Wouldn’t it be nice to read a column in The Northern Star and find an informed, intelligent discourse on an important issue? Not so, though, with Jeff Vogelsang’s Nov. 7 tirade about drug testing.

Vogelsang doesn’t think “anyone should be forced to take a drug test, no matter what the circumstances…even if the test is accurate.” How very magnanimous. Apparently he hasn’t had a friend or family member killed by someone driving under the influence.

Maybe he should try writing about something he understands, or at least has first hand knowledge of. Is it Vogelsang or his “friend” who thinks the army is a “fascist training school”? For his information, when you go into the army you take an oath, swearing to uphold and defend the constitution of the U.S. This includes the 4th Amendment about which he is so concerned.

Since when does the army “let you know ahead of time when drug tests will be held”? Not while I was there, and my time in service happens to coincide with that of his “friend” (if he only just got out of a 4-year hitch). I was proud to serve and can’t appreciate disparaging remarks from people who didn’t.

Before writing about a topic, it’s a good idea to learn the facts. If Vogelsang doesn’t mind drunk or drug-abused drivers who threaten lives daily, that’s his problem. But if he wants to back up his position he should at least know what he is talking about. As the old saying goes, “Talk is cheap”.

Don Zahorick

Senior

U.S. Army Veteran