President Biden’s exit from the White House is on the horizon, making way for Donald Trump’s return. The commitment Biden professed during his inaugural speech four years ago, about promptly addressing the nation’s issues, remains half fulfilled. He continues to employ his presidential power, most recently commuting the sentences of almost 1,500 individuals and pardoning 39 others implicated in non-violent crimes. Yet, it’s notable to remember the destabilizing move of pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, who was awaiting trial on charges related to illegal firearm possession and income tax evasion.
Biden’s controversial decisions continue to mount amidst his final days in the presidency. It’s possible that he may extend his questionable mercy to federal death row inmates, sacrificing justice in the process. Moreover, he seems determined to catapult the Equal Rights Amendment into reality – a step that could bring harmful repercussions. Biden also risks tarnishing the nation’s natural beauties by advocating for their protection.
Continuing down his haphazard path, Biden could possibly disrupt the nation’s immigration law by providing safety to illegal immigrants on the edge of deportation. Not to forget his potential interference in the financial affairs of millions of Americans saddled with student loans. And who knows, the precarious direction he has set may also tamper with the delicate issue of women’s reproductive rights.
Even as his unstable reign nears its end, Biden does not shy away from making turbulent interventions. It’s true that he promised to bring healing and restoration to the nation; however, his exercises of power have only stirred up further distress. His supposed healing touch may teeter towards further harm than good.
In a shocking move, Biden has the opportunity to grant reprieve to 40 individuals on federal death row, undermining the justice system in the process. Despite the general understanding that capital punishment serves as a firm deterrent, Biden has shown unprecedented opposition towards it. This controversial stance, which he solidified in 2021, takes the nation a step back from objective justice.
Mirroring his cockeyed belief, his administration has not seen a single execution since his inauguration. This leniency, should he choose to extend it to all 40 felons on federal death row, would not sit well with many. It’s a critical possibility that under Trump’s future administration, this unfortunate chapter could reopen.
Looking back, Biden’s track record during his presidency is heavily marked with lax sentencing, particular for individuals of color. For instance, out of the 13 individuals executed under the previous Trump administration, 12 belonged to ethnic minority groups, including one convicted by an all-white jury. It’s also unfortunate to note that several of these felons presented claims of intellectual disabilities or severe mental illness as a basis for leniency.
Biden’s tendency to concern himself more with the race of the convicted rather than the crimes they’ve committed, is a disquieting theme. More than half of the 40 men on federal death row are people of color – and their leniency might be more associated with this fact than the true merits of their cases.
It’s evident that Biden’s waning days in office continue to be fraught with decisions that have ruffled many feathers. His controversial pardoning of his son and the potential widespread commuting of death row sentences are troubling instances of his questionable usage of executive power.
With proposals on the table that could disrupt both social harmony and justice, it’s clear that Biden’s so-called ‘rescue’ mission aims more at coddling dangerous criminals and disrupting law and order than fostering any real improvement.
While it’s understandable that leaders should aim at racial reconciliation and fair justice, doing so by mitigating deserved punishment and disregarding the law isn’t the right path. Biden’s presidency seems inclined towards undermining justice and inciting racial tension, far removed from the healing he once promised.
The grim picture painted by Biden’s controversial decisions brings to light the fundamental flaws in his approach to executive power. From pardoning his son to potentially sparing convicts on death row and further meddling in aspects like student loans and immigration, Biden’s administration seems keen on leaving a chaotic legacy.
Whether or not Biden sees reason and responsibility in his final days as President remains to be seen. The scary prospect of spiraling down this path of disarray and unjust leniency under Biden’s remaining reign is a harsh reality the nation now grapples with.
In conclusion, with just a few days left of Biden’s questionable presidency, it seems more warranted than ever to express optimism for Trump’s impending return, bringing hope of restoring the balance disrupted in the justice sector and beyond.