Wayward Son and Fallen Father.

"Any remaining credibility in the U.S. justice system, now disappears like cocaine up Hunter's nose."

When an open goal presents itself, take the shot. Joe Biden has just given us that opportunity. 

For decades, the U.S. has lectured us here in Hong Kong on due process, human rights, and the sacrosanct 'rule of law'. Yet, in the dying moments of his shaky presidency, Biden pardons his son's crimes, exposing that the 'rule of law' is a fig leaf. 

This is the latest twist in the Hunter Biden sorry saga. Either Biden senior is the best dad in the world or a profoundly corrupt man who is prepared to throw the U.S. Constitution on the fire and trash the nation's credibility for a wayward son. 

It's important to remember the various elements in this sordid affair - documented here. Hunter, a grown man, did vast amounts of crack cocaine while filming himself with hookers. He failed to pay his taxes and lied about his addiction when applying to purchase a gun.

He pleaded guilty to some charges and was found guilty of others. Plus, the outstanding matter of his alleged dodgy deals will probably remain hidden now that Daddy has rescued him.

Further, when getting his computer repaired and images came to light of his antics with prostitutes, somebody arranged for tens of former intelligence officials to come forward with claims it was all a Russian plot. The media went along for the ride, repeating the lie without much attempt to question its validity. 

Subsequently, this cover-up was exposed; the Russians had nothing to do with it. Instead, you've got a wreckless man going off the rails while Dad provides top cover. 

Now, Biden senior isn't the first U.S. President to grant a pardon to close friends and family. Here is a long list of such pardons. Note anything? Most of those given a free pass are family, friends, dodgy aides, or supporters. 

In a mealy-mouthed explanation, President Biden asserts he went back on his word not to intervene in Hunter's legal troubles because "Hunter was treated differently," and "raw politics has infected this process."

Sure, we know Hunter was treated differently. Holding Hunter accountable was a delayed and drawn out process. Moreover, old Joe provides no evidence that the process was tainted. Indeed, that suggestion is hotly contested.

Biden senior would be more credible had he admitted that he had done nothing more than protect his son from jail. 

This pardon is uniquely hypocritical because Biden senior campaigned on a promise not to interfere with the justice process. That was until he withdrew from the presidential election and gave way to the hapless Harris.

Moreover, throughout his political career, especially when dealing with overseas countries, he constantly bragged about the 'rule of law' and claimed moral superiority. All of that is now proving to be flannel and worthless rhetoric.

If Biden senior doesn't realise the amount of damage done to American standing, then the man is a fool. We know he is cognitively weakened by age and struggles at times to put a coherent sentence together. Thus, I suspect his powerful wife prevailed upon him to grant Hunter the pardon.

Of course, the other aspect of this saga is that Biden has kicked open the door for Trump to pardon Trump.

Any remaining credibility in the U.S. justice system, now disappears like cocaine up Hunter's nose.

Post Script

Well, it didn't take long. Trump is now citing the Hunter pardon in his legal cases asserting "raw politics has infected this process."