort for what it is: a witch hunt.

ALLAN A. SCHOENHERR

Laguna Beach