November 30, 2008

Presidential Pardons

Every year around Thanksgiving, the President pardons a turkey or two. As President Bush's second term comes to a close, requests for legitimate human - citizen presidential pardons are coming in from all directions. These requests need to be weighed out in accordance with the U.S. Constitution which states:

[The President] shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.


Who was one of the most recent people to be pardoned by President Bush? Former Fugees music producer John Forté who was in trouble with the law after being caught with $1.4 million worth of liquid cocaine at an airport.

Somehow, I don't think this was the type of person that the Founding Fathers had in mind when dreaming up the power of presidential pardons. Even if he didn't receive a fair trial, shouldn't this type of case be taken care of via the court of appeals system?

Related Links:
  • The song We Trying to Stay Alive by Wyclef Jean mentions the producer on a pretty consistent basis

  • The website Free John Forté is still under construction with a non-functioning countdown clock to his release.