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