Now Trump is Pardoning Violent Criminals
February 2025 - It may be the start of his new administration, but Donald Trump's actions continue to show that loyalty to him is more important than the rule of law. And in this case, it also is more important than the safety of our law enforcement personnel and more important than American democracy.
In one of his first actions after returning to the White House, Mr. Trump pardoned everyone convicted of participating in the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in 2021, which Mr. Trump's speech that day helped to incite. And by everyone, we mean everyone, including those convicted of assaulting and severely injuring over 100 Capital police officers and those who chanted that they wanted to hang Vice President Mike Pence.
(Capitol Police Officer Daniel Hodges being crushed in a Capitol doorway by January 6th rioters - image from cnn)
Among Mr. Trump's excuses for these pardons is that he felt the punishments handed down were excessive. Here's why we disagree with Mr. Trump:
- A violent attempt to overturn the results the 2020 election is sedition and, consequently, deserves strong punishment.
- For those who contributed to the injury of over 100 Capitol police officers, particularly those who brought weapons with them to participate in a seditious act, lengthy prison time definitely is warranted.
(Wonder what's in the spray can this rioter brought and is using against Capitol police - image from pbs)
Let's hope in the future that Mr. Trump shows as much concern for our Constitution and for honest, hard-working Americans as he just did for violent criminals.
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