BUSHES DESERVE SOME PRIVACY

A couple of thoughts come to mind concerning alcohol-related charges filed
against Jenna and Barbara Bush, the president's twin 19-year-old daughters.

Last week, Austin police issued misdemeanor citations against the two young
women following an incident at a popular restaurant. Barbara was charged
with underage possession of alcohol and Jenna with using false
identification to buy alcohol. Jenna pleaded no contest just two weeks ago
to a similar charge.

Given the president's reputed wild days as a student, the incident raises
all sorts of thoughts about what might be going on in the Bush family.
Publicly, about all the first parents are saying is they are not happy with
their daughters' decision. In that reaction, they are just like lots and
lots of parents.

And like most parents, the Bushes want to be allowed to handle this
privately. We can understand and respect that wish. Nevertheless, some
people have suggested that such incidents merit the public scrutiny because
Bush stressed family values as a campaign issue. We find that nonsense.