Trump Pardons Coup-Enablers, But Not Assange or Snowden?
Bloomberg notes former President Trump issued pardons to Rudy Giuliani and others involved in attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, labeling it a 'largely symbolic gesture' to his allies. One might wonder about the 'symbolism' when attempting to subvert democratic processes earns a free pass, while those who expose government wrongdoing face perpetual persecution. (For instance, Julian
Assange faces extradition for publishing classified documents, and Edward Snowden remains in exile for revealing NSA surveillance.) The media celebrates the swift application of justice for one set of 'crimes' while overlooking the deliberate, systematic erasure of accountability for others. How many 'symbolic' pardons are available for those who challenge power, versus those who consolidate it?
The consistent narrative is that certain transgressions are unforgivable, unless, of course, you're on the right team.