#ObamaPardonsJust
Obama just pardoned more than 200 people—did he do the right thing? | The Tylt
Obama just pardoned more than 200 people—did he do the right thing?
It's good to be the president.
With the stroke of a pen, you can release a federal prisoner. And Obama just did that for 214 people, the most commutations in a single day since 1900. In total Obama has granted 562 early sentences, more than any president since Calvin Coolidge, according to USA Today.
On the one hand, most of these are nonviolent offenders. Proponents of the clemency say these individuals faced unduly harsh sentences for minor offenses. It's not unusual for a president to commute sentences if they are not running for re-election. But granting clemency for 214 people is unprecedented (at least in this century!) and it begs the question of whether Obama is abusing his power.
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Obama just pardoned more than 200 people—did he do the right thing?
#ObamaPardonsUnjust
Some people think Obama is taking advantage of his pardon powers.
People who are jailed for nonviolent drug offenses often receive grossly unjust sentences. Obama is righting that wrong by pardoning them.
If people can be rehabilitated and brought back into society, they should be.
#ObamaPardonsUnjust
But more than 200 people in one day? Critics say Obama is abusing his power.
