President Donald Trump to granted pardons to all 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes related to January 1, 2021 Capitol insurrection. Although presidential pardons are not uncommon, this sweeping act has raised significant concerns about the long-term effects on justice, accountability, and democracy itself.
The attack on the Capitol was one of the most heinous moments in American history, a violent attack on the nation’s capital, an attempt to overturn the will of the people by overturning the lawful election. Some participants breached federal property, while others assaulted law enforcement officers, vandalized government property, and harassed elected officials. Downplaying the offense and the principle at stake in this way is to suggest that all the participants are of the same calibre and that none of them should be treated differently.
Crimes of Varying Gravity
Among the 1,500 pardoned individuals were those convicted of minor offenses, like entering the Capitol without permission. However, others committed far graver acts:
• Wielding weapons to assault police officers.
• Acting as domestic terrorists.
• Plooting the plan to inhibit the certification of electoral college votes.
Granting such people pardons means that the severity of their actions is reduced and sends a very wrong signal. It sends a message that violence used in an effort to undermine democracy may well be forgiven, and this erodes the public’s confidence in the justice system and encourages other individuals who are willing to create chaos.
A Blanket Pardon: A Mistake
The problem with this approach is that it does not take into account the varying levels of damage that have been done. Some of the participants may have been forced to join the mob without a prior plan, while others may have been planning to disrupt democracy. The problem with blanket pardons is that they do not distinguish between those who should be responsible for the worst offences and those who should not.
The consequences of these pardons being granted are also very dangerous for law enforcement and other public servants. More than 140 police officers were injured during the attack, and some of them have been left with permanent physical and psychological injuries. By pardoning his attackers, Trump has discredited the Capitol police and other Capitol protectors who stood their ground for the democratic process on that fateful day.
The worst effect is to the system of government itself. This decision will be a precedent that future administrations and political movements will use. If pardons are given to justify violence in politics, then we are setting the stage for more conflict, more partisanship and the potential for future contests over presidential power.
In addition, if these pardons are granted it may turn off Americans who support accountability and the notion of obeying the law. This decision will probably continue to exacerbate the existing division in the country.
A Missed Opportunity for Justice
Instead of a blanket pardon, Trump could have allowed the legal system to distinguish between the person who violated the law slightly and the person who violated the law severely. This would have maintained the concepts of justice and would have also been a message that there are consequences for one’s actions.
This decision will be debated for many years as the nation remains staggered by the impact of January 6. Whether or not Trump’s pardons will turn out to be a blunder is unclear, but to many people, this is an insult to justice and democracy.
What are your thoughts on the pardons? Everyone involved in the January 6 attack should have been treated equally, right? Don’t forget to share your opinion in the comments.
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