Thursday, April 24, 2014
Political Mayhem Thursday: The Big Step on Clemency
Yesterday was a day I have hoped for.
President Obama fired the do-nothing Pardon Attorney, and appointed as his replacement a sharp, capable, and motivated public servant, Deborah Leff. The DOJ also set out the parameters for the new clemency program, which is becoming a reality.
An excellent New York Times editorial sums things up pretty well:
President Obama understands the deep damage of the war on drugs. With Attorney General Eric Holder Jr., he pushed for greater reductions to crack cocaine sentences. Yet he has had a blind spot when it comes to clemency, granting fewer petitions than any modern president.
In the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton defended the president’s pardon power as an essential counterweight to the “necessary severity” of criminal law. That power is in Mr. Obama’s hands; now he must use it.
President Obama fired the do-nothing Pardon Attorney, and appointed as his replacement a sharp, capable, and motivated public servant, Deborah Leff. The DOJ also set out the parameters for the new clemency program, which is becoming a reality.
An excellent New York Times editorial sums things up pretty well:
President Obama understands the deep damage of the war on drugs. With Attorney General Eric Holder Jr., he pushed for greater reductions to crack cocaine sentences. Yet he has had a blind spot when it comes to clemency, granting fewer petitions than any modern president.
In the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton defended the president’s pardon power as an essential counterweight to the “necessary severity” of criminal law. That power is in Mr. Obama’s hands; now he must use it.
Comments:
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Congratulations, Mark.
Lots of hard work and dedication on your part come to fruition in a big way.
While I have had my doubts along the way in some pretty substantive ways in terms of policy and overall philosophy, the program announced yesterday by Deputy AG Cole and the "six criteria" for eligibility seems to me an imminently measured and humane approach. Win. Win.
Your success serves as a model for effective citizen advocacy in American government. Well done!
Lots of hard work and dedication on your part come to fruition in a big way.
While I have had my doubts along the way in some pretty substantive ways in terms of policy and overall philosophy, the program announced yesterday by Deputy AG Cole and the "six criteria" for eligibility seems to me an imminently measured and humane approach. Win. Win.
Your success serves as a model for effective citizen advocacy in American government. Well done!
Bravo Mark. I have great respect for your advocacy, and for your patience and persistence.
# posted by 
: 5:55 AM
: 5:55 AM
Thanks! There is a lot of work ahead. I am a part of the "Clemency Project 2014" mentioned in the article, and we have a lot to do in the next few months.
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