Use of quote is inappropriate

The Daily's recent editorial "AA meetings a step in the right

direction" (April 13) spoke of the positive effects of having an Alcoholics Anonymous group on the Hill. The article took an inappropriate turn, however, in mentioning George W. Bush's former problems with alcohol abuse. The inclusion of a Brit's quotation "Can you trust a man who can't trust himself with just one pint?" can be construed as insensitive and unnecessary in the context of an article heralding the fight against alcoholism.

Alcoholism is in fact a disease, and can dominate the lives of some, but it is a rude generalization to question whether recovered alcoholics are trustworthy. I think it was in poor judgment to use the quotation, although it may have simply been a tactic to lash out at Bush (however unconnected to the purpose of the article). A personal agenda and the opinion of a random Brit can be (unintentionally) insulting and demoralizing if used inappropriately.



David Crowe

LA '04