A recent report highlighted President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death-row inmates, a move that has sparked a mix of approval and bewilderment across the nation. For those keeping score at home, that’s a staggering 92.5% of death-row inmates getting a free pass while hardworking Americans wonder if they’ll ever get a break on their own bills.
The reasoning behind this bold stroke from the Biden administration seems to rest on an alleged belief that the death penalty should be relegated to the history books, right next to floppy disks and Blockbuster Video. Supporters of the commutations are heralding this as a step toward a more humane justice system, while critics can’t help but wonder if Biden’s heart is in the right place or if this is just a convoluted attempt to score political points with the far-left base. After all, nothing says compassion quite like releasing criminals who committed the most heinous acts against society.
Several commentators have pointed out that while the administration touts this as a move toward justice reform, it raises concerns about the message being sent to victims and their families. How exactly does one justify granting leniency to individuals who have been sentenced to death for their actions? It’s a question that those in favor of tougher crime laws are hammering home, suggesting that perhaps the victims of crime and their families need more consideration than those who have chosen a life of violence and lawlessness.
Biden’s 37 death row commutations: Letters to the Editor — Dec. 26, 2024 https://t.co/wwvSZqPrTQ pic.twitter.com/JIK2kWUYT9
— NY Post Opinion (@NYPostOpinion) December 26, 2024
Interestingly, this move follows a pattern from the administration, as Biden has shown a preference for reducing sentences and advocating for criminal justice reforms that, while well-intentioned, leave many wondering if the president has lost sight of public safety. Biden’s team insists that they’re aiming to rectify historical injustice but critics argue that this kind of thinking might as well be a ticket to the chaos that ensues when justice becomes an afterthought.
Ultimately, as Biden’s critics continue to dissect this decision, it appears that the administration is perhaps a bit out of touch with the everyday American who relies on law and order to feel secure. Instead, it looks like this is just another chapter in the ongoing story of an administration that seems more enamored with social experimentations than with the basics of keeping citizens safe. If the justice system is to serve the people, many are now asking just who exactly is being served by these commutations.