NATION: In response to the actions undertaken by the White House administration to address the matter of clemency involving the US judicial system, Vice President Kamala Harris has reflected on matters associated with the rights and liberties of all prisoners and states that, in the process of meting forth clemency, blacks have not received a fair shake. Harris indicates that "...in particular, people of color—have been denied that fundamental right because of unfair and inequitable drug policies that do not make our communities safer."
By Michelle Crawford-Sapenter
"America was founded on the principle of equal justice under law. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree that our criminal justice system can and should reflect this core value that makes our communities safer and stronger."--US President Joe Biden
Vice President Harris indicated that President Joe Biden issued a "blanket pardon for...marijuana possession under federal and D.C. law, including a decision made in regard to simple marijuana charges.
In the course of the matter of clemency being addressed by President Biden and Vice President Harris, the administration arrived at a decision made in regard to 11 people who are serving "...disproportionately long sentences for non-violent drug offenses."
As a result of the efforts made by Faith based advocates, civil rights leaders and others who acted in support of the President's clemency plan, Vice President Harris stated that President Biden developed and implemented a broader initiative to address the problems that have, for years, existed to inhibit and deny the rights of scores of people of color.
"These marijuana pardons will help thousands of people by making it easier for them to find a job, buy a home, and get an education." --Vice President Kamala Harris
President Biden 's plan incorporates at least 2 significant steps , such that will ensure that while no one should be in a federal prison solely for the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local or state prison for that reason either.
Biden's 2 step plan states: "First, I am commuting the sentences of 11 people who are serving disproportionately long sentences for non-violent drug offenses. All of them would have been eligible to receive significantly lower sentences if they were charged with the same offense today.
Second, following my pardon of prior federal and D.C. offenses of simple possession of marijuana, I am issuing a Proclamation that will pardon additional offenses of simple possession and use of marijuana under federal and D.C. law. Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs."
Today, Vice President Harris stated that the decisions made by herself and the President have been quite certain; "...We must continue to change our nation’s approach to marijuana and reform the criminal justice system. As I have declared many times before, no one should be in prison simply for smoking weed."
Biden indicated that he has made the decision to declare clemency in regard to the use and possession of marijuana quite frequently and states that he encourages Governors to do the same.
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