
Clemency Cynicism
OK — time for some conspiratorial cynicism, or cynical conspiracy theorizing. Take your pick.
I don’t claim credit for the theory I’m going to advance — that belongs to a Sacramento insider I know.
It’s basic assumption is that Governor Schwarzenegger is an evil genius and master media manipulator, rather than dumkopf he heedlessly enrages his conservative supporters with the Susan Kennedy appointment.
The theory goes something like this:
Schwarzenegger never had any intention of granting clemency to Tookie Williams. After all, he had already denied clemency for two other convicts, so there’s no reason to think Arnold has suddenly begun agonizing over the death penalty.
However, Arnold also knew that appointing Susan Kennedy as his chief-of-staff would provoke a firestorm among California conservatives. So, rather than telling the liberal… Read More