Pubdate: Sat, 04 September 1999 Source: Fresno Bee, The (CA) Copyright: 1999 The Fresno Bee Contact: http://www.fresnobee.com/man/opinion/letters.html Website: http://www.fresnobee.com/ Forum: http://www.fresnobee.com/man/projects/webforums/opinion.html Author: Jeff Hopper IT'S ABOUT 'SPIN' I don't see how the questioning George W. Bush is presently enduring regarding his past drug use is any different than the question I get each year from my high school students: "Mr. Hopper, did you ever do drugs?" I respond with a smile: "You have asked the hardest question for a teacher to answer." After they chuckle as if they have cornered me, I say: "If I say yes, you will all say 'Oooooo!' If I say no, you will say 'liar!' " And you know what? They instantly get it. They realize just how absurd that question is, because I cannot win, no matter what answer I give. That's the nature of the clean-out-the-closet "journalism" that pervades America these days. It's not about the truth - it's about the spin. Once I've arrested this spinning, I say to my students, "Now, if you're willing to believe me - no, I have never done drugs." And those who are willing to believe me do. Those who don't just sit quietly. Jeff Hopper, Journalism teacher Madera High School #19595 - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D