In a move that would restore justice and advance the pursuit of equity in the justice system, President Joe Biden should commute any potential prison sentence handed down to his son, Hunter Biden.
Hunter Biden’s case highlights the rampant disparities that exist in the criminal justice system, particularly for individuals with substance use disorder. Data has consistently shown that people of color and those from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately arrested, convicted, and incarcerated for drug offenses compared to their white counterparts. Commuting Hunter Biden’s sentence would send a powerful message that the justice system should be fair and just for all, regardless of their family background or socio-economic status.
Substance use disorder is a serious public health crisis that requires compassion and treatment, not punishment. Hunter Biden’s struggle with addiction should be recognized as a health issue, not a criminal one. Commuting his sentence would allow him to access the necessary resources and support he needs to recover and rebuild his life. It would also reduce the stigma associated with addiction and encourage others to seek help without fear of incarceration.
As a father, President Biden understands the profound impact that a prison sentence can have on a family. Hunter Biden has a young daughter who deserves to have a relationship with her father. Commuting his sentence would allow him to be present and supportive in her life, rather than isolated behind bars. It would also alleviate the financial and emotional burden on President Biden and his family, who have already endured so much scrutiny and public attention.
Commuting Hunter Biden’s sentence would not only be a just and compassionate act but also a politically astute one. It would demonstrate President Biden’s commitment to addressing systemic racism in the justice system and to prioritizing public health over punishment. By taking this step, he could rise above partisan divisions and unite the nation in pursuing a more just and equitable society.
For the sake of justice, public health, family unity, and political reconciliation, President Joe Biden should commute any potential prison sentence for Hunter Biden. This act of compassion and leadership would send a powerful message about the need for a fairer and more humane justice system, and would set an example for all citizens to prioritize treatment over punishment when addressing substance use disorder.
Let us not allow political expediency or personal bias to cloud our judgment. By commuting Hunter Biden’s sentence, President Biden can make a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals struggling with addiction and their families. It is time to choose empathy, restorative justice, and a path forward that prioritizes healing and rehabilitation over retribution and incarceration.
