Pardon Me Again!

The Presidential Pardon provides a host of interesting stories!
by Charlie Leck

Last week I wrote about Presidential Pardons. I pondered about those people President Bush might pardon before he left office. Bush has been very stingy with his pardon power and that has won him both praise and criticism.

The New York Times ran a story today about one of Bush’s most recent pardons – of Leslie O. Collier, who killed two bald eagles, quite by foolishness and not by intent, several years ago. Mr. Collier was put on probation, but, as a felon, he was not allowed to use or possess fire arms. It was a cruel punishment for an avid hunter.You go ahead and read the rest of the story here….http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/washington/30pardon.html?_r=1&hp

14 Other Pardons Issued on Monday
Here are the names of, and the crimes of, 14 other people to whom President Bush granted pardons last Monday:

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

Richard M. Culpepper, Mahomet, Ill., convicted of making false statements to the federal government.

Brenda J. Dolenz-Helmer, Fort Worth, Tex., convicted of concealing knowledge of a crime, medical insurance fraud.

Andrew F. Harley, Falls Church, Va., convicted of wrongful use and distribution of marijuana and cocaine in a general court martial at the Air Force Academy.

Obie G. Helton, Rossville, Ga., unauthorized acquisition of food stamps.

Carey C. Hice Sr., Travelers Rest, S.C., convicted of income tax evasion.

Geneva Y. Hogg, Jacksonville, Fla., convicted of bank embezzlement.

William H. McCright Jr., Midland, Tex., convicted of bank fraud.

Paul J. McCurdy, Sulphur, Okla., sentenced for misapplication of bank funds.

Robert E. Mohon Jr., Grant, Ala., convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

Ronald A. Mohrhoff, Los Angeles, convicted for unlawful use of a telephone in a narcotics felony.

Daniel F. Pue III, Conroe, Tex., convicted of illegal treatment, storage and disposal of a hazardous waste without a permit.

Orion L. Vick, White Hall, Ark., convicted of aiding and abetting the theft of government property.

Sentences commuted:
John E. Forté, North Brunswick, N.J., cocaine offense.

James R. Harris, Detroit, cocaine offense.

Wonder what the rest of the story is!
Behind each of these pardons there are probably some very interesting and personal stories. It would be an appealing book for a research nut to write… Pardons from the President… or, Please Pardon Me!

You do the research and I’ll write it!