Source: Christian Science Monitor
by staff
“For some Americans, President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter is just more evidence that justice in America is arbitrary and privileged, no matter who is in power. Others saw it as a necessary preemptive step against the vengeful threats of the incoming administration. Those opposing viewpoints, however, fail to capture how Americans feel about the values that pardons reflect. In fact, there’s plenty pointing to a steadily rising tide of empathy, compassion, and mercy, particularly among younger Americans. That public mood coincides with growing interest among some U.S. governors to rethink how their states balance punishment and clemency. Much of this shift is driven by a desire to avoid cynicism about human behavior. ‘We can keep paying attention to callousness, cruelty, and immorality,’ notes Jamil Zaki, a psychology professor and author of the new book ‘Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness.'” (12/03/24)