TELL THE TRUTH

LINDENHURST -- Normally I wouldn't consider long-ago drug use an automatic
disqualifier for becoming president of the United States. But this is,
after all, 1999, a year in which the Grand Old Party taught us the
importance of good morals, strong character, the rule of law and telling
the truth.

We were told, in blunt terms, which traits a person must possess to become
president. Using illegal drugs was not one of them.

I am disappointed and troubled that the GOP front-runner refuses to answer
questions pertaining to drug use. This shows great arrogance on Gov. George
W. Bush's part. By admitting to cocaine use, he would join the rank of our
current president as someone who has committed a felony. So he skirts the
issue and only talks about his recent past. Rather than tell us he has
learned from his mistakes, he should do as his Republican colleagues urged
the president to do--tell the truth, all of it.

The GOP preachers taught us a great deal about assessing character in the
past year. Please, Gov. Bush, give us all the facts and let us decide.

Sharon Fleck Herman