November 25th, 2008
Pardon Me!
As is the habit of out-going presidents, George W. released his first rounds of pardons. The group is mostly made up of people who have served their terms long ago and were hoping to get their records cleared up. The pardon means they won’t have to report their crimes on job or loan applications and restores their right to vote if they live in a state that prevents convicted felons from voting.
The group includes a former Air Force Academy student who was tossed out of the service in 1985 for wrongful use and distribution of marijuana and cocaine, a man who was convicted in 1996 for unauthorized use of a pesticide in killing bald eagles, and a man who was sentenced to two years’ probation in 1983 on charges of acquiring food stamps without proper permission. He also commuted the sentence of rap artist John E. Forte, who had served 7 years of a 14 year sentence for aiding and abetting possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. He will be released just before Christmas.
No general pardons were issued for intelligence officials involved in interrogations that have been described as torture. Some administration officials are fighting against a general pardon because it would be an admission that the techniques used were criminal. Bush can not pardon himself so he could be charged with ordering torture. Also, although Bush could pardon others, since torture is an international crime, perpetrators could still be tried at the International Criminal Court in The Hague in the Netherlands. And I have to admit that the idea of Bush and Cheney spening the rest of their lives in a European prison does put a little glow in my heart.
