A HYPOCRITE? NOT BILL BENNETT

After reading Dimitri Vassilaros' May 8 column ("Sure bet: Bennett's a
hypocrite"), I have concluded that Dimitri is the hypocrite, not Bill
Bennett. That a "lovable libertarian" would in any way criticize someone
for spending his own money in a manner that harms no one is the apex of
duplicity. Give the guy a break. Why the apparent hatred of this man who
encourages morality -- something too rare these days?

Can't a man who upholds virtuous living spend his own money in any legal
way that he chooses?

Even if Bennett were to violate one of his "virtues," it would be illogical
to say that he is therefore a hypocrite. It would be more correct to say he
is human, as each of us fails to live up to his own standards on occasion,
a notion with which Bennett would quickly agree.

Hypocrisy is the practice of professing beliefs that one does not hold.
While it is not at all clear from this story that Bennett is a hypocrite,
the ironic truth is that it appears that the author is.

Neil K. Ackerman Bethel Park