THE DRUG QUESTION

Bush should honestly respond

Texas Gov. George W. Bush's refusal to fully answer the question of
whether he used drugs in the past is unreasonable. His response of
being drug free for a certain period of time is not sufficient. The
53-year-old governor insists that at least 10 "adult" years of his
life are immune from scrutiny.

In my profession it is mandatory for me to submit to drug testing on
demand. The Department of Transportation, under the direction of the
office which Gov. Bush seeks, has required drug testing on demand
since his father was in office. Personally, I feel the drug testing is
a violation of my privacy. Professionally, my option is to cooperate
or pursue another career, therefore, I accept it.

If the federal government can mandate drug testing, and Gov. Bush
wishes to be elected the president of that government, he should
honestly respond to inquiries of his "missing years" or pursue another
career.

STERLING CAMP, U.S. Merchant Marine, Richardson