[ [link removed] ]Wes Moore for Maryland[ [link removed] ]Wes Moore for Maryland



On June 17th, 2024, I pardoned 175,000 misdemeanor cannabis convictions.

John xxxxxx, it was the
largest mass pardon for misdemeanor cannabis possession in the history of
the United States.

But making history wasn’t the point — making life better for Marylanders
was. You cannot celebrate legalization without reckoning with the
consequences of criminalization.

It was one of the most moving days I’ve had as governor. But no matter how
important that moment was for the people of our state, I can’t shake a
deep feeling that the consequences of misused pardons might outweigh the
benefits.

The ability for an elected official to wipe clean someone’s criminal
record is powerful. 

But what do we do with a tool that can simultaneously advance and roll
back the cause of justice, depending on who issues the pardon? 

Can make our system more fair in the hands of one person, and less fair in
the hands of another? 

Donald Trump has pardoned the people who attempted a coup on January 6th,
2021. He has pardoned high-profile business magnates who have a stake in
his family’s financial interests. He has pardoned allies and associates,
often doling out clemency based on who is most loyal.

It is disgusting. It is a grift.

As thankful as I am to be one of only fifty-one people in the world who
can pardon an American for crimes committed in violation of our laws, I
would take it from all of us if it’s only going to be used for
self-dealing and political gamesmanship. 

Pardons can right the wrongs of the past. I know that they have here in
Maryland. We’ve used the pardon to uplift those who have been denied
justice. 

But the thing is: Pardons do little to actually fix the foundation of
what’s broken. Maybe instead of more pardons, what we need is a more just
system. 

One where individuals are held fully accountable for their actions, but
where honest second chances are possible for those ready to return to
society and contribute.

I discussed this and more with Steve Inskeep on NPR — [ [link removed] ]if you’re
interested, you can take a listen here.

Elevate,

Wes

[2]Wes




 




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