First Lady

Why does “nearly everyone have a soft spot for Barbara Bush” (Interview, Opinion, May 31), and why does she remain “the one shining point of light” for President Bush? If the country has to rely on Barbara Bush being George Bush’s “biggest personal asset,” rather than relying on the man himself, we are in deep trouble.

Barbara Bush, who you quote as saying, “Listen, every marriage is different. But . . . when you’ve been married 47 years, if you don’t have an influence, then I really think you’re in deep trouble,” is then in deep trouble in at least two ways, and the country with her.

One, if she is pro-choice, as I have heard she personally is, why is she silent instead of exerting influence in this area? Two, if Neil Bush and “other Bush family members appear to have exploited their relationship with the White House to win favors . . . ,” how successful has she been in exerting moral influences on her family?

Since it seems all the male members of the First Family have “run into political trouble,” must we find a Bush to glorify, even if it is the little lady? Barbara Bushis the personification of the “nice little woman” who performs her tasks, and ifshe thinks for herself, keeps that fact stifled.

And, sadly, it seems, “nearly everyone has a soft spot” for that concept. When will men and women wake up and realize both sexes not only have minds, but the right and duty to use them.

ROSLYN WALKER

Sherman Oaks