No Pardon for Huffington Post
Over at the Huffington Post, Peter Smith is inviting readers to develop something like the pardon watch list that I have been running on this blog for some time. Given the number of responses, the idea does not seem to be taking off well there. But, given the limited vision and context of the invitation, I assume the result will be far less than serious anyway.
But Smith's article also shows exactly why a comprehensive, scholarly book on the president's power to pardoned is needed. Why, he can hardly even get out of the first paragraph without breaking his own legs. Smith observes, "Questionable pardons have become a holiday tradition for presidents in their last year in office." Yes, they have, Peter, for about 200 plus years now! There follows this gem:
Of course, the cynic might note that Republicans have dominated the White House in recent decades. On the other hand, Smith has never heard of Truman's last-minute pardon scandals. He might not be old enough, or may not have a library card. Jimmy Carter's last-minute pardons (to Democratic donors such as Peter Yarrow) are not even on the poor fellow's radar.
No. History started yesterday for Peter Smith. And it is such a shame to think that he might actually have an impact on the thinking of anyone else. He writes, "It was Bush the Elder who seems to have started the end-of-term tradition ..." Make that George Washington knucklehead. Get a clue for Christmas.
One day, the right book will come along and people like Smith will not dare to write another stupid word about the pardon power. The shame that will follow will just be too overwhelming. And I say, "the sooner the better."
But Smith's article also shows exactly why a comprehensive, scholarly book on the president's power to pardoned is needed. Why, he can hardly even get out of the first paragraph without breaking his own legs. Smith observes, "Questionable pardons have become a holiday tradition for presidents in their last year in office." Yes, they have, Peter, for about 200 plus years now! There follows this gem:
Some Republicans will try to say Bill Clinton started it with his pardon of billionaire tax evader Marc Rich. But questionable pardons have been something of a Republican specialty in recent decades.Smith's analysis thus falls to the level of blindfolded children throwing sand in the box and screaming, "He did it first!" And, well, for Smith, that might very well be as deep as it goes.
Of course, the cynic might note that Republicans have dominated the White House in recent decades. On the other hand, Smith has never heard of Truman's last-minute pardon scandals. He might not be old enough, or may not have a library card. Jimmy Carter's last-minute pardons (to Democratic donors such as Peter Yarrow) are not even on the poor fellow's radar.
No. History started yesterday for Peter Smith. And it is such a shame to think that he might actually have an impact on the thinking of anyone else. He writes, "It was Bush the Elder who seems to have started the end-of-term tradition ..." Make that George Washington knucklehead. Get a clue for Christmas.
One day, the right book will come along and people like Smith will not dare to write another stupid word about the pardon power. The shame that will follow will just be too overwhelming. And I say, "the sooner the better."
posted by P.S. Ruckman, Jr. | 10:04 AM
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