W. STANDARD
If You're Rich, You Aren't Really `Using' Drugs

The language surrounding the debate over George W. Bush's cocaine use
or non-use serves to emphasize our nation's double standard on drugs.

The well-off, the famous and the well-connected don't ``use'' drugs.
They ``try'' them, like trying on a dress and then putting it back on
the hanger. It's not ``using,'' it's ``experimenting'' or ``youthful
indiscretion.'' If they're caught, they get a fine or community
service at worst; their lawyers usually keep them out of court.
``Diversion programs'' are their best friends.

Filmmaker Oliver Stone, for example, was facing a host of felony
drug charges on top of a DUI rap in Beverly Hills. This week, he
learned he will get to enroll in a drug rehabilitation program, and
all the charges have been reduced to misdemeanors.

But when the poor, the unknown and, especially, minorities are caught
with small amounts of drugs, they're ``users,'' implying habitual drug
use and a lifestyle that spirals downward toward addiction and Skid
Row. If the amount of drugs is more than minuscule, the perpetrator is
promptly accused of ``dealing'' and prosecutors go all out for a long
prison sentence. No one seems willing to admit that if Bill Clinton
and Bush (not to mention scads of Hollywood celebrities, radio talk
show hosts and syndicated columnists) can ``try'' drugs without
ruining their lives, others can, too.

(The public seems to have figured this out, even if the law
enforcement community has not. Republican Gov. Gary E. Johnson of New
Mexico was re-elected last year after admitting he had used marijuana
and cocaine. But again, that use was described in some articles as
``experimentation.'')

Do I want to know whether George W. used cocaine?

Not particularly.

But do I care whether he and other elected officials used coke or
other illegal drugs?

Yes, I do. Not because casual drug use automatically disqualifies
anyone for office.

But because if they used drugs, then walked away from them, they are
perfectly aware how common an experience that is. And if they then
supported laws sending people to prison on the first offense for
simple possession of small amounts of drugs, amounts they knew from
their own experience aren't enough to create an addict, then they are
the worst sort of hypocrites.
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Barbara Egbert is a Mercury News editorial writer.