A quick comparison of damage to the national security by government
complicity in the spread of cocaine availability and its ravages (see
the Mercury News' 1996 ``Dark Alliance'' series and subsequent book by
Gary Webb) versus President Clinton's study hall antics make it clear
that Webb's story deserved, and still deserves, equal or better attention.

I've completed reading only a third of Webb's book, and I'm shocked by
your treatment of him and this story. Your arguments of inadequate
evidence are absurd, and, as if the book didn't carry enough weight on
its own, the recent edition of Esquire magazine (see the September
issue, wherein a former and highly respected Drug Enforcement
Administration agent validates Webb's contentions) should wake you
from your slumbers.

The recent special insert regarding Clinton's porno escapades proves
that the Mercury News is capable of creating column inches for
important matters when the need arises.

The embers of this issue are still hot, and some truth blown in the
right direction could reignite the story and, in so doing, bring light
into the dark closet of American foreign policy actions and their
domestic repercussions.

Redemption is yours to be had. Be brave and reopen the
story.

-- Pat Nichols

San Jose