President Biden’s recent pardoning of his son raises serious questions. Should money and position determine the rules under which one lives? And should anyone have immunity from prosecution whether they are the President, which is a newly granted privilege by our Supreme Court, or their family members, via presidential pardons with no limits authorized by our Constitution?
And what about those in powerful positions with no rules like Supreme Court Justices who have a guarantee to “hold office during good behavior” typically for life, though there are no enforceable rules defining what that good behavior might be?
Without rules limiting their power, we rely on the moral fortitude of people in positions of power. But should we?
Just as concerning, is it appropriate in a democracy for the FBI or our judicial system to be used for “retribution” by anyone in power, and especially a president? Trump promised that if re-elected he’ll prosecute the Biden family and anyone else who has spoken out against him, including Democrats who he has said are “enemies of the state.” But on the other hand, if Donald Trump hadn’t been President would he or even Bill Clinton, have been litigated for covering up their sex scandals?
Hopefully these questions are being asked by everyone regardless of party affiliation.
It’s obvious that President Biden pardoned his son to protect his family from Trump’s promised retribution. But does anyone doubt that President Trump will do the same when and if his own family is threatened by the next president? And should that president have the authority to do so?
Many people conjecture that Biden would not have pardoned his son if Vice President Harris had won the last election instead of Trump. Many would like to know if Hunter’s crimes were connected with Joe Biden himself, as some claim. Many would like to know the facts of what really happened regarding Trump’s alleged crimes of inciting an insurrection, his refusal to return classified documents, and his attempts to alter the 2020 Georgia State election voter record, and more?
But thanks to the current rules that govern the powerful, or the lack thereof, these are all things we may never know.
Georgia Earley
Bonners Ferry