The recent pardon of Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, has sparked significant backlash and opened floodgates for requests from various lawmakers and members of the public appealing for clemency for others. This controversial act raises questions about the nature of justice and privilege within the American legal system.
President Biden issued the pardon as part of his commitment to rectify perceived injustices within the criminal justice system. Hunter Biden had acknowledged his illegal acquisition of a firearm and pleaded guilty to tax charges. Critics argue, though, this only highlights how laws often seem to apply differently to those with power and influence compared to average citizens.
Ben Burgis, writing for Jacobin, points out how the pardon sends a troubling message: the consequences of certain crimes appear harsher for less privileged individuals. He emphasizes, “laws like these are only supposed to apply to little people.” This stark imbalance is particularly concerning when considering the case of Leonard Peltier, an activist imprisoned since the 1970s, whose fight for justice has gained global attention without results.
Meanwhile, the Hunter Biden pardon has triggered over 10,500 requests for pardons during Biden's presidency, according to the Justice Department, which has only granted 25 so far—a number deemed historically low. High-profile cases now being highlighted include appeals for clemency for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, both of whom have been living under significant legal duress.
Lawmakers across party lines have been vocal about their desire for Biden to extend clemency beyond just his son. For example, Rep. Jim McGovern has been advocating for the pardon of Steven Donziger, who faced serious allegations stemming from his environmental activism against Chevron. The call for pardons extends even to historical figures, such as Ethel Rosenberg, as legal and ethical discussions around wrongful convictions continue to surface.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called on Biden to grant pardons for Leonard Peltier, emphasizing the need for empathy and justice for those who have been wrongfully incarcerated or harshly punished for minor offenses. The dialogue on clemency is not solely confined to one side of the political aisle, with right-leaning members also urging Biden to issue pardons related to the January 6 Capitol riot, indicating the pervasive nature of this issue among various political factions.
Making the situation even more complex, there seems to be public sentiment urging President Biden to adopt more progressive measures concerning his clemency practices. Progressive advocates are pushing for widespread pardons for individuals convicted of non-violent crimes, especially those affected by outdated and disproportionately punitive drug laws. McGovern stressed the urgency, saying, “I hope he can look wider and understand there are people who committed crimes less serious who need compassion.”
The juxtaposition of Hunter Biden’s pardoning with calls to free others like Snowden and Peltier embodies the complexity of justice and mercy within the legal framework. Critics suggest the current situation might not just reflect personal bias but instead point to systemic issues where privilege plays an undeniably significant role. Burgis concludes, “There’s no possible defensible moral calculus,” highlighting the moral ambiguity surrounding this decision.
Further complicity ensues as Biden’s administration continues to grapple with the broader repercussions of his pardon on U.S. justice policy. The public is now observing with bated breath, watching how this pivotal moment will influence future clemency actions and the overall message it sends about accountability. Analysts maintain the discourse must shift from individualized pardons to systemic reform to address inequalities entrenched within the legal fabric of society.
At the heart of this situation is the delicate balance between compassion and accountability. While many go on with their lives, thousands continue to languish behind bars for minor offenses. If the laws are to reflect humanity and fairness, it seems clear society must choose between political allies and the greater good of justice for all. It begs the question whether clemency should serve merely as a political bargaining chip or if it can translate to genuine attempts to address the myriad injustices within the current system.
