Opinion: . . . and an unpardonable pardon

Rich is an American commodities trader who has been holed up in Switzerland since 1983 to avoid facing indictments on 51 counts of tax evasion, racketeering and trading oil with Iran in violation of sanctions imposed during the hostage crisis. He and his business partner were pardoned by President Clinton during the last-minute flurry of presidential pardons and commutations.

Why was Rich given a get out of jail free card by the president?

He could afford it.

In some cases, Clinton used his clemency and pardon powers to right some wrongs and give second chances to people who deserved them, but his action on behalf of Rich was pure payback. Rich fled the country to evade justice, and his pardon effectively rewards his flouting of the legal system.

Rich's ex-wife, Denise, a highly valued fundraiser for the Clintons and the Democrats, aggressively supported her ex-husband's application. Clinton also was pressured by Ehud Barak, the prime minister of Israel, apparently because Rich's foundation has made vast charitable contributions to that country.

Being exiled in Switzerland for Clinton's entire term in office prevented Rich from taking advantage of the Lincoln bedroom, so Clinton apparently had to come up with some other way to show his appreciation to a family that has been a major source of funds. In doing so, he blind-sided federal prosecutors in New York, where the charges against Rich were initially brought. Prosecutors there said they were "shocked and absolutely flabbergasted" by the betrayal.

Denise Rich recently gave the Clintons two coffee tables and two chairs valued at $7,375 as housewarming gifts. That's pocket change compared with the Riches' past donations to the Democratic Party, but the gifts are gallingly symbolic. While he enjoys his extravagant new furnishings, relaxing in one of his fabulous new mansions, the former president should reflect on how the absolute executive pardon and clemency power is an extraordinary grant of trust by the people. It is a trust Clinton betrayed for a well-connected fugitive on his way out the door.

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