Thanks to all for all the suggestions for why I have to pump my pedal twice
to get good stopping power.  I checked the resivior - full, I checked the
rear drums - pads are worn (need to be replaced soon, which most likely
explains why the padal goes half way down) but there is no leaks.  The
problem was the vacuum hose that goes to the brake pedal driphram thingie
had a split in it where it came off the intake manifold (Rabbit Engine).
After replacing the hose three things happened.  It was much easier to
start the engine, more power and decent braking on the first attempt.

Once again - thanks to all that responded!

-- David Marshall, Quesnel BC, mailto:david@volkswagen.org --
   -- 78 1.8L VW Rabbit, 80 2.0L VW Caddy, 87 Audi 5KQ  --
   --  85 1.8L VW Cabrio, 88 1.6L VW Syncro Double Cab  --
   --   Volkswagen Homepage http://www.volkswagen.org   --
     --  USE DAVID@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG WHEN SENDING EMAIL  --