President Biden has commuted the sentences of 11 individuals convicted of drug crimes, citing the principle of 'equal justice under law' as a motivating factor. In a recent statement, Biden emphasized that America's criminal justice system should reflect this core value, which contributes to safer and stronger communities. The President's actions are seen as a step towards addressing the injustices of the past, particularly the disproportionately long sentences for non-violent drug offenses. Biden stated, "I have exercised my clemency power more than any recent predecessor has at this point in their presidency," indicating a significant use of his clemency authority. Various political figures and organizations, including Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) who thanked Biden for the Christmas pardon, and the Congressional Black Caucus, have expressed support for the commutations. They view them as progress in the fight to deschedule and decriminalize marijuana, as a step towards racial justice, and as a means to reduce the barriers to employment, education, and housing that have disproportionately affected Black Americans. Additionally, there is support for the Clean Slate Act, which aims to provide a clean slate for those convicted of low-level, nonviolent drug offenses who’ve served their time.
The Congressional Black Caucus applauded President Biden’s marijuana and crack cocaine pardons as a step toward ending “long-standing racial disparities” in sentencing https://t.co/KeiAjQri0s https://t.co/OmVwyOGKeR
Senator John Fetterman thanks President Biden for Christmas pardon of "bulls‑‑t weed charges" https://t.co/ZfzIOWlyqu https://t.co/ojf8AQ7rBM
Correct me if I’m wrong… but I don’t think a single person was in federal prison for simple marijuana possession or use… so, the pardons were clearly for other things.
A step toward addressing the racist legacy of America's War on Drugs. Next, we must fully legalize marijuana, expunge criminal records, codify equity in the cannabis industry, and end the racist War on Drugs once and for all. https://t.co/mQ1T5VW37y
This is a MAJOR step toward social & racial justice from @POTUS! Black people are far more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession & use, and this action is long overdue. Next, let’s decriminalize, legalize, & invest in those disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. https://t.co/lIqfjvjEDF
I stand with President Biden in taking significant strides towards making SECOND CHANCES a living reality by commuting the sentences of 11 individuals serving disproportionately long terms for non-violent drug offenses rectifying the injustices of the past. https://t.co/OQU3lJojEd
Cannabis has been legal and regulated in Nevada since 2017, but unfortunately, federal laws have been slow to catch up. People should not be incarcerated for simple possession of cannabis. This announcement will provide an overdue second chance to many. https://t.co/8ciPfrbfZJ
Christmas came a little early for thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession and use—and President Biden played Santa Claus. https://t.co/7b95ynve8v
Nobody’s life should be ruined because of some low-level cannabis offense. It’s ridiculous that Republicans keep blocking marijuana legalization… BUT in the meantime, this is a great step by the President. https://t.co/fjJXWqE4J7
President Biden is showing a fresh approach towards non-violent drug offenders and criminal justice reform. I applaud this a positive step towards creating a more fair and just society. https://t.co/Ya4r6TFoMG
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) applauded President Biden’s marijuana and crack cocaine pardons as a step toward ending “long-standing racial disparities” in sentencing https://t.co/feGQEDOEds https://t.co/HxzSZePzRA
President Biden and I have long been clear: We must continue to change our nation’s approach to marijuana and reform the criminal justice system. Today, we took another step forward to make sure that our justice system truly lives up to its name. Read my full statement: https://t.co/AJ5XryF5hx
Biden shortens ‘disproportionately long’ drug sentences for convicted Florida men https://t.co/B5XQ1lPc4Q
No one should experience disproportionately long sentences or barriers to employment for minor marijuana charges. This is an important step towards modernizing our criminal justice system. https://t.co/uVNX9XTuWl
Thank you, @POTUS, for heeding the calls of movements and progressives. When Black people are over 3x more likely to be arrested for possession than a white person, this is racial justice — and it will change lives. The fight to deschedule and decriminalize marijuana continues. https://t.co/gSNJcZEbXY
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) thanks President Biden for Christmas pardon of "bulls‑‑t weed charges" https://t.co/Rn7BeSOUoi https://t.co/2eKqC1QdNb
This is huge - @JoeBiden is mass-pardoning people for cannabis simple possession & use. This will benefit so many people whose lives have been upended over the decades due to the misguided drug war. Thank you Mr. President. https://t.co/4sOs8eCiyr
Everyone deserves a clean slate & a second chance. This action from @POTUS will make that a reality for thousands of Americans. Congress can do the same for those convicted of low-level, nonviolent drug offenses who’ve served their time by passing my bipartisan Clean Slate Act. https://t.co/aVf7AKYxu1
I have long championed pardons and clemency for individuals who are serving sentences for the possession of marijuana. These misdemeanors can result in restrictions on folks' ability to access educational aid, housing assistance, occupational licensing, & more. Delivering justice… https://t.co/NgHAc8b47S
WOW: @POTUS has just issued a pardon for all US Citizens and legal permanent residents who committed or were convicted of simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession, or use of marijuana. https://t.co/cbQNVQuduQ
Simple possession and use of marijuana has disproportionately criminalized far too many Black Americans and created barriers to employment, education, and housing. This is a positive step towards righting the wrongs of our failed system. https://t.co/21CJJTVrUf
A few Christmases ago, as Lieutenant Governor, I pushed for legal weed and delivering pardons for bullshit weed charges. As a Senate candidate, I personally asked @POTUS to de-schedule cannabis and pardon those charges. This Christmas, as a Senator, THANK YOU @POTUS 🎄🎁 https://t.co/F73dCbdTOo https://t.co/3NLGTy2RAA
America was founded on the principle of equal justice under law — our criminal justice system can and should reflect this core value that makes our communities safer and stronger. That’s why I’m announcing additional steps to make the promise of equal justice a reality.
This morning, it was announced that @POTUS has heeded our call to expand on his cannabis pardons from last year. 🧵 via @NBCNews: https://t.co/yx0j8E2hkQ https://t.co/QHoEl0OgSO
“I have exercised my clemency power more than any recent predecessor has at this point in their presidency,” Biden said in a statement on Friday. “And while today’s announcement marks important progress, my Administration will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver… https://t.co/2vkiNXxFnY
https://t.co/YQv3FHWxPJ Operation Get-More-Popular kicking into high gear: no one should be in prison "solely due to the use or possession of marijuana." It was not immediately clear how many people would be affected by the new Biden pardons (He thought about this a long time...)
BREAKING - FULL LIST: President Biden commutes sentences for 11 convicted of drug crimes, saying he was motivated by "equal justice under law" principle in the United States of America. In a statement minutes ago, Biden wrote, "America was founded on the principle of equal… https://t.co/kCNNyZxy9X
BREAKING: President Biden commutes sentences for 11 convicted of drug crimes, saying he was motivated by "equal justice under law" principle in the United States of America. In a statement minutes ago, Biden wrote, "America was founded on the principle of equal justice under… https://t.co/5VGcC8zwTW
BREAKING: President Biden commutes sentences for 11 convicted of drug crimes, saying he was motivated by "equal justice under law" in the United States of America. In a statement minutes ago, Biden wrote, "America was founded on the principle of equal justice under law. Elected… https://t.co/F7COdjbIYu
Suggestion: find out if any of them did things worse than Hunter Biden. Biden commutes sentences for 11 convicted of drug crimes, targeting 'unjustified disparities' https://t.co/h3VZHKSN8m
Biden to grant clemency to 11 nonviolent drug offenders, via @amybwang https://t.co/QaBxwgsXEu