Having family near Everett, I read Herald Columnist Sid Schwab’s column pertaining to President Biden’s pardon of his wayward son and how it frays our justice system.
It makes a mockery of the American justice system by flaunting the solemn pardon authority vested in a president. I believe in the power to pardon for federal offenses, but I think they should be granted sparingly, and preferably not in the closing days of a president’s term. It makes it appear as he is sneaking pardons through, just before he leaves the door. What really worries me is the blanket “unconditional pardon” given to Hunter Biden. It is additionally troubling that it covers all crimes from the years 2014-2024.
I think pardons should apply to specific individual transgressions committed on a fairly specific time frame. This makes people wonder if Hunter Biden committed more crimes, yet undisclosed, and if any of his actions might incriminate his father Joe, while he was either Vice President or President.
I cannot forgive a president who repeatedly lies to the cameras vowing not to pardon a 54-year-old son, and then abuses the power of the pardon. Biden set a bad example and abused his power. It shakes public confidence in our institutions of government.
James A. Marples
Longview, Texas
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