Hypocrisy is never pretty. While Democrats have had their share, the past
few years have been particularly bad for Republicans: Representatives Bob
Barr, Henry Hyde, Robert Livingston, Dan Burton and Newt Gingrich have
revealed themselves to be leaders with feet of clay.

Now Texas Gov. George W. Bush apparently wants immunity from judgment
on his possible drug use, while he continues to sit in judgment of
others.

Mr. Bush has supported Draconian criminal drug laws that have
destroyed the lives of thousands of Texans.

The time has now come for him to say clearly whether drug use and
possession are so dangerous as to warrant these punishments.

If he answers "yes" these are dangerous felonies, Mr. Bush should then
be asked why there should not be an exploration of his possible drug
use and possession many years ago?

If he answers "no," Mr. Bush should be asked why he is now supportive
of such disproportionate punishments?

It is time someone asks these questions. It is time Governor Bush
answers.

It is time we learned whether he is a compassionate conservative or
just another hypocritical one.

Stanley L. Rodbell,
Columbia