California Gov. Jerry Brown recently pardoned about 5 persons who were facing deportation. These men were once imprisoned for criminal offenses committed years before.
The pardoning of these five individuals caused a great concern by some including President Trump. It was believed that the men were considered a danger to the community and Brown should have sent them packing.
“He wants to show mercy,” Fox chief national correspondent Ed Henry said. “But show mercy toward people who maybe have committed a misdemeanor and are now rehabbed. If they’re dealing drugs to our children, these are not the folks you want to pardon.”
Brown was blasted on the show “Fox and Friends” by its co-hosts. It was believed that Trump’s tweet was in response to what he heard from the show that morning.
Mistake?
Trump felt as though what Brown did was a very big mistake.
He tweeted “Governor Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown pardoned 5 criminal illegal aliens whose crimes include (1) Kidnapping and Robbery (2) Badly beating wife and threatening a crime with intent to terrorize (3) Dealing drugs. Is this really what the great people of California want?”
Why it was noted that Trump showed two sides was because he pardoned others since taking office.
He was known for accusing former President Barack Obama of doing the same. He did the same thing when he became President.
His pardoning of Joe Arpaio who was facing criminal charges showed there was certainly discrimination on his part.
How could you pardon a man of heinous crimes, but criticize another for pardoning persons who have changed their lifestyle?
Transform?
The premise on which Brown pardoned these men was based on their transformed lives. A total of 56 persons were reportedly pardoned.
These persons were convicted of drug related and non-violent crimes. They served their time and were now law abiding citizens giving back to the Country in which they live.
The five are Francisco Acevedo Alaniz, Daniel Maher, Sergio Mena, Sokha Chhan and Phann Pheach.
These men all have a story to tell and faced many misfortunes as children. The choices they made weren’t an excuse for decisions made in later life but they have obviously changed.
“Normally, it’s not done lightly, and normally it’s only done when somebody has shown rehabilitation,” Margaret Stock said. “We also have a principle in America that we allow people to rehabilitate themselves. … It’s a power given to governors and presidents because people think that you should be allowed to forgive people.”