Pubdate: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 Source: Seattle Times (WA) Copyright: 1999 The Seattle Times Company Contact: http://www.seattletimes.com/ Author: Philippe Brunelle, Seattle TIME TO ISSUE PARDONS There has been a lot of talk about George W. Bush's past "lifestyle" and cocaine use. Cocaine use alone is a felony. There is no statute of limitations on cocaine as a federal crime. I believe the media should stop asking Bush if he used cocaine in his past. It is now obvious to me that he has at some point in his life. He just won't say when. Instead, I propose the question for Bush now should be this: If elected president, will you issue pardons to the tens of thousands of men and women currently in prison as a result of cocaine use prior to their 28th birthday if they make the statement that they have now grown up, as you have done? The follow-up: If not, why is your situation of achieving adulthood at age 40 any different than theirs? Philippe Brunelle, Seattle - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck