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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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11

Bush Rejected Pardons for Milken, Other 'High Rollers'

'He seems to go out of his way to deny the high rollers, the prominent people,' source says

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(Newser) – George Bush formally denied pardons for several prominent politicians and businessmen on his last day in office, the Justice Department told the Los Angeles Times today. Among those whose pleas fell on deaf ears were Michael Milken, a businessman convicted of insider trading and stock evasion, and Randall Cunningham, a Congressman who pleaded guilty to taking bribes in 2006.

Bush also denied requests on behalf of John Walker Lindh, the American Taliban, and Leonard Peltier, the Native American activist jailed for killing FBI agents in 1975. Unlike President Clinton’s high-profile pardons, a source said, Bush “seems to go out of his way to deny the high rollers, the prominent people.”

In this 1989 file photo, junk bond king Michael Milken, center, arrives at New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan for his arraignment.
In this 1989 file photo, junk bond king Michael Milken, center, arrives at New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan for his arraignment.   (AP Photo)
Former President George W. Bush, left, and his wife Laura Bush depart on Special Air Mission 28000 after speaking at a welcome home rally Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 in Midland, Texas.
Former President George W. Bush, left, and his wife Laura Bush depart on Special Air Mission 28000 after speaking at a welcome home rally Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 in Midland, Texas.   (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Former President George W. Bush arrives at a welcome home rally of about 30,000 people, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 in Midland, Texas.
Former President George W. Bush arrives at a welcome home rally of about 30,000 people, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 in Midland, Texas.   (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
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He seems to go out of his way to deny the high rollers, the prominent people.
- Anonymous US official familiar with the pardon denial list

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11 comments
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IN RESPONSE:
christine_m
Jan 27, 09 8:13 PM CST
Actually, he is probably guilty of war crimes... and my father, who is a senior, and most of his friends, think that the medicare drug benefit is a joke-- seriously, how could they write into law that the government can't negotiate drug prices with the pharmaceutical companies?? WON the war in Iraq?? Hardly. Combating AIDS without condoms is practically useless...the Anthrax attack happened after 9/11, and was on American soil. And please, CK, you're the only one coming off as bitter... seriously-- can you TRY to have a reasonable debate without the personal attacks on people on this forum? Or is that too much for you?
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jaguarj
Jan 27, 09 8:49 PM CST
You're a Conservative??? And you don't need moxie to attack BUSH...just the facts!!
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IN RESPONSE:
christine_m
Jan 27, 09 9:39 PM CST
He admitted knowing about the water boarding... and tacitly approved it. WAR CRIME.
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IN RESPONSE:
Zackary
Jan 27, 09 10:45 PM CST
Kucinich's impeachment bill lists many articles that could be considered war crimes. Check it out: http://chun.afterdowningstreet.org/amomentoftruth.pdf
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nick
Jan 27, 09 3:37 PM CST
The question may be, who's going to pardon Bush? Reply
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