Pardoning Turkeys

President Biden "pardoned" Peach and Blossom as part of a holiday tradition that goes back to at least President Bush Sr. The event is a time for some fun. And, to promote the turkey industry, which is the likely origin of this whole thing. Turkeys were donated to presidents for quite some time. 

People, rightly up to a point, ridicule the whole thing. We have some silly traditions. They have a place. So, putting aside that I am a vegetarian, I'm not going to belittle the whole thing too much.  

Yes, I find the whole thing silly. We know that presidents do not literally, in a constitutional sense, pardon birds. I suppose the president might have the legal ability to "pardon" certain animals. For instance, as commander-in-chief, they can be in control of animals serving the military. 

Again, as a vegetarian -- and, when I am fully consistent about ingredients, a vegan -- I am insulted by a ceremony that protects two birds while everyone else eats a bunch of them as a meal. I would note that as a food turkey is more dry and less tasty than a simple chicken meal.

The other thing that usually comes up at this time of year is that presidents, including Democrats, should spend more time pardoning people. That's fair though some critics overcompensate somewhat regarding how little Democrats pardon people. We should have a more streamlined process. Congress can help. As usual, the problem is more than one person.

At the very end of the presidency, perhaps even the last moments, is when we usually have a final bunch of pardons and commutations. So, we will have to wait to see what is in store. A special concern, with the incoming Administration, is people on death row. 

Will we get a token effort there too?