When the framers of the Constitution defined the presidency their model was George Washington, a person of impeccable virtue and honor. We should not have to wonder whether our president will stay within the limits they set. In our history we have a few examples of presidents who have violated both the letter and spirit of the Constitution; therefore, we should consider candidates with that in mind. But an equally important consideration is what the president will do with the constitutional powers. My concern is the use and abuse of the pardon.

Donald Trump has declared that he will pardon many of those convicted in the violent assault on the Capitol in 2021. Doing so sends a dangerous message. It encourages the pursuit of political goals through the use of disruption and violence. Even worse, it fosters the use of what amounts to a private militia to harass public officials. That informal militia is already in action harassing election officials, school boards, judges and anyone else that offends their idol or their agenda. Granting pardons in such cases will encourage that militia to ignore the bounds of law. It is unsettling to contemplate a president who commands a private militia which uses force and intimidation to achieve political goals which cannot be achieved through legitimate political processes.

Richard A. Hesse

Hopkinton