[ShadowRoll]

Always thought the presidential power to pardon was an odd part of our heritage. A leftover from the monarchial government of England, no doubt. It does seem to have been subject to abuse, although it doesn't often get press when it's employed. But it also has some redeeming qualities. It allows the prez to cut through the red tape and just do the right thing (though I'm not saying that Scooter deserved to be partially absolved). I remember when Ford pardoned Tricky Dick. It probably cost him re-election (or should I say election, since Ford was never elected, even as vice-president), but in retrospect, I think it was the right way to end the Watergate scandal and put it all behind us.