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Well perhaps 'gimmick' is a loaded word; what I meant was that a full pardon would have been more fitting, and also that he's apologising for something done by
by sharpn 17y ago
Well perhaps 'gimmick' is a loaded word; what I meant was that a full pardon would have been more fitting, and also that he's apologising for something done by someone else long ago - I can't think of a better word, but I do take your point.
- potatolicious 17y agoA full pardon IMHO is more of a gimmick than an apology. The guy is dead - pardoning him won't do him any good. On the other hand, a heartfelt apology communicates something explicitly, and might do some good for people who are facing similar discrimination today.
- sharpn 17y agoNot to split hairs, but a pardon is an action & implies regret - ie communicates something tangible explicitly. Whereas an apology without pardon is 'just words' & implicitly declines the opportunity to pardon. I can't speak for those who are facing similar discrimination, but my guess is that a pardon would be a more tangible comfort. Either way, due credit for making the statement.
- tesseract 17y agoBeing a USian I am not an expert on UK law, but I don't think the Prime Minister has the power to pardon. The Queen would have to do it (though presumably at the advice of the government).
- J_McQuade 17y agoActually, the Secretary of State for Justice has the power to grant a royal pardon, and notably exercised it just the other day: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conviction_of_Michael_Shields#Release http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conviction_of_Michael_Shields#R...
- pmjoyce 17y agoI think tesseract was right. Jack Straw's quote: "... I have recommended to Her Majesty the Queen that he should be granted a free pardon and she has graciously assented." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/8245760.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/8245760.stm