Presidential pardons are not unique to Donald Trump and rappers, as the notable predecessor to such cases is between Ronald Reagan and Merle Haggard. In March of 1972, Ronald Reagan famously pardoned the ex-convict and country music icon, Merle Haggard, for his numerous felonies. When the whole debacle happened, it was a pretty controversial occurrence. However, controversial or not, it meant the world to Merle Haggard.
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Before Merle Haggard graced Nashville’s country music scene, he often found himself on the wrong side of the law. During his life of crime, the state of California charged him with burglary and sent him to Bakersfield Jail. After he was caught trying to escape, he was then transferred to San Quentin Prison. Thanks to his criminal past, Haggard lived a good portion of his life as a convicted felon. But thanks to Reagan, he was able to start over with a clean slate.
Merle Haggard Says His Pardon “Meant Everything”
Following his pardon in 1972, Haggard spoke about the feelings that ensued in a rather transparent manner.
“Well, you can imagine yourself, you got this tail hanging on you, and suddenly you don’t have it anymore,” said Haggard per Saving Country Music. “It’s just wonderful not to have to walk up and say, ‘Pardon me, before I do this I want to tell you that I’m an ex-convict.’”
Other than the emotional liberation the pardon ensued, Haggard also revealed just how much easier his life got following Reagan’s legal action.
“You have to do that with any sort of legal transaction, while leaving the country, with anything of that nature,” said Haggard. “All those things went away when Ronald Reagan was kind enough to look at my case and give me a pardon. He didn’t have to do that. He could have just snubbed his nose and went on to lunch.”
Haggard’s pardon is heartwarming, even if it involves two powerful people manipulating the legal system to some extent. However, what is often overlooked is that Haggard received a wrongful conviction that resulted in serving extensive jail time.
“People who were in a position to examine my case, found that I was improperly convicted and had no representation because I was poor and things of that nature,” Haggard said, regarding the unjust verdict. “Twelve [state] supreme court justices and Governor Ronald Reagan found it right to pardon me. God, it meant everything. He gave me a second chance.”
Photo by Beth Gwinn/Getty Images
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