Presidential Pardon Time

Okay, we all know what Bill Clinton did on the last two months of his term as President as it relates to pardons. Does anyone need to be reminded? Since Washington is so “bailout” oriented, why not really bail out some people? You know, let those bad guys, who are really good guys, out of prison. Well, now that we’re getting close to the end of the Bush presidency, it’s time to keep an eye on whom he pardons, and why  

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. Now that last one is really a good one to pardon people for. Bank embezzlement after all isn’t all that serious. Is it? 

The 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. Hey, we are the government. WHy can’t someone just take back a little of what’s ours?

Here’s the latest list in case you’re interested.

>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. Stand by, more are on the way!

It’s called getting into the Christmas “giving season”.