By: Hank Hardy
The American President has the power to pardon anyone at any time, and for any reason, regardless of the crime he committed or accused of, as long as it’s a federal crime. The governor of a state has a similar power in state matters.
Almost every president exercises this power, mostly before leaving office because they don’t want to deal with the negativity that follows his decision, especially if he pardons a criminal or a shady character. Donald Trump pardoned a number of criminals and bad characters like Charles Kushner, his daughter’s father in law, who’s a convicted felon and a number of other convicted felons.
Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, was in trouble for cheating on his taxes and making millions of dollars from his illegal dealings with companies in Ukraine. When asked if he, Joe Biden, is going to pardon his son, he said NO. He wanted to show that he’s fair and wanted to do the right thing, even it was his son who will face the consequences. He recently, reversed his decision and pardoned Hunter for all his wrong doings. He was severely criticized by the Republicans and a large number of Democrats for this reversal.
In my opinion, Joe Biden is as corrupt as any of them BUT he should not have said no when asked if he would pardon Hunter, AND, he did the right thing by doing just that. Here’s why:
- Can you imagine the guilt that he would have to live for the rest of his life if he leaves office and his son goes to jail for 10 years. He will never have a peaceful moment for as long as he lives, knowing that he could’ve kept his son out of prison.
- Can you imagine the hatred and resentment that Hunter will harbor for his father if he ends up in the slammer, knowing that his father could’ve kept him out of it? He may not go to his father’s funeral when the time comes, not just because of resentment to Joe’s decision but because he will be in jail, serving a long sentence.
The people who criticize Joe Biden for pardoning his son are wrong. They just want to show morality when it’s something that most of them are lacking.