Our Newshawk Comments: This is taken from the "Readings" section of the
latest Harper's Magazine. The "Readings" section often features actual
documents, like the one below.

[Suggestion] HALFWAY HOUSE

From a letter sent in February by Representative Peter DeFazio (D., Ore.)
to Representative Joe Barton (R., Tex.).

Dear Joe:

I read with interest your renewed push to subject Members of Congress and
staff to random drug testing.

As I understand your position, you believe that Congress should "provide an
example" by subjecting its Members and staff to intrusive, mandatory drug
tests (paid for with public dollars). I have noted that you do not allege
that any illegal drug use is ongoing. I further understand that you and
four other Members regularly take tests for drugs that you do not consume.

Perhaps a more productive and cost-effective alternative is in order. I
have observed personally the abuse of addictive substances on the floor of
the House in violation of the House rules. I am referring to the frequent
and obnox-ious smoking of cigars and cigarettes. Imagine all those Members
puffing away later this year as we consider the "tobacco settlement." This
will certainly raise questions in the minds of the millions of Americans
who view the pro-ceedings on C-SPAN. Simple and inexpensive enforcement of
the House rules could bring this practice to an abrupt halt.

Also, Congress, especially in late-night ses-sions, sees the same
occasional alcohol abuse that occurs in other workplaces across the
country. If Congress were to effectively curtail this abuse, we would
exceed the modest goal you have set with your purely symbolic testing program.

Our electronic voting machines could be equipped with Breathalyzers. Before
casting a vote (say after 8:00 P.M.) each member would have to breathe into
the machine. Any Member whose blood-alcohol level exceeded .08 would be
locked out. This would give Members a strong incentive to keep their legal
drinking within the sobriety limits set by many states for driving. We
could even adopt a motto: ZERO TOLERANCE FOR VWI (Voting While
lntoxicated). Members would be recorded as "incapable of voting," which
should provide a strong behavioral incentive for moderation of alcohol
consumption and help restore public confidence in the voting behavior of
the Congress.

Sincerely, Peter DeFazio

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski