Pubdate: Wed, 2 Feb 2000 Source: State Journal-Register (IL) Copyright: 2000 The State Journal-Register Contact: http://www.sj-r.com/ Author: Larry A. Stevens Dear editor: It would seem that the presidential race this year likely will be fought between one candidate who says, "When I was young and irresponsible I was young and irresponsible," and another who says, "When I was young I did things young people do; when I grew up I put away childish things." The question is not what a candidate did in his youth but whether or not the next president will continue to arrest, prosecute and incarcerate people for "childish things" or for being "young and irresponsible". LARRY A. STEVENS Springfield - --- MAP posted-by: manemez j lovitto