Mississippi murderers pardoned

[killarney_sailor]

I assume that everyone has read about the outgoing governor of Mississippi giving pardons to four murderers. I find this incredible, especially in a southern state where I assume most folks feel that the only good murderer is a dead murderer.

Was this just an enormous brain cramp by the gov or am I missing something?

[SloopJonB]

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

I assume that everyone has read about the outgoing governor of Mississippi giving pardons to four murderers. I find this incredible, especially in a southern state where I assume most folks feel that the only good murderer is a dead murderer.

Was this just an enormous brain cramp by the gov or am I missing something?

My guess would be that it was merely "good Christian forgiveness".

[BentSailor]

I'd have to know more about the murderers/murders in question. He is doing it on the way out, implying there would be some backlash involved. So the why of it does seem to rest in the "who are they & what did they do"?

"Good Christian forgiveness" is usually shown in the lead-up to another election, not when such measures will have no benefit. Besides which, even if it is pure forgiveness... why these three and not the many others?

[killarney_sailor]

Here is a story about it. There is more out that he pardoned about 200 people in recent weeks.

On way out, Mississippi governor pardons murderers - chicagotribune.com

One prisoner had been turned down for parole in December, 2011. Seems bizarre to me. Even giving the right to pardon to a governor or president makes no sense. There should be some agreed on process for it. For example, if the guy had been a model prisoner for 30 years and was 70 years old and not in good health. In my eyes he had paid his dues and was no longer a threat.

[SailingStNick]

Most of those pardoned have been out for years, and many are very sick and costing the state lots of money in care-giving costs.

It seems to me that many victims of crime spend the rest of their lives angry and holding a grudge, which does no good for anyone. Forgiveness and compassion goes a long way to healing much of the ills of the world.

[BentSailor]

Originally Posted by SailingStNick

It seems to me that many victims of crime spend the rest of their lives angry and holding a grudge, which does no good for anyone. Forgiveness and compassion goes a long way to healing much of the ills of the world.

Agreed, but the question/issue is why now? If it's a good thing, why only on the way out of office? Colour me jaded and all, but it's a rare politician that makes it into the governor's office who does something this big purely out of the goodness of their heart. They kind of have to grind that goodness out to make it that far in the first place.

[smurphny]

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

Here is a story about it. There is more out that he pardoned about 200 people in recent weeks.

On way out, Mississippi governor pardons murderers - chicagotribune.com

One prisoner had been turned down for parole in December, 2011. Seems bizarre to me. Even giving the right to pardon to a governor or president makes no sense. There should be some agreed on process for it. For example, if the guy had been a model prisoner for 30 years and was 70 years old and not in good health. In my eyes he had paid his dues and was no longer a threat.

This happens with presidential pardons as well (ie Clinton). It is really a terrible stain on the idea of a government by the people...namely that jury of peers that put these people in jail. It should be legislated out of the law. One man has no business paying off political debts or being coerced into pardoning people. It just isn't right to give unilateral power like this to any one person, especially a politician. Perhaps they can make recommendations to parole boards in place of this outrage.

[killarney_sailor]

Originally Posted by smurphny

This happens with presidential pardons as well (ie Clinton). It is really a terrible stain on the idea of a government by the people...namely that jury of peers that put these people in jail. It should be legislated out of the law. One man has no business paying off political debts or being coerced into pardoning people. It just isn't right to give unilateral power like this to any one person, especially a politician. Perhaps they can make recommendations to parole boards in place of this outrage.

I think something like that makes a lot of sense. Not certain but I think in Canada you can apply for a pardon to a government agency that investigates the case and can arrange the pardon. I think that it is pretty common for people with minor criminal records who are already out and just want to get on with their lives without the criminal record.

[killarney_sailor]

The Attorney-General of Mississippi is trying to pick up the four murderers because he does not want them on the streets. The only problem is that he has no idea where they are and they now have been pardoned for their murders so there is no real basis for arresting them - this is incredibly bizarre.

[Alibaba]

Originally Posted by SailingStNick

Most of those pardoned have been out for years, and many are very sick and costing the state lots of money

Thats the first thing I thought. Save the Taxpayers some money.

I was working on a Construction project at a police Station.. a man comes in angry, screaming at the Desk Sargent, that he can`t beleive the judge just released the 2 kids whole stole and crashed his Car. (2 years Probation)

Police Sargent asks the man what the car`s worth and what Penalty does he suggest. Man says $10,000 Car, and spend 2 years in Prision.. Police Sargent asks man. OK I`ll put them in Jail for 2 years if you give me $120,00.00.
(1995 Jail Costs.. $30,000 a year X 2 Kids X 2 years = $120,000)

a fellow worker quick Witted commented.. Why dont we just give these Kids a Car, so they dont Steal ours.. I suggest we give em a Job so they afford a Car, and they wont be out on the streets all night looking for trouble..??