To the editor:

As I watched the judicial grilling of John Ashcroft, I wondered if anyone else thought it could have been a play re-enacting the passion and crucifixion of Jesus. Here you have Sen. Edward Kennedy playing the part of Pontius Pilate and Sen. Patrick Leahy playing the part of Judas. The good Samaritan who helped Jesus carry his cross would be a toss-up between Sen. Oran Hatch and Sen. Jeff Sessions. I would have to lean toward Hatch. To wind it up, putting the sword in his side would be Sen. Jean Carnahan.

BOB KUNKEL

Cape Girardeau