Biden's Decision to Pardon Son: A Complex Examination

Introduction

On August 25, 2022, US President Joe Biden announced his decision to pardon thousands of individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law, and to review prior low-level drug offenses for possible expungement from criminal records. This includes pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, who pleaded guilty in 2014 to a misdemeanor drug possession charge.

The decision sparked a wide range of reactions, with some praising Biden for taking steps to address the racial disparities in drug enforcement and for recognizing the harm caused by criminalizing marijuana possession. Others expressed skepticism about the sincerity of the move, suggesting that it was politically motivated and that it did not address the underlying causes of mass incarceration.

Biden's Rationale

President Biden cited several reasons for his decision to pardon federal marijuana possession offenses. First, he argued that the current system of criminalizing marijuana possession is unfair and has led to the disproportionate incarceration of people of color.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Black people are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people, despite similar rates of usage. This disparity is due in part to the fact that law enforcement has historically targeted minority communities for drug enforcement.

Second, Biden argued that criminalizing marijuana possession has not effectively deterred drug use. In fact, a 2016 study by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that marijuana legalization does not lead to an increase in drug use or addiction.

Third, Biden pointed out that the pardon will help to reduce the stigma associated with marijuana use. This stigma can make it difficult for people with marijuana-related convictions to find jobs, housing, and other opportunities.

Skepticism and Criticism

Despite Biden's stated rationale, some critics have questioned the sincerity of his decision to pardon marijuana possession offenses. They point out that Biden has a long history of supporting tough-on-crime policies, including the 1994 crime bill that many believe contributed to the mass incarceration of people of color.

Others have argued that the pardon is too narrow and does not address the underlying causes of mass incarceration. They point out that the pardon only applies to federal marijuana possession offenses, and that it does not address the thousands of people who are currently incarcerated for state-level drug offenses.

Finally, some critics have expressed concern that the pardon could lead to an increase in drug use. They argue that by sending the message that marijuana is no longer illegal, the pardon could encourage people to use the drug more frequently.

Conclusion

President Biden's decision to pardon federal marijuana possession offenses is a complex issue with both positive and negative potential consequences. On the one hand, the pardon could help to reduce the racial disparities in drug enforcement and to de-stigmatize marijuana use. On the other hand, the pardon could also lead to an increase in drug use and could be seen as a politically motivated move that does not address the underlying causes of mass incarceration.

It is too early to say what the full impact of Biden's decision will be. However, it is important to engage in a thoughtful and critical discussion of this issue in order to understand its potential consequences.