I support former President’s Trump call to pardon J6 protestors, especially those who did not engage in violence besides trespassing in a public building that was closed off from the public due to the COVID-19 lock-downs. Protecting democracy and freedom of speech is more important then a technical violation of the lock-down, or even some of the more minor damage to US Capitol like broken windows, doors or furniture — or things like bruises and scratches to the Capitol Police Officers during the malady.

But I think there should pardons given out to far more then the J6 protestors — but to all those who were swept up during the crackdown against disorderly protests that sometimes spilled over into riots and property damage during the summer of 2020 into winter of 2021. America was going through a tough time during the COVID-19 pandemic, not just a health crisis but also an extreme economic and social crisis. Whether it be George Floyd Protests, the Black Lives Matter Protests, or the lock-down protests — either for or against more restrictions — we should view it through the lens of the context of the time. Windows were broken, cars and properties vandalized. Many people went too far, amped up on emotion and frustration of living through a pandemic.

After the Vietnam War, Jimmy Carter pardoned the Vietnam Draft Dodgers — those who unlawfully hid from the draft. Many of the Weather Underground, and other protest groups, who engaged in minor violence and disorder were ultimately not prosecuted. President Nixon was pardoned by President Ford for his misdeeds in the White House. Pardoning put a closure on this troublesome time we were living through. It brought closure to many people’s lives, while recognizing and honoring the men and women who leaded and where politically involved in making our country a better place through these troublesome times.

January 6th, Lock-down and Black Lives Matter Protestors all may have different political views. But what binds them together is their courage to tackle the political crisis of day, and express themselves. Did in many cases they go to far? Yes. Did in many cases did they destroy property, cause minor injuries to police and bystanders? Absolutely. Yet, they were reacting to the troublesome times we all lived together, had courage, even if they were swept up into sometimes destructive mobs. But in most cases, these individuals, who have been through a lot over the past few years, are unlikely to re-offend, and it is best to just write-off whatever bad things they did, much like we wrote off loans that kept businesses and families afloat during the tough times of the pandemic.

I hope if former President Trump is elected in 2024, and he promises to give blanket pardons to January 6th protestors, that in response, President Biden will offer a blanket pardon to George Floyd and Black Lives Matter Protests. It will be good for the First Amendment and democracy — and provide important closure.