[NekkoDroid]

> NB: I really disliked the preemptively pardoning. Like really really disliked it and wish it were not legal.

I also really hate it, but it's becoming more obvious with time that they to some degree were necessary in this case. Ideally they wouldn't be needed or possible, but Trump and his administration seem to have multiple axes to grind with anyone in the government not directly subserviant to him.

[jimkleiber]

Not necessary, just out of fear. They capitulated to Trump's threats instead of standing up and fighting hard for principles.

[SauciestGNU]

Sure, but Fauci should also not have to spend the twilight years of his very accomplished life defending himself from petulant fascists' revenge prosecutions.

[jimkleiber]

Yes, emotionally I'd agree. However, legally, I think it's a very slippery slope. What if Don Jr shoots someone dead and then Trunp premptively pardons him so no one can investigate the shooting?

I think the hard part of enforcing the law is enforcing it equally, even towards those we love the most.

[SauciestGNU]

I think enforcing the law is only important while there is rule of law. What the Republicans are doing now is rule by law. It's not a good-faith reading of laws, it's using raw state power to turn the legal apparatus against the perceived enemies of the state/regime.

We're way past lofty ideals like equal application of the law. It's going to take a reconsideration of our social contract in order to live in a society where we once again protect the innocent and punish the guilty.

[jimkleiber]

Or we just get beyond the idea of punishing the guilty and go to restorative justice.

[SauciestGNU]

But I want bad things to happen to bad people...

I agree with restorative justice, but the people using a law as a weapon do not so I hope they see the same mercy they show their victims.