The Obama Justice Department expanded by thousands the number of people eligible for clemency with new guidelines on criminal sentencing. Deputy Attorney General James Cole said, “Older, stringent punishments that are out of line with sentences imposed under today’s laws erode people’s confidence in our criminal justice system. I am confident that this initiative will go far to promote the most fundamental of American ideals – equal justice under the law.” The Constitution seems to give the president latitude in this regard, and we agree that many mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenses are over the top. That said, there’s undoubtedly a political motive behind this. The administration gives it away when they say they want to ease prison overcrowding. After all, ex-cons vote Democrat.