Pubdate: Sun, 05 September 1999
Source: Daily Record, The (NJ)
Copyright: 1999 Gannett Satellite Information Network Inc.
Contact:  800 Jefferson Road, Parsippany,   N.J.  07054
Website: http://www.dailyrecord.com/
Author: Peter C. Christopher

BUSH DRUG 'USE' RAISES REAL ISSUES

If George W. Bush did not use cocaine, he would have said so; therefore, we
assume that he did.

I don't believe the chemistry that occurred when Bush may have used cocaine
25 years ago has any impact on his ability to perform as president.  But I
do think the social implications of his escapades must be considered before
we vote.

How involved was Bush with his drug use? Was he an occasional end-user of
small amounts? Did he purchase/deal quantities that would have bought him
decades of a mandatory minimum sentence?

I would ask him if he thinks he should have gone to prison and lost his
right to vote as punishment for his behavior.  If not, then I expect we can
look forward to some dramatic reductions in the current laws concerning drug
use.  If bush does think he should have done time, we know the only
difference between him and thousands of convicted felons is that he didn't
get caught.  How can Bush stand before the nation and say he is for a fair
and just society when thousands of people each year have their lives ruined
over something that he thinks shouldn't create a ripple in his run for the
presidency?

Peter C. Christopher, Navesink

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