Pardons for everyone!

A scary thought: If President Joe Biden resigns before the 2024 election, what will prevent him from pardoning himself and/or his son, Hunter, before leaving office?

He has clearly stated he would never pardon Hunter, however that doesn’t mean Vice President Kamala Harris would not do it once she steps into the presidency after Biden resigns, or that a new Democratic president would not do it.

The bribery allegations, the alleged millions that went to him and his family, the drug and gun allegations against Hunter, the whistleblower testimonies — all wiped clean. And all the taxpayer money used and wasted (again).

Another scary thought: If a Republican wins the 2024 election other than Donald Trump, what will prevent him or her from pardoning Trump for any past, current and pending crimes, wiping the slate clean? And if Trump were to run and win, would he try to pardon himself? I have no doubt that he would.

There are obviously state and constitutional issues with these scenarios that will have to play out, and the U.S. Supreme County will most likely be involved. But it’s a scary to think that political stature can get someone forgiveness for any crime and put them above the law.

These are all good reasons why the presidential pardon must be restructured immediately.

Frank Monteleone, Hudson

Hard choices ahead

More Floridians are in the way of powerful hurricanes. What can be done? | Editorial, Sept. 1

The editorial is right on, but in Florida we lack the will for planning and changing when it comes to protecting against future hurricanes. On this issue, political leadership is not prominent, nor is business leadership. If the insurance industry backed half of the idea that the editorial listed there could be real progress. The overriding issue is believing in the dangers and challenges that come with a changing climate.

James Gillespie, St. Petersburg

Is Biden responsible?

Gas prices in Florida hit new 2023 high last week | Aug. 7

I’ve read many letters here recently blaming President Joe Biden for high gas prices and inflation. Since those are market-driven issues, it doesn’t make sense that a president is responsible. Oil companies are making all-time record profits from high gas prices, and many corporations across the board have been posting massive profits thanks to post-pandemic price increases. It sure seems hypocritical that those who insisted that Ronald Reagan and the two Bush presidents were not responsible for inflation and high gas prices are now insisting that Biden is.

Bob Lasher, Clearwater