Basically, if you've done something wrong, but can drum up enough support for the winning political candidate, you get a chance to cut a deal and wipe the slate clean.
To those that say he's rehabilitated etc, I'm sure there were other worthy prisoners too, but why does this particular guy happen to get the pardon on day one?!
Same with the pardoned capitol rioters.
It just feels like a very slippery downwards slope, where political back scratching trumps everything else.
I'm sure the initial narco kingpins were nice, non-violent people too, but rarely do the people involved with supplying drugs stay that way - regardless of whether you're Pablo Escobar or just some kid peddling weed in a sleepy village in the south of France.
I'm really intrigued how people can say these things like they're facts. That's really happening a lot more nowadays. It's an opinion you have.
Or am I wrong, and do you have a source or personal account of some kid in a sleepy village in the south of france? Or could it be that the people who DO stay that way don't reach the media, because they DO stay that way?
One example that stands out: I was playing pool in a quiet bar in a sleepy village. The next thing I know, a sixteen year old walks in and attacks another 16 year old. They are at each others throats, smashing cues on each other and throwing pool balls at each other. They are absolutely battered and bleeding by the end of it. One of the kids was the barman's son. As they finish their fight and are dragged out, another barman says to me "there's no need for that in here" and adds "you know what it's all about - who owed who money for drugs".
Just one example, but I've seen it a few times.