PRISONER EXPRESS

"I occasionally drank too much, and I did on that night. I regret that it happened but it did. I'm sorry." George W. Bush (source: associated press)

This was a statement made by President Bush concerning the drunk driving charge he received in his younger days. He made this statement prior to the 2000 Presidential election. I've carried it in my head ever since.

You see, like so many of us in here, he too had a run in with the law one night because he drank too much. And, again, like many of us, he regrets, and is sorry for, his past actions. I can respect that. That one succinct and sincere statement hits straight to the point for myself and, I imagine, many of you as well. I can identify with it and with, in some respects, President Bush.

Yeah, yeah, I know, "He's rich! He's white! He's a warmonger! He's a Christian! He's a republican! He's this! He's that!" I say, "Horse-shit!" From what I can see he's no better or worse than anyone else. Because he happens to be the man in the hot --seat, everyone feels qualified to criticize his every move. Who among you, facing the same discussions he's had to, without hind -sight, could say your choices would have been better? Anyone can be a Monday morning quarter --back. Very few can stand in the pocket and face the blitz this man has and still have the strength of character and resolve to stand behind his choices.

As a former member of the Armed Forces I can state with conviction that this is the type of President/ leader/ man I would willingly carry out orders from! People make a big deal about his non-combat status during Vietnam. Him and thousands of others. So what? Hell, we elected Clinton, twice, and he was a draft dodger! At least ol' G.W. enlisted!

Sure, there are areas I don't agree with him on. Logging and oil, in so much as they negatively effect our beautiful wilderness and wildlife. Emissions control from factories and the like that pollute our rivers, lakes, ground and air. I understand his desire to keep the corporate interests in his corner, but I don't care for the effects it has on our world.

I also don't like the fact that Americans pay 2, 3, and 4 times more for prescription medications than do the citizens of our neighboring countries. Nor should those who purchase medications from other countries be penalized for doing so. It's called free enterprise, people. We still honor NAFTA, right? So what's the problem? If American drug companies want us to buy their products, lower the damn prices! One of the founding precepts of this country was fair market value for everyone. What happened?

I also think Ashcroft and Rumsfeld need their collective ass kicked to take them down off the pedestals they've put themselves on, but that's just my opinion.

We couldn't ask for a better Secretary of State. I think it's a waste of a very talented and strong individual, that Colin Powell declines to run for President. The man is respected the world round and I believe he'd probably make the best President we've had in a very, very long time.

Well... anyway... I guess the only thing I still want to say is that I sure do wish that prisoners were allowed to vote in this country, or even just this state in particular. I know some states allow some inmates to vote and others restore voting rights after so many years out of prison. N.C. still requires a pardon to get your voting privileges back. It's a wonder we still don't wear a ball and a chain in this bass ackwards state! A total of over 35,000 in prisons and jails right now and probably five times that number of ex-cons in this state that can't vote. 200,000 potential votes. What? Do they think we will all vote for Ralph Nader or something? I don't understand it.

I'm going to hold my tongue on Mr. Kerry. I've had to deal with the Secret Service once before concerning Clinton. They aren't very fun people.

It's pretty clear my choice would be President Bush. And hey, you've got to give him some credit, he's got two very hot daughters!