Scranton Finally Turning on Biden as Officials Demand Removal of His Name from Landmark
President Joe Biden has often celebrated his ties to Scranton, Pennsylvania, emphasizing his roots in the "Electric City" during numerous public appearances.
However, after granting clemency to a judge implicated in a cash-for-kids scheme that led to the incarceration of thousands of juveniles in northeastern Pennsylvania, Scranton seems to have lost that spark of admiration.
Pennsylvania Republican State Representative Brenda Pugh has called for the removal of Biden’s name from expressways in Scranton that were dedicated in his honor. This demand comes in response to his pardon of former Luzerne County Judge Michael Conahan, who was convicted of accepting bribes to send juveniles to detention centers—many for minor infractions or no offenses at all, as reported by PAHomepage.
Pugh strongly criticized the pardon, describing it as an affront to justice. “Conahan’s conduct is forever a blight on Pennsylvania and is a slap in the face to the victims and their families who deserve justice to be served for his atrocious crimes,” she stated, according to PAHomepage.
She further added, “His clemency places complicity and a stamp of approval on his behavior. Children are among the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. This decision is nothing short of a travesty and his clemency is a miscarriage of justice.”
Pugh is not alone in her condemnation. Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro also voiced his disapproval, expressing regret over the presidential pardon.
“As someone outside of the decision-making process, I’ll offer these thoughts: President Biden got it absolutely wrong and created a lot of pain here in northeastern Pennsylvania,” Shapiro remarked last week, per the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
He continued, “Some children took their lives because of this. Families were torn apart. There was all kinds of mental health issues and anguish that came as a result of these corrupt judges deciding they wanted to make a buck off a kid’s back.”
Given these events, it’s increasingly difficult to justify keeping Biden’s name on Scranton’s infrastructure.
This scandal, which devastated countless lives, seems to have been the tipping point for many in the community. Yet, there are additional reasons to reconsider such honors for Biden.
Beyond this specific controversy, criticisms of his administration's handling of the economy, involvement in multiple global conflicts, and concerns over his mental acuity have further eroded trust. Allegations of corruption tied to the Biden family’s foreign business dealings in Ukraine and China add fuel to the fire.
Highways should be reserved for individuals who exemplify integrity—not those whose actions raise serious questions about justice and accountability.