Earlier this month, nearly 1,500 Americans found themselves the recipients of very good news: President Joe Biden had granted them executive clemency. Thirty-nine were given full pardons. 'America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,' the White House's press release read. 'As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation.' Biden's office was at pains to clarify that while the president had shown mercy, he hadn't shown too much mercy. Those receiving clemency in the form of commutations were all under home confinement only, and those receiving pardons had all been convicted of nonviolent criminal offenses. Almost two weeks prior, Biden had also pardoned his son Hunter, who had been convicted of gun-related felonies and was facing tax charges. Hunter received the full measure of presidential mercy. Blowback came swiftly in both instances. Biden was denounced for pardoning his son, because he...
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