Off the Editor’s Desk 12-18-24

Biden Pardons 39, two from Wisconsin

President Joe Biden last Thursday pardoned 39 people and commuted the sentences of 1,500 other people in an action that is being called “the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history,” according to the White House announcement.

This action comes shortly after he pardoned his son, Hunter, for tax felonies and gun charges where he made a false statement on a federal gun form.

The act will effect nearly 1,500 people that were placed in home confinement during the COVID pandemic and 39 others who were convicted of nonviolent crimes, especially drug crimes, who have “shown successful rehabilitation,” according to the White House.

Biden said in his statement he would take more steps in the weeks ahead; and continue to review petitions to advance “equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.” Biden so far in this term of office has granted 8,027 including 6,500 pardons for simple possession of marijuana.

The following are the two from Wisconsin that garnered Biden’s pardon.

Jerry Donald Manning – Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Jerry Donald Manning is a 70-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent offenses. Mr. Manning received early termination of his probationary sentence and has since advanced his education and career in aviation. He is active in his community, coaching soccer, attending church, and serving as a bible study teacher. Mr. Manning is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in service, he was awarded a medal during Operation Desert Storm, and was honorably discharged. Friends and colleagues attest to his character, describing him as a good, honest man and a great leader.

Audrey Diane Simon – Prescott, Wisconsin

Audrey Diane Simon is a 63-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent offense.

In the years since, Ms. Simon has worked in the field of addiction recovery and earned a bachelor’s degree and a permanent counseling license. She also contributes to her community through her church where she serves as a deacon and works in the church’s prison ministry. Community members describe her as inspirational, trustworthy, positive, and caring.

Biden also pardoned three from Minnesota and they are: Kelsie Lynn Becklin, 38 of Falcon Heights; Sarah Jean Carlson, 49 of Coon Rapids, and Lashawn Marrvinia Walker of Minneapolis.

How does this compare to other presidential pardons? Well, Jimmy Carter issued some 506, but he also granted some 200,000 for Vietnam Draft Evasion.

Franklin Roosevelt granted 3,087, but he served in office for, 12 years and 39 days. Harry Truman granted 2,044, Barack Obama 1,927, Ulysses S. Grant 1,332, Lyndon Johnson 1,187, and Eisenhower 1,157.

Thanks for reading!     ~Carlton