I had never really thought about the history or details of the US President’s power to grant pardons. Rhythmically at the end of every 4-year Presidential cycle we hear about a bunch of pardons followed by the press’s praise or criticism of those they want to highlight. This is a powerful tool that can be used to ensure justice or to the unscrupulous used to show favors. It is important that such a powerful and meaningful authority is used with proper governance and integrity. And for those who do not know, the pardon system has been significantly changed under this current Administration with the addition of a pardon czar to the Office of the President: Alice Marie Johnson.
Early this year I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with Alice through my work with Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA), of which I am on their advisory board. For those who know me, you will chuckle as I used my 100 questions in the first hour with Alice and I was just warming up. Let me share a few of my takeaways of Alice and the role of the pardon czar.
- This is the first time that there has been a pardon czar as historically it has resided under the DOJ.
- Alice personally knows what it feels like to be incarcerated for 21 years as well as the feeling of receiving a presidential pardon.
- She knows what it means “to live” no matter the circumstances as she has impact lives behind and beyond bars.
- She has a deep Faith and believes in Truth and Justice.
- But my biggest takeaway is her energy and seriousness she brings to free as many deserving people as possible.
- Did I mention her energy and fearless pursuit to cut through the bureaucracy to free as many who are deserving?
I wish we lived in a perfect world where the judicial system got everything right, but that is simple-mindedness to think that is what exists. But from someone who got to know the pardon czar, she is a role model for “living” and one you can trust cares about people and justice. Next time you hear about a Presidential pardon I encourage you to think of Alice Mary Johnson and how she is bringing about just mercy.
