Bush DUI not an issue in election

Republican presidential candidate Texas Gov. George W. Bush never said he was perfect. When he began his quest for the presidency more than a year ago, he admitted to the American people on several occasions he had done things in the past of which he was not proud.\nBush was clear from the start about his past and admitted to a drinking problem. He said he has been sober since 1986.\nLess than a week before the election, new information has surfaced that Bush was arrested 24 years ago for driving while under the influence of alcohol. After the disclosure, Bush said, "I've oftentimes said that, years ago, I made some mistakes. I occasionally drank too much, and I did on that night. I regret that it happened," The Associated Press reported.\nIt doesn't matter who leaked the story to the press. The important part is that this incident occurred. Bush was 30 years old, more than 20 years ago. \nHow long can we hold our politicians accountable for past actions? Do we need to know every facet of a candidate's life, even before he or she was involved in political office? What relevance is it to the voter to know about aspects of a candidate's personal history that will not affect his time in office? \nNone. \nSince Bush's political career began, he has remained honest about his past problems. When he was elected governor of Texas Nov. 8, 1994, he had been sober for eight years. \nBush said he has "been straightforward with the people, saying that I used to drink too much in the past. I'm straightforward with people saying I don't drink now," The Associated Press reported. He said he did not come forward with this information because of his daughters, who are now 18. And he should not have to, if he does not want to or if he thinks it is not in his daughters' best interests.\nThe arresting officer in the case, Calvin Bridges, who is now retired, said Bush was "a picture of integrity," The Associated Press reported. "He gave no resistance. He was very cooperative," Bridges said.\nBush said he knew the law and knew he had broken it. If he had resisted arrest or been disorderly, he might have created a situation to give American voters pause. But Bush cooperated.\nIn this election year, voters should pay attention to the important issues facing our nation, such as education, health care, the environment and taxes. A mistake in a candidate's past -- one that happened more than 20 years ago -- does not affect his platform or proposals, and should not be an issue in this or in any election.