Appeal to Kathy Hochul: Pardon Hero Daniel Penny

In the heart of New York City, the unfolding saga highlights a relentless march towards authoritarianism under Governor Kathy Hochul's tenure. The introduction of the National Guard into the subway stations exacerbates an ongoing trend of government overreach, magnifying the shocking prosecution of Daniel Penny. This Marine veteran, implicated in the tragic confrontation aboard a NYC subway that led to the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man with a known history of mental illness and violence, has become a focal point in a broader narrative of fear and control.

Governor Hochul's actions, part of a series of authoritarian measures since assuming office, reflect a profound disregard for the fundamental rights of citizens to protect themselves. Deploying military forces to civilian areas, rather than addressing the systemic failures that allow violent criminals to evade justice, reveals a preference for control over genuine safety. The indictment of Daniel Penny for protecting others in their time of need illustrates a bizarre hatred of individual rights and self-preservation.

The paradox of prosecuting victims of violence while failing to adequately address known threats poses a stark question: Why is there a disparity in accountability, where individuals like Jordan Neely, with a history of violence, are not contained, yet citizens acting in self defense or defense of others find themselves facing legal battles? This situation sheds light on an ongoing systemic failure to prioritize public safety and uphold justice evenly. (And it’s not just Hochul; Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg are both culprits as well.)

This narrative is not just a critique of a singular incident but highlights Governor Hochul's lack of leadership, emphasizing the urgent need for policy reassessment. The decision to militarize civilian spaces without tackling the root causes of violence reveals a troubling trend towards an authoritarian approach, compromising the principles of freedom and security.

In this context, the call for a full pardon for Daniel Penny (and a sincere apology) is not merely a plea for justice in an individual case but a demand for a shift in governance. It stands as a critical reminder of the importance of self-defense as a fundamental right in a society that values freedom and justice. Governor Hochul now stands at a crossroads: to persist with policies that increasingly encroach upon individual freedoms or to recognize the need for a change in direction that genuinely prioritizes the safety and rights of New Yorkers.

This discrepancy in the treatment of law-abiding citizens versus known offenders highlights a troubling trend that undermines the security and freedom of the public. The policies and actions of Governor Hochul's administration contribute to a climate of fear and vulnerability, calling for a reevaluation of priorities to ensure that the rights to safety and self-defense are not only upheld but championed. The situation surrounding Daniel Penny and the broader implications of Hochul's governance challenge us to reflect on the values and principles upon which our legal and political systems should stand. The time to apologize and pivot is now, Governor Hochul.