Marshmallow and Yam

President George W. Bush invites children on stage, Tuesday, November 22, 2005, to pet "Marshmallow, " the National Thanksgiving Turkey, at the official pardoning of the turkey at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington.

Under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution:

"The President ... shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment."

There really are no standards regarding pardons, and only one limitation -- no pardons for the impeached.

Stoked by Bill Clinton's pardon blitz in the final hours of his presidency, debate has stirred about limiting this presidential power.

Yesterday, in spite of his low approval ratings, George W. Bush chose to exercise his power to issue pardons.

One might view that as a risky move, given how weakened the President is right now. Perhaps the President isn't as weakened as the MSM and lib pundits would have us believe.

So far, there has been little to no controversy about his decision. I haven't been aware of any press releases from Harry Reid or Nancy Pelosi charging Bush with misleading the public on this one.

Maybe it's because members of Congress have left D.C. The Senate won't conduct business until December 12. The House won't be back to work until December 6. Still, I don't think vacation is the reason the Dems have been quiet on Bush's decision.

Maybe there has been no outrage from the Dems because even they can understand that Marshmallow and Yam certainly qualify for a pardon. After all, the turkeys have not been impeached.

Moreover, I don't think they've committed any offenses against the United States, which is all the more reason to spare Marshmallow and Yam.

Text of the Presidential Pardon

(Excerpts)

I'm going to grant a pardon this afternoon, and the pardon I grant comes with a new measure of responsibility and fame for Marshmallow and Yam. In the past years, the turkeys I spared went on to lead lives of leisure at Frying Pan Park in the state of Virginia. This year is going to be a little different. Marshmallow and Yam were a little skeptical about going to a place called "Frying Pan Park." I don't blame them. So I'm proud to announce that Marshmallow and Yam will serve as honorary grand marshals at Disneyland's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And they'll go on to spend the rest of their natural lives at Disneyland.

The granting of the turkey pardon is not a responsibility that I take lightly... . I know that Marshmallow and Yam are going to feel pretty good strutting around sunny California, remembering the cold days of Minnesota.

...Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in the American spirit of gratitude and sharing. We see this spirit in America today. When the communities along the Gulf Coast were devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Americans came together to provide help for their neighbors in need. It was a remarkable outpouring of compassion and generosity. That outpouring of compassion demonstrated once again that the great strength of our country lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens.

We also give thanks on Thanksgiving for our many blessings, and we thank those who are far away from home who protect our freedoms. It's through the courage and skill of our Armed Forces that we're safe as a nation, and we're very proud of their service.

We think of our military families who will have an empty seat at the table this Thanksgiving. The American people are thankful for the sacrifice of the American military families, as well. America's men and women in uniform and their families have our gratitude -- not only on Thanksgiving, but on every day.

Our guest of honor seems about ready to come on in and say hello. So without further ado, I grant Marshmallow and Yam a presidential pardon. In the meantime, may God bless you all and your families during this Thanksgiving season.

Do you think the Dems will complain that this pardon was an unethical power grab by Bush?

Was it a shameless photo-op?

Was it a pathetic attempt to prove that the President is in control?

Was Karl Rove behind this?

Do you think that Bush should have gone to the UN to get its approval before acting?

If CBS conducted a poll, I suppose it would be weighted so that at least 30% of those asked would strongly disapprove of Bush's handling of the matter.

Thankfully, Bush doesn't lead by polls, nor does he allow the UN to determine what's best for America or our turkeys.

I, for one, am glad that Marshmallow and Yam will be spending this Thanksgiving Day, and the rest of their lives, at Disneyland.

I hope no Dems attempt to undermine the administration and call for hearings or a special prosecutor to investigate why these two lucky turkeys were granted pardons.

I'd hate to see Marshmallow and Yam roasted by a Senate panel or grilled before a grand jury.



Marshmallow: "I'm going to Disneyland!"