Quite a contrast to the dark of night Clinton pardons which included 
drug dealers and friends of Bill....

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http://apnews.myway.com/article/20081124/D94LJF9G0.html

Bush pardons 14 and commutes 2 prison sentences
 
 
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Nov 24, 6:20 PM (ET)

By DEB RIECHMANN

WASHINGTON (AP) - President George W. Bush has granted pardons to 14 
individuals and commuted the prison sentences of two others convicted of 
misdeeds ranging from drug offenses to tax evasion, from wildlife 
violations to bank embezzlement, The Associated Press learned Monday.

The new round of White House pardons are Bush's first since March and 
come less than two months before he will end his presidency. The crimes 
committed by those on the list also include offenses involving hazardous 
waste, food stamps, and the theft of government property.

Bush has been stingy during his time in office about handing out such 
reprieves.

Including these actions, he has granted a total of 171 and eight 
commutations. That's less than half as many as Presidents Clinton or 
Reagan issued during their time in office. Both were two-term 
presidents.

On the latest pardon list were:

_Leslie Owen Collier of Charleston, Mo. She was convicted for 
unauthorized use of a pesticide and violating the Bald and Golden Eagle 
Protection Act.

_Milton Kirk Cordes of Rapid City, S.D. Cordes was convicted of 
conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, which prohibits importation into 
the country of wildlife taken in violation of conservation laws.

_Richard Micheal Culpepper of Mahomet, Ill., who was convicted of making 
false statements to the federal government.

_Brenda Jean Dolenz-Helmer of Fort Worth, Texas, for reporting or 
helping cover up a crime.

_Andrew Foster Harley of Falls Church, Va. Harley was convicted of 
wrongful use and distribution of marijuana and cocaine.

_Obie Gene Helton of Rossville, Ga., whose offense was unauthorized 
acquisition of food stamps.

_Carey C. Hice Sr. of Travelers Rest, S.C., who was convicted of income 
tax evasion.

_Geneva Yvonne Hogg of Jacksonville, Fla., convicted of bank 
embezzlement.

_William Hoyle McCright Jr. of Midland, Texas, who was sentenced for 
making false entries, books, reports or statements to a bank.

_Paul Julian McCurdy of Sulphur, Okla., who was sentenced for 
misapplication of bank funds.

_Robert Earl Mohon Jr. of Grant, Ala., who was convicted of conspiracy 
to distribute marijuana.

_Ronald Alan Mohrhoff of Los Angeles, who was convicted for unlawful use 
of a telephone in a narcotics felony.

_Daniel Figh Pue III of Conroe, Texas, convicted of illegal treatment, 
storage and disposal of a hazardous waste without a permit.

_Orion Lynn Vick of White Hall, Ark., who was convicted of aiding and 
abetting the theft of government property.

Bush also commuted the prison sentences of John Edward Forte of North 
Brunswick, N.J., and James Russell Harris of Detroit, Mich. Both were 
convicted of cocaine offenses.

Under the Constitution, the president's power to issue pardons is 
absolute and cannot be overruled.

Some high-profile individuals, such as Michael Milken, are seeking a 
pardon on securities fraud charges. Two politicians convicted of public 
corruption - former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif., and four-
term Democratic Louisiana Gov. Edwin W. Edwards - are asking Bush to 
shorten their prison terms.

One hot topic of discussion related to pardons is whether Bush might 
decide to issue pre-emptive pardons before he leaves office to 
government employees who authorized or engaged in harsh interrogations 
of suspected terrorists in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Some 
constitutional scholars and human rights groups want the incoming 
administration of President-elect Barack Obama to investigate possible 
war crimes.

If Bush were to pardon anyone involved, it would provide protection 
against criminal charges, particularly for people who were following 
orders or trying to protect the nation with their actions. But it would 
also be highly controversial.

At the same time, Obama advisers say there is little - if any - chance 
that his administration would bring criminal charges. 

CMPQwk 1.42-21 9999 
Stop the Democrat party oil embargo ....


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