Walker says he won't allow Pardon Applications because the only people applying for Executive Clemency and Pardons are people who have already been convicted under the criminal justice system. While I can agree that many felony sentences should not be changed or commuted, I strongly believe certain people deserve a second chance. Especially if they were young and dumb when they committed their crime, the crime was nonviolent, and the person has since changed his or her ways by becoming a valuable and contributing member of the community. Those people who have shown they deserve a Pardon should at least have the opportunity to "APPLY" for a Pardon, with each individual application being judged on the merits and circumstances of that individual. They are not asking for a second chance Per Se, but rather asking for a "Pardon" in every sense of the word. We are asking to be formally "Forgiven." A Pardon does not expunge the crime from one's record. The crime still stands but a Pardon is issued for the record. It is possible for a person to change for the better, to pay their price to society, to pay for their crime, to be remorseful, to take responsibility, and to work to become a better and different person. Walker should not have the right to deny reformed and rehabilitated citizens thier right to request forgiveness in the form of a formal Pardon from the State of Wisconsin. It is an abuse of his power and discretion.
