It's Monday, October 10, 2022.

I'm Albert Moller, and this is the briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.

Here's something to watch.

When the White House makes a big announcement and it's a surprise announcement,

it's because it didn't want negative publicity

before the announcement was made.

That was the case on Thursday when the President of the United States made the statement that

he was issuing a blanket pardon for all of those who have been convicted of the federal crime of mere

marijuana possession. That's the way he put it. Let me cite his opening words, quote,

as I often said during my campaign for president, no one should be in

jail just for using or possessing marijuana. He went on to say, sending people to

prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer

prohibit. Criminal records for marijuana possession have also imposed needless barriers

to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

And while white and black and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, black and brown people

have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates.

He went on to say that Thursday he was announcing three big

steps. First of all this pardon of all prior federal offenses of simple possession of

marijuana, second urging all governors to do the same

with regard to state offenses, and third,

asking the Secretary of Health and Human Services

and the Attorney General to, quote,

...