Staff Reports
On his last day in office, President Biden took a stroll down memory lane, putting pen to paper and extending a few pardons, including one for the historical figure Marcus Garvey. One has to wonder whether this is a case of “remember the good old days” or simply a final nod to his political base before closing the door and heading out of the White House for good.
Among the fortunate recipients of Biden’s clemency blessings were individuals such as Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir, Don Leonard Scott, Jr., and Kemba Smith Pradia. The timing of these pardons could raise eyebrows considering he was inches away from packing up the Oval Office permanently. It’s hard not to chuckle at the thought that Biden might have wanted to ensure that his last act didn’t involve a rapid exit without leaving something behind, like a few dubious legacies in the form of pardoned criminals.
In a grand proclamation emphasizing the idea of second chances—a noble concept unless, of course, one has been keeping tabs on his party’s policies regarding law and order—Biden highlighted his unprecedented use of clemency power. It’s noteworthy to mention that while he pat himself on the back for this historic achievement, the rest of the nation was tuning in to a striking number of headlines reporting rising crime rates, as if those second chances weren’t creating a ripple effect of chaos.
The president expressed that the clemency recipients showed remorse and had contributed positively to their communities. One might reasonably question what qualifies as significant community contributions and how many second chances it takes before a repeat offender is officially an honorary member of the community. It’s almost a comedic irony that the leader of the free world is throwing out pardons like confetti while the streets are filled with unrest.
Biden issues more pardons, commutations on final full day in office https://t.co/cme1xjuttA via @JustTheNews
— Arthur Rosenfield (@FutureThinkNYC) January 19, 2025
In conclusion, while clemency may symbolize hope for some, it’s hard to overlook the juxtaposition of crime rates in Biden’s America against his idea of rehabilitation. It raises questions about who gets to define those “significant contributions” and whether they help or hinder the very fabric of society. With these pardons, Biden leaves behind a legacy that probably won’t have many laughing all the way to the ballot box on Election Day.
