Spate Of Guv Parson Pardons Offers Hope To Devalkenaere Supporters

Right now we consider what might be a sneak peek at the impending climax of a Kansas City controversy . . . 

Our main takeaway and low key hope for the holidays . . .

STRIDENT SUPPORTERS OF FORMER KCPD DETECTIVE ERIC DEVALKENAERE HOPE THAT HE'LL BE HOME BY CHRISTMAS!!!

To be fair . . .

On the other side of the argument . . . Opponents of any pardon or clemency argue against online advocacy, a recent petition and attacks what they've identified as partisan attacks against Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker. 

Nevertheless . . . 

There's a bit of irony at play given that both Mayor Q and "Mean Jean" have been enthusiastic recent exoneration efforts and demands for restorative justice that resonate amongst progressives. 

A passage from this report seems to indicate that recent crusades to free so many local inmates might result in the forgiveness of this former Kansas City Police Detective.

Check-it . . .

Parson's pardoning pace in Republican-heavy Missouri coincides with a national movement to restore citizens' rights and reputations after they have served criminal sentences . . .

So far, Parson has denied about 2,400 clemency requests while granting 613 pardons and 20 commutations. That's the most since Republican Gov. Forrest Donnell granted almost 1,700 pardons from 1941-1945.

At the federal level, President Joe Biden last year pardoned thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession and encouraged governors to do the same.

The movement marks a step back from the tough-on-crime politics of the late 20th century and a return to an earlier American era when pardons and commutations were much more common.

Though the process varies, every state allows some form of clemency. Commutations shorten the length of sentences. Pardons function like official forgiveness for crimes, restoring rights such as the ability to own firearms and clearing hurdles for employment.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Missouri governor pardoning at pace not seen since WWII

Missouri Governor Mike Parson has granted more than 600 pardons in the past three years, which is more than any Missouri governor since the early 1940s.