Pubdate: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 Source: Denver Post (CO) Copyright: 1999 The Denver Post Contact: http://www.denverpost.com/ Author: Dillard Jenkins WRONG PICTURE Our state and federal prisons are overflowing with people. A large number of these inmates "made mistakes" such as using illegal drugs. I suspect they would tell you that they "made mistakes and learned from those mistakes." Such confessions will not, however. reduce their prison sentences by one day. I call it the "government policy of destroying a person's life for making a poor choice." In the state of Texas a person can receive very long prison sentences if they are found to be in possession of even one marijuana cigarette. Yet, Texas Gov. George W. Bush wants to be the next president of the United States, but will not give a clear answer to the question, "Have you ever used illegal drugs?" I guess that's why the Texas tourism board advertises, "Visit Texas, it's like a whole different country." No doubt about it, and our native Texan Gov. Bill Owens has endorsed this guy. Some people go to prison for using illegal drugs, and some get to be president, Does anyone else find something wrong with this picture? DILLARD JENKINS Grand Junction - --- MAP posted-by: Derek Rea