DRUGS AT THE ACADEMY

Not Too Worried

Re: "Academy code tarnished," Feb. 1 editorial.

Thanks for calling the Air Force Academy an exemplary institution. I
graduated from the USAFA in 1969 and a classmate runs the place now. Its
current troubles with a few cadets are regretted but not worrisome to me
for the long run. These things happen from time to time. I recall a
classmate who did not show up for Spanish class one Monday in the late '60s
- - it seems he knocked over a bank in Colorado Springs over the weekend and
got caught. I never saw him again.

I can only hope that despite all of the bad press of the past few weeks
that each cadet is afforded all protections under the law and that their
cases are adjudicated fairly. I hope, too, the rest of the cadet wing is
not painted with too broad of a tainting brush for the actions of the few.
Your Denver readers enjoy today the contributions of several from my class
who never robbed banks.

BILL HANEY,
Woodland Park

Double Standard?

The position of The Post's editorial board endorsing the recent dismissals
of drug users and distributors at the Air Force Academy, while correct,
raises some interesting questions. The fact that "military officers must
have impeccable character if they are to lead in the unforgiving crucible
of war" cannot be disputed. I would submit, however, that holding a double
standard in which the commander-in-chief is not to be held to these same
high standards is either the ultimate in hypocrisy or political naivete.
Perhaps both. I am therefore wondering if The Post's editorial board has
reconsidered and reversed its endorsements in the last two presidential
elections or is engaging in the type of demagoguery that is so prevalent in
the media today.

JACK OTT,
Lakewood

Appropriate Action

I appreciate your opinion regarding the USAFA drug problems but feel
compelled to point out that we are talking about 12 cadets out of 4,000.

I agree that is does represent a cross-section of our society and drug use
is obviously a major problem. I feel that you failed to address one
important issue: The AFA did its job in exposing this problem,
investigating the problem and taking appropriate action(s). I believe that
by performing these actions in the public eye is the appropriate action.
The AFA did its job and upheld the Honor Code. The majority of the cadets
are not drug users, not drug pushers and will do their utmost to uphold the
Honor Code. The fact that a few did not is important, but more importantly,
the AFA took the necessary actions to uphold its own self-imposed honor code.

DAVE KAGARISE,
Colorado Springs