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Rethinking Clemency: A Call for Timely Justice
For 36 years, I navigated the confines of prison, serving a life sentence for a crime I did not commit. As I sat behind bars, I missed significant milestones: my son’s first day of school, my daughter’s wedding, and my mother’s funeral, all while the actual perpetrator roamed free. What makes my account distinctive is not merely the wrongful imprisonment but the rare gift of early release.
In 2017, the Governor of Missouri showed an unexpected approach to clemency, granting it during his initial year in office, defying the norm where such acts are often reserved for a presidency’s final days.
President Donald Trump’s recent pardons during his second term reflect a similar departure from tradition, highlighting a contrast with former presidents. Notably, while Barack Obama reserved 61% of his pardons for his last year, Joe Biden allocated 90% of his pardons at the end of his term. Trump also conformed to this trend during his first term, with 84% of clemencies occurred as he concluded his presidency.
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This pattern isn’t just about waiting until the end; rather, it illustrates a broader hesitance among leaders to grant clemency until they perceive they are politically safe. Historical examples reflect this caution. Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon is often cited as a pivotal moment that hindered his chances for re-election in 1976, while Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis faced backlash from his 1988 campaign due to a controversial furlough decision.
Trump’s early pardons, particularly those related to protest activities on January 6, have ignited significant discussions, with critics arguing that they prioritize loyalty over rehabilitation. While these discussions have merit, focusing solely on those receiving clemency detracts from the broader issue of its timely execution, highlighting a critical reality: delayed justice equates to denied justice.
During my time in prison, I witnessed the undeniable potential for change. Many women transitioned from having basic educations to attaining college degrees, and lost spirits emerged as mentors. However, the harsh truth remained: political considerations often overshadowed genuine rehabilitation.
My experience is a testament to this grievance. Despite numerous recommendations by parole boards advocating for my release, it took seven governors before clemency was finally granted in 2017. This decision allowed me to reunite with my family, holding my great-grandchildren at birth rather than only seeing their images through prison glass.
The implications of such delayed clemency extend beyond personal stories. Annually, taxpayers spend over $42,000 on federal inmates and more than $33,000 on state prisoners. With the costs associated with incarceration nearing $1 trillion, as reported by the Institute for Justice Research and Development, this financial burden impacts not just individuals but their families and communities as well. Redirecting funds from incarceration to education and healthcare could offer substantial benefits to society.
The push for clemency has garnered significant public support, with approximately 80% of Americans in favor of broader presidential commutation powers, echoing nearly equal sentiments across the political spectrum, including strong backing from supporters of both President Trump and Vice President Harris. This bipartisan agreement extends to broader criminal justice reforms, where a notable 81% of Americans advocate for transformative changes.
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This shared vision reveals a collective understanding that mass incarceration presents moral, financial, and practical failures for our nation. The successful passage of the 2018 First Step Act, which decreased sentences and expanded rehabilitation initiatives, demonstrates that meaningful reform is possible, as evidenced by the coalition formed by prominent political figures across the spectrum.
To advance further, it is essential to view clemency not just as a political decision but as a moral obligation. Implementing regular clemency reviews, focusing on elderly inmates, those serving disproportionately long non-violent sentences, and individuals demonstrating genuine rehabilitation, could restore hope. A diverse panel comprising victims’ advocates, legal experts, and justice professionals would provide ethical guidance while helping to mitigate political risks.
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My journey represents a path to restoration. I now support myself through employment, advocate for those still incarcerated, and relish the small joys of everyday life — assisting with homework, enjoying unsupervised holidays, and tending to my garden. Each day brings the profound gift of choice, where I determine my meals, my connections, and my steps into the outside world.
For countless individuals still pursuing their freedom, I urge leaders to summon the bravery to take action in the face of justice demands, rather than succumbing to political convenience. In a divided nation, the opportunity for second chances presents a unique consensus, highlighting the possibility of breaking with tradition in pursuit of justice. Such actions embody a belief in America’s potential for accountability and grace.
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