In regard to "Stonewall, Mr. Bush" by Peggy Noonan and "Snow Job: Bush Tries
Not to Inhale" by Paul A. Gigot (editorial page, Aug. 20): It's a shame that
politicians running for high office are hounded to answer questions about
past drug use. But our politicians are the ones who made drug use a felony
in the first place and who continue to push for tougher laws, tougher
sentences and tougher enforcement.

If the war on drugs is serious, then so should be questions about
drug use by the potential commander-in-chief of that war. Maybe
someday the term "crack house" will sound as quaint and harmless as
"speakeasy." But until that day comes, candidates shouldn't gripe when
asked if they inhaled.

Randall Hoven
Alton, Ill.