Pubdate: Thu, 06 Nov 2003 Source: Las Vegas Mercury (NV) Copyright: 2003 Las Vegas Mercury Contact: http://www.lasvegasmercury.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2595 Author: Scott Russ Thanks for publishing the honest column by Randall G. Shelden ["Hey, Rush, Why Didn't You `Just Say No'?" Oct. 30]. Ever wonder why George Bush, John Ashcroft and other "leaders" haven't denounced Rush? Because the "war on drugs" isn't about justice. It's about politics. John Ashcroft's nephew was charged with growing 60 marijuana plants back in the '90s. This charge would normally guarantee a prison sentence. He received a suspended sentence with probation. He also failed his first urinalysis while on probation but still wasn't sent to the "Big House." We all know the story with Bush. It's been reported that he has done substances that would have sent others straight to prison. And it's said his daughters dabble in the cannabis themselves. Even our senators and representatives have conveniently exempted themselves from drug testing while drug czar Barry Walters tours the country pressuring school boards to implement drug testing for our children. The hypocrisy of this war is so thick it stinks. What message are we really sending our kids? Our "leaders" need to find the courage to end this insanity before another generation is forced to endure the hypocritical prosecution of American citizens. If our "leaders" can't find that courage, then they need to be voted out to make room for those who have the conviction to do real justice and end this domestic policy disaster. Scott Russ, Baton Rouge, La. - --- MAP posted-by: Perry Stripling