Sailor's Foolish Act Meets Trump Pardon

Dear Best of LinkedIn Reader,

In a world where silence often equates to invisibility, the story of Kristian Saucier serves as a resonant reminder that justice sometimes only comes s only to those who shout.

This narrative is a vivid illustration of how sometimes only the clamor of public voice, amplified by the media's reach, can sway the scales of justice by catching the ear of power itself.

Kristian Saucier's story, from a Navy career to a criminal charge and a pardon, highlights the intricate dance between justice, media influence, and presidential power. Saucier, a former Machinist's Mate 1st Class in the U.S. Navy, found himself in legal turmoil after taking photos of classified areas inside the USS Alexandria, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, in 2009. His actions led to charges of unauthorized retention of national defense information and obstruction of justice, to which he pleaded guilty in 2016. Despite arguing for leniency by comparing his situation to that of Hillary Clinton's email controversy, Saucier was sentenced to one year in federal prison and received an other-than-honorable discharge from the Navy.

At the heart of Kristian Saucier's story lies not a tale of espionage or malicious intent but rather a youthful misstep—a momentary lapse in judgment by a young serviceman, merely seeking to preserve memories of his time aboard with snapshots sent to his partner.

This act, though patently stupid, underscored the innocence of his intentions, far removed from any real criminal liability.

It was an error born not out of a desire to harm or betray, but from the simple human desire to share aspects of one's life with those they hold dear.

The story took a significant turn when Donald Trump, then the Republican presidential candidate, highlighted Saucier's case during the 2016 campaign, suggesting a disparity in justice compared to the treatment of Hillary Clinton. This comparison and the ensuing media attention galvanized public support for Saucier, leading to an aggressive campaign for a presidential pardon. Saucier's legal team engaged the media, notably appearing on "Fox & Friends," to argue for his pardon, emphasizing the perceived injustice of his conviction compared to other high-profile cases.

The pivotal moment came on March 9, 2018, when President Trump pardoned Saucier. This act was only the second pardon of Trump's presidency at the time and was announced with acknowledgment of Saucier's service to the country and a critique of the severity of his felony conviction given his commendable military record.

The implications of Saucier's pardon extend beyond his personal freedom and record clearance.

It underscores the powerful role of media in shaping narratives and influencing decisions at the highest levels of government.

Saucier's case became a talking point among bi-partisan members of Congress and was propelled into the national conversation. This sequence of events highlights the reality that, without the spotlight afforded by media coverage and public campaign, Saucier might not have received the pardon.

His story is a testament to the importance of voice and visibility in seeking justice, showcasing how media attention and public support can lead to redress in the legal system.

Until Next Time, Stay Well & Swim Strong,

David

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? Published by: David Vogel, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

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