Bush pardons 14 and commutes 2 prison sentences

[GG]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081124/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_pardons

WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush has granted pardons to 14 individuals and commuted the prison sentences of two others, The Associated Press learned Monday. The new round of White House pardons are Bush's first since March and come less than two months before he will end his presidency. The crimes committed by those on the list include drug offenses, income tax evasion, bank embezzlement and violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Bush has been stingy during his time in office about handing out such reprieves.

Including these actions, he has granted a total of 171 and eight commutations. That's less than half as many as Presidents Clinton or Reagan issued during their time in office. Both were two-term presidents.

[tim huntzinger]

For G-d's sake impeach this POS.  I know that this is routine for outgoing CIC's but at this point everything Bush touches turns to poop.  He is a national security risk.

[cannon_fodder]

There's some reason at it's finest Tim.

Pardons and Commutes are an important part of our system.  They rarely bother me.  The only time they bother me are when they are given as rewards by a president (ie. you cover up for me or otherwise profit for me and I'll just pardon you later... say, pay my brother in law $107,000 and I'll pardon you.  Or pay my other brother in law $400,000 and I'll pardon you. Or contribute $40,000 to my wife's senate campaign and $100,000 to my library and I'll pardon you.  Don't testify about my illegal property transactions and I'll later pardon you.  Or pardoning your own dead beat brother).  There isn't even an allegation that such a thing is happening here.  

Were you up in arms when Clinton was selling pardons?  I doubt it.  Show me where Bush is pardoning his relatives, friends, co-conspirators, or people who "donate" money to him and I'll be pissed.  Otherwise, status quo.

[tim huntzinger]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

There's some reason at it's finest Tim.

Pardons and Commutes are an important part of our system.  They rarely bother me.  The only time they bother me are when they are given as rewards by a president (ie. you cover up for me or otherwise profit for me and I'll just pardon you later... say, pay my brother in law $107,000 and I'll pardon you.  Or pay my other brother in law $400,000 and I'll pardon you. Or contribute $40,000 to my wife's senate campaign and $100,000 to my library and I'll pardon you.  Don't testify about my illegal property transactions and I'll later pardon you.  Or pardoning your own dead beat brother).  There isn't even an allegation that such a thing is happening here.  

Were you up in arms when Clinton was selling pardons?  I doubt it.  Show me where Bush is pardoning his relatives, friends, co-conspirators, or people who "donate" money to him and I'll be pissed.  Otherwise, status quo.

Pretty much thought that Clinton sold our country to the highest bidders, yeah. I opposed Hillary because of all their shennanigans, copy that.  That is some fine fine reasoning yerself, there, amigo: 'He advocates impeaching Dubya for whatever reason, ergo he must have given Clinton a pass.'  Mighty fine!

[cannon_fodder]

It was not a reasoned opinion, it was merely a question.  If you gave Clinton a pass on such things and call out GW for simple pardons, your opinion would be dismissed as partisan.  However, since you did not do such a thing - what about these pardons particularly upsets you?  

I think the Bush presidency has been a disaster too, but am not aware of impeachable offenses.  Certainly not these pardons.

[tim huntzinger]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

It was not a reasoned opinion, it was merely a question.  If you gave Clinton a pass on such things and call out GW for simple pardons, your opinion would be dismissed as partisan.  However, since you did not do such a thing - what about these pardons particularly upsets you?  

I think the Bush presidency has been a disaster too, but am not aware of impeachable offenses.  Certainly not these pardons.

A high crime or misdemeanor is what Congress says it is.  I honestly do not think he can be trusted for one more day in office.