AMNESTY FOR BUSH?

George W. Bush would be politically dead if a crime other than possible past
illicit drug use were uncovered [Nation, Aug. 30]. To his advantage, this
case indicates that in the public mind certain drug use is no longer
considered a crime. What makes you gag is that a politician who attempts to
criminalize drug use by means of tougher laws takes advantage of the situation.

Florian Koelsch, Cambridge, Mass.

In his coy statements regarding past drug use, Bush has consistently labeled
any alleged indiscretions as "mistakes." If so, they are obviously mistakes
he believes should be without consequences, either in the past or during the
current presidential campaign. His evasiveness makes him just another
hard-line hypocrite willing to lock up other "youthful offenders" for
breaking the same laws that he was once too weak to obey.

Jeff Horn, Niceville, Fla.

About Bush's alleged drug use: Who really cares anymore? Experimenting with
drugs was a phase for millions of people who grew out of it. Bush is an
intelligent, professional statesman who has nothing to hide and should not
have to defend what he did as a young person.

Joe Martin, Izmir, Turkey