Too Much Power In One Hand

"I'm sorry." Most of us have said those words many times. More often than not we were sincere in saying it. On the other hand, some folks struggle admitting that they made a mistake or hurt another. Personally, I am one who believes that offering an apology for a transgression is not a sign of weakness but a show of compassion and character.

Perhaps more difficult than saying "sorry" is forgiving. It was tough for me to learn to forgive and let go when a person wronged me but never said, "sorry." Not forgiving was always bad for me because the condition festered and became emotionally unhealthy. I stopped holding on to that anger years ago.

This topic has been on my mind recently as I recall comments from people released from long prison sentences after evidence proved them innocent. Often these wrongly convicted people show appreciation for the vacating of their conviction and prison release. I'm amazed that more are not bitter with angry resentment. That's powerful forgiveness. Then there is Presidential forgiveness, which comes as a pardon.  Relax now, I'm not preparing to dis on the current President and his pardons. All Presidents misuse the pardon powers...every President.

It seems many presidential pardons are more often granted to white collar criminals, who in fact were guilty and the President pardons them based upon some suspect and questionable motives. Ocassionally, those receiving a Presidential pardon will acknowledge their guilt and express some remorse and appreciation for their exoneration; not the case with former Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, convicted felon. This guy is an embarrassment with his post-pardon denials of obvious criminal behavior, which put him behind bars.

I believe Presidential pardon powers need to be tossed in the garbage along with political caucuses, the Confederate Flag, bumper-stickers and aluminum baseball bats. If it is not,  Presidents will continue to abuse this unbridled power, which demoralize Americans. The pardon power should rest on the shoulders of a non-politically-appointed jury panel representing a cross section of American society. Excluded from this jury-panel are ex-cons, White Nationalists, KKK members, ministers, government officials, Wall Street people and former O. J. Simpson jury members.