Biden Issues More Commutations

Early Friday morning, in what some might call a final “Hail Mary” play before leaving the Oval Office, President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses.

According to Biden’s statement, these individuals were serving what he described as “disproportionately long sentences” compared to what they would receive under current laws. Naturally, he also took the opportunity to pat himself on the back, declaring that he’s now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history. Well, Joe, when you’ve had a pen in your hand for most of your presidency, it makes sense you’d get good at signing things.

“Today, I am commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice. With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history,” Biden said in a statement.

Biden framed the mass commutations as an attempt to address “historic wrongs” and outdated sentencing laws. He made a big show of citing the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act—laws aimed at reducing sentencing disparities and giving non-violent offenders a second chance. But here’s where things get interesting: the First Step Act, the same legislation Biden is now championing, was actually signed into law by none other than President Donald Trump in 2018. Funny how Biden didn’t mention that little detail, isn’t it?

“Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes. As Congress recognized through the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, it is time that we equalize these sentencing disparities,” he continued. “This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars. I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons.”

Of course, the media will bend over backward to sell this as a moral victory. But let’s not ignore the timing here. Biden is wrapping up his presidency with moves that seem more about legacy-building than genuine reform. These commutations came just two weeks after he wiped dozens of federal inmates off death row. And no, we’re not talking about non-violent offenders in that case—we’re talking about individuals convicted of heinous crimes, including child rape and murder. Apparently, a clean slate is the flavor of the month.

But Biden didn’t stop there. In December, he issued what many saw as a blanket pardon for his own son, Hunter Biden, conveniently covering a decade’s worth of legal trouble. This was despite Biden repeatedly claiming he’d never interfere in his son’s legal battles. Yet here we are, with Hunter’s messy financial dealings, gun charges, and questionable tax filings swept neatly under the rug. Nothing to see here, folks!

It’s clear Biden’s in full “lame duck” mode, and he’s using his executive powers like a kid with a new set of crayons—leaving his mark on everything in sight before it’s time to pack up. But let’s not pretend these actions are all about justice or fairness. These commutations and pardons feel more like a desperate attempt to salvage a presidential term plagued by skyrocketing inflation, embarrassing foreign policy blunders, and an approval rating that’s been stuck in the basement for most of his tenure.

And for all the talk about “correcting historic wrongs,” Biden’s clemency spree seems more like an effort to distract from his own administration’s failures. After all, if he really cared about justice reform, why didn’t he push harder for new legislation during his time in office? Why wait until the eleventh hour to play the role of the great equalizer? The sudden flurry of action reeks of political theater, not genuine conviction.

The cherry on top? This all comes as the country gears up for a new chapter, with Republicans taking back the White House. It’s almost as if Biden is trying to tie the incoming administration’s hands while slipping out the back door. Sure, he may want to frame himself as the benevolent leader correcting decades of injustice. But for many Americans, it just looks like he’s lighting fires on his way out and leaving someone else to deal with the mess. Classic.

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