More pardons may be on way from Trump
AS with many sitcoms and miniseries the subplot parallels and comments on the main conflict.
The short-lived soap-opera
Commander in Chief had an episode “The Mom Who Came to Dinner” where the pardoning of the traditional thanksgiving turkey was juxtaposed with the fate of a woman on death row.
President Donald Trump, after pardoning one of the White House turkeys, has also used his executive authority to pardon Michael Flynn.
(Ronald Reagan joked about pardoning the thanksgiving turkey rather than those involved in the Iran-contra scandal).
Trump’s previous pardoning of Roger Stone was extremely controversial.
He also claimed Michael Cohen asked him for a presidential pardon. There is now judicial concern Trump will try to pardon Paul Manafort before leaving office.
The four president’s men were the convicted-felon subject, of Randy Rainbow’s song parody
Cellblock Tango.
Now speculation is rife about whether the 45th president will attempt to pre-emptively pardon his son who lied about the cover up of Russian collusion, or his
eldest daughter. ( The Simpsons have predicted Ivanka will be a presidential candidate in 2028, having been accurate about Trump’s election.)
Bill Clinton pardoned his own brother and a Democratic Party donor who fled the country for tax evasion.
It has also been suggested Trump may temporarily step down or resign and have Mike Pence pardon him (Ford pardoned Nixon).
He could even pardon himself (constitutionally debatable), an option contemplated by Richard Nixon. Squattergate is not, however, Watergate or Zippergate.
Even if Trump was successful, he would only be immune to federal prosecution such as obstruction of justice, not to state, like defamation and bank and tax fraud.
It seemed a little ironic that Trump should break with tradition and fail to grant a stay of execution for prisoners on death row, during a presidential transition.
The Bible has a parable for it: The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21).
Now that he has agreed to let the Biden transition begin, while drawing on the New Testament cliche to “keep-up the good fight”, it might at last be considered he is
“talking turkey”.
WILLIAM ROSS, Cranbrook.
ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
Farm work is one of the most dangerous professions in Queensland, due to the use of heavy machinery, chemicals, trucks, tractors and field work required.
Injury claims accepted by Workcover insurers in the agricultural and forestry industry increased to 2268 in 2019-20 from 2195 the year prior, according to Worksafe Queensland.
Many farmers think an accident is never going to happen to them but in my experience accidents can occur when even the most experienced farmers are present, who have been performing the same tasks for many years.
For this reason, it’s important for an employer to not only put the right procedures in place to keep staff safe but also ensure they are implemented on a day-to-day basis. The remote work farmers undertake can mean they are isolated from help, putting them at further risk.
Recent reports of farming accidents in North Queensland really put into perspective the importance of workplace health
and safety. Even if it’s your own family business, it’s not worth putting yourself or your family at risk.
I have represented farmers who have been injured by fires, quad bikes, trucks or tractors rolling, faulty machinery or while undertaking regular maintenance on machinery and vehicles.
When you’re under stress, things can go wrong.
Aghealth Australia reported six farm deaths between January and June this year, as well as 44 injuries. If you are involved in an accident, it’s important to know you have possible legal entitlements available to you.
SARAH SINGH, Slater and Gordon Townsville
Associate.
STOP KILLING ANIMALS
THE Townsville City Council has too much power.
There has been many different types of animals that have been in road accidents, so now they want to kill horses because they can.
Is it kill thrill?
Bob Katter wants every croc killed, others want all sharks killed.
Where does it end? The family pet wouldn’t want to get out of line.
JEFF FOSTER, North Ward.