As his presidency limps toward the finish line, there are still pressing matters for W to address, including “easing the transition” (giving White House tours, deleting emails), building his legacy (leaving unwell-enough alone), and availing himself of one of the most awesome perks of his office or the Pope’s (the ability to forgive and absolve completely and irrevocably).
Yes, one of the few superpowers remaining to a lame duck is the power to grant clemency. As with most things, W trails his predecessors. Clinton let 456 miscreants off the hook. Reagan pardoned 406. This week, Bush played catch-up by issuing clemency and pardons for 16 humans and two turkeys.
What's George W. Bush’s idea of a pardonable crime?
Actually, there are a few:
Devin Timothy Kruse – AWOL
Jackie Ray Clayborn, Roger Paul Ingram – illegal drugs charges
Joseph Daniel Gavin – disorderly conduct while under the influence of alcohol
Lewis Libby – obstruction of justice
Pumpkin and Pecan – a real turkey
How come nobody told him to pardon Joba?
ReplyDeleteHe could pardon Clemens.
ReplyDeleteBandwagon, anybody?
He already pardoned himself... but he was burping at the time.
ReplyDeleteStill...
Im for pardoning Clemens.
ReplyDeleteHe's a good ol' Texas boy like W.
Lets start the petition, Duque!
Clemency for Clemens!
ReplyDeleteIt IS called the "Department of Justice."
http://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/forms.htm