NM governor considers pardon for Billy the Kid

[i8godzilla]

Just don't know what to say about this............

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/art ... wD9H9AJEG0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Synopsis: Gov Richardson wants to make good on a promise made by New Mexico territorial Gov. Lew Wallace in ~1879.

[Oldgringo]

Why not? We have several live people in the U.S. government who were apparently pardoned for not paying their taxes, why can't we have a dead guy in New Mexico pardoned for shooting people.

[couzin]

Next will be the Texas Rangers apologizing for participating in the killin of Bonnie and Clyde...

[G.A. Heath]

The reason a Billy the Kid pardon is discussed goes back to when he agreed to terms that the then governor of the New Mexico Territory offered him. Those terms included a pardon that was never granted although William supposedly lived up to his end of the deal until it became clear that the governor lied. Thus today many people still feel that a pardon should still be issued, that and it gets Billy the Kid back in the news just in time for the reenactment of his escape from the Lincoln County Court House (A tourism thing).

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

The reason a Billy the Kid pardon is discussed goes back to when he agreed to terms that the then governor of the New Mexico Territory offered him. Those terms included a pardon that was never granted although William supposedly lived up to his end of the deal until it became clear that the governor lied. Thus today many people still feel that a pardon should still be issued, that and it gets Billy the Kid back in the news just in time for the reenactment of his escape from the Lincoln County Court House (A tourism thing).

[suthdj]

You would think the NM government has more important things to do then pardon a dead outlaw.

[OldCannon]

Why not? We have several live people in the U.S. government who were apparently pardoned for not paying their taxes, why can't we have a dead guy in New Mexico pardoned for shooting people.

It's much more complex than that, just like other heroes and villains of the old west, the lines were sometimes (and sometimes "often") crossed. Bonney's case was odd because of the fact that "good guys" were rather corrupt, and his involvement in the Lincoln County War. I'd say he was no different than the other folks he associated with, but the press of those times sensationalized several stories (hmm...could just as well be modern times too). In the end, he was promised a pardon and the gov reneged on it.

Frankly, it's all quite silly now...pardoned or not, everything that did (or didn't) happen was many generations ago, and to make much ado about it now is a mere tempest in a teacup.

[Oldgringo]

Why not? We have several live people in the U.S. government who were apparently pardoned for not paying their taxes, why can't we have a dead guy in New Mexico pardoned for shooting people.

It's much more complex than that, just like other heroes and villains of the old west, the lines were sometimes (and sometimes "often") crossed. Bonney's case was odd because of the fact that "good guys" were rather corrupt, and his involvement in the Lincoln County War. I'd say he was no different than the other folks he associated with, but the press of those times sensationalized several stories (hmm...could just as well be modern times too). In the end, he was promised a pardon and the gov reneged on it.

Frankly, it's all quite silly now...pardoned or not, everything that did (or didn't) happen was many generations ago, and to make much ado about it now is a mere tempest in a teacup.

Agreed; however, NM is still among the poorest states in the Union. If this action will bring in some tourism dollars, I'm okay with it. BTW, Lincoln, NM is worth a look if y'all are ever in the area. Did you say there was once corruption in NM?

[Salty1]

"You would think the NM government has more important things to do then pardon a dead outlaw."

I fully agree, with all the issues facing us spending even 2 minutes on this is a waste of what could be productive time. I wonder how many jobs this pardon will create or how it will help the economy? Maybe we can publish that Billy has been pardoned and is now going to secure our borders with his 6 shooters.....

[pbwalker]

The guy died in 1881...this is for show. No big deal in my book. No reason to get all upset.

[gregthehand]

You would think the NM government has more important things to do then pardon a dead outlaw.

Not really. Have you been to New Mexico??

That's why I want to retire or move their first chance I get!!

[texas1234]

I thought the whole thing is pretty cool its a break from the current news and all going on in this country. None of you mentioned that Pat Garrets living relatives are ticked over it. So not only is it an issue in the news but there is also living opposition from the family of the guy who killed Billey the Kid.

However, I am pretty sure William or Pat dont give a flying............

[Oldgringo]

Why not? Look at the congress and the current administration.

Billy only killed a few people, he didn't screw anybody out of their savings, houses, jobs or retirement or nothin'. That's more than can be said for...