BUSH SHOULDN'T PREACH

To the editor:

Contrary to your Aug. 23 editorial, George W. Bush does not have the
right to remain silent. Cocaine is not marijuana.

The ravages of drug use are clear in Newark. I've worked in Newark on
assignments. Stolen cars are the least of it's problems. Drug use
and sales are what contaminate the quality of life. You should know
that. Remember the suburban youth who killed a Newark boy with his
vehicle as he left the city after buying drugs?

How many parents have seen their sons become enmeshed in selling and
using drugs? How many have seen their sons incarcerated for "youthful
indiscretions"?

I don't want Bush to boast that he used hard drugs but didn't become
an addict or a menace to society. How can a president tell young
people to say no to drugs if he is known as a user? Thousands of
young people have drug habits gained from youthful mistakes. No one
knows this better than the Newark residents who have paid a price that
Bush apparently has not.

I wonder if the media would be as understanding if Jesse Jackson or
Colin Powell were campaigning for president under a similar cloud.

JEAN BARBY
Hightstown