Letter to the editor: Pardon power amendment

The founders recognized that the Constitution might need adjustment in the future and that all circumstances requiring attention might not have been appreciated as the Constitution was originally conceived. Thus, Article V was included, which allows for amendment of the Constitution. Time and experience moved the will of the people to amend the Constitution 27 times to date. I propose that Article II, Section 2 be amended in part as follows:

“The president … shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.”

I propose that this portion of the section now should read as: “The President shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment, and with respect to cases brought against any member of the executive, legislative and judicial branches, for offenses occurring before, during or after such member’s service to the government, whether such service be in elected or appointed office or in any other capacity.”

Recent events have shined a light on the potential for abuse of this power to the detriment of the public will. I have presented this proposed amendment to Sen. Bob Casey, and I urge you to do the same if you believe that this amendment is appropriate. The public will must be firmly and loudly asserted for any change to take place.

Timothy J. Kunselman

McCandless