Staff Reports
President Joe Biden recently made headlines, and not in a way to earn any applause, by undertaking a record-setting act of clemency that has conservative circles scratching their heads in disbelief. In what can only be described as a “hold my beer” moment, Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and dished out 39 pardons in a single day—an unprecedented spectacle that dwarfs former President Barack Obama’s final-day record of 330 commutations. One has to wonder what Biden was thinking—maybe he thought the White House was running a charity program for ex-cons?
Among those receiving Biden’s benevolence were not just small-time offenders. Oh no, this graduation ceremony for criminals included reformed Democratic politicians and public officials, including none other than Luzerne County Judge Michael Conahan, notorious for his twisted role in the “Kids for Cash” scandal. Conahan, who was convicted of sending children to private detention centers for kickbacks, was included in Biden’s clemency sweep. So while parents are rightfully outraged, Biden is handing out second chances like they’re participation trophies at a kindergarten sports day.
Biden granted clemency to the ‘kids-for-cash’ judge. The White House didn’t consider the case specifics. https://t.co/8QBswi2Ovb via @politico
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) December 14, 2024
Victims of the “Kids for Cash” scandal shared their outrage at this decision. Amanda Lorah, wrongfully imprisoned due to Conahan’s misuse of power, called the comutation a “slap in the face,” while Sandy Fonzo, whose son tragically took his own life after being caught up in the scandal, blasted the president’s decision as a painful reminder of the abuse of power that ruined families like her own. It seems that Biden’s idea of addressing criminal justice reform involves patting convicted felons on the back while ignoring the victims left in their wake.
Even fellow Democrats are getting in on the critique. Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro publicly condemned Biden’s actions, labeling them “absolutely wrong.” Shapiro pointed out that those in positions of power, like the president, must exercise clemency with caution and care. Given that Shapiro himself belongs to the same party as Biden, one has to wonder what kind of rift is emerging within the Democratic ranks over this dubious clemency spree.
Biden attempted to justify this unprecedented mass pardon by stating many of those commuted would have received lighter sentences under current laws. The president claims these individuals have “successfully reintegrated into their families and communities” during their time in home confinement due to COVID. While some of these individuals may have learned their lesson, it raises the question: does turning a blind eye to their past crimes really send the right message? At this point, the only “second chance” being served is a deep dish slice of irony at the expense of actual victims.
