The controversy regarding secretary of defense nominee John Tower should not be one of mere politics.

One of the three arguments against Tower is his alleged past of extreme drinking, which Tower originally denied. As often happens in politics, Tower has changed his mind and now claims he will never so much as touch a drop of alcohol again. Overnight, he went from denial to admittance.

This vow to never drink has done nothing more than prove his deception. President Bush, who supports Tower wholeheartedly, said, “I don’t believe anyone should be pilloried on the basis of unfounded rumor.” But if this was unfounded rumor, why would Tower pledge abstinence from alcohol? If a drinking problem is mere rumor, why would he admit he did have a problem in the past? A 400-person interview file compiled by the FBI on Tower definitely quashes Bush’s “rumor” stance.

The logic seems to be “deny anything until it can be proven.” Now, after extensive investigation, it seems Tower’s drinking problem has been proven.

As Sen. John Breaux, D-La., said, this controversy is about a minimum standard of behavior. It seems that someone who would hold a cabinet position should be able to carry more than a minimum ethical behavior.

During the 200-year history of congress, the senate has rejected a president’s cabinet choice only eight times. It looks as if this might become number nine. This fact alone displays the seriousness of the issue. Remember, we didn’t even mention Tower’s financial conflict of interests or his alleged womanizing.

Three strikes, Tower, you’re out.