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Ross Ulbricht granted a full pardon

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Re: Ross Ulbricht granted a full pardon

#871

Post by scudsworth »

holuponemoment wrote: post #456
scudsworth wrote: post #128

In one message, Ulbricht informed ELLINGSON that “[the murder target] is a liability and I wouldn't mind if he was executed.” In another message, Ulbricht stated: “[the murder target] is causing me problems . . . I would like to put a bounty on his head if it’s not too much trouble for you. What would be an adequate amount to motivate you to find him?” ELLINGSON responded, “[the p]rice for clean is 300k+ USD,” and th…

James Ellingson is a convicted federal criminal charged with numerous crimes related to this case. Tasked with investigating Silk Road he ended up in jail himself, along with his co-workers. There's a very good reason none of this stuff ever went to trial, it would be incredibly embarrassing for the agencies involved to see the light of day.

im familiar with the case. ross still attempted to hire a killer multiple times.

Re: Ross Ulbricht granted a full pardon

#872

Post by doctorpangloss »

_yb2s wrote: post #798

I feel torn about this because it seems there was good evidence for attempted murder- and I cannot understand why they never tried him for that (seemingly larger) crime. However, for the crime he was actually found guilty of, the sentence was unfair and unreasonable. It seems they unethically sentenced him for crimes he was not even ever charged with. I'd also argue he almost certainly saved a huge number of lives wi…

You are feeling the same thing that some people felt who wanted OJ Simpson exonerated.

Re: Ross Ulbricht granted a full pardon

#873

Post by barbazoo »

_yb2s wrote: post #807
azinman2 wrote: post #800

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not going to comment on the murder part as that’s well discussed here. I would take issue with assuming that it was net positive with ratings. Given the anonymous nature handling bots spamming fake reviews would be even harder to catch here, and you ultimately don’t know who ended up addicted/hooked/DUI’s etc from the easy availability this provided. I’m not sure the total effects could ever be qualified, but it’s no…

> I would take issue with assuming that it was net positive with ratings. I know this is probably as minority view, but I think if adults consent to buying and using any drug, that should be both fully legal, and their right and responsibility- any negative consequences are 100% their own fault, not the person who sold them. It's probably true that making drugs easier to buy made more people buy them, but I was only…

> I know this is probably as minority view, but I think if adults consent to buying and using any drug, that should be both fully legal, and their right and responsibility- any negative consequences are 100% their own fault, not the person who sold them. It's probably true that making drugs easier to buy made more people buy them, but I was only considering the ill effects of fraudulently adulterated products. Do the math differently if you don't see it this way.

I'd agree with you if the people that used these drugs did so rationally. That's not the case mostly though from what I've heard. Trauma is often the root cause and that's out of many people's control. From then on it's ub to society to help them.

If a high performing exec wants to buy drugs to function better, sure maybe that's ok but I doubt that's the majority of people.

Re: Ross Ulbricht granted a full pardon

#874

Post by aksss »

gigatexal wrote: post #632

What’s the overall take of HN here? Was the government overstepping? Is everyone supporting this undoing of his sentence? Are we generally pro free drug trade? Or are we more anti-FBI?

“We”? Examine your own principles, review the facts, come to your own conclusion.

Re: Ross Ulbricht granted a full pardon

#877

Post by dredmorbius »

gigatexal wrote: post #632

What’s the overall take of HN here? Was the government overstepping? Is everyone supporting this undoing of his sentence? Are we generally pro free drug trade? Or are we more anti-FBI?

The overall take of HN is that a sober discussion of this situation isn't possible on this site.

Re: Ross Ulbricht granted a full pardon

#878

Post by belter »

sherburt3 wrote: post #693
belter wrote: post #475

May I respectfully and humbly suggest to this community to avoid posting Twitter links?

What's wrong with twitter links?

First you can only read if you create an account, second its owned by this person: https://preview.redd.it/vpt4ycl43eee1.gif?width=480&format=m...

Re: Ross Ulbricht granted a full pardon

#879

Post by aksss »

liendolucas wrote: post #669

I think that we have to agree that anyone doing this today will definitely go to jail, and is my personal opinion that there must be a punishment. Now, the discussion could be if a life sentence is a fair sentence or not. I personally feel that a life sentence is a disproportionate punishment, moreover if the subject shows a different attitude after being in jail for more than a decade. Ten years time to medidate abo…

Wasn’t it _two_ life sentences plus forty years?

Re: Ross Ulbricht granted a full pardon

#880

Post by microtherion »

jjallen wrote: post #655
mrandish wrote: post #181

This is wonderful. I've never argued that Ross shouldn't have served time but it's always been clear his prosecution and sentencing were excessive and unjust. The prosecutors asked for a 20 year sentence, which seemed disproportionate given the sentencing guidelines for a first-time offender and the non-violent charges he was convicted of. But the judge sentenced Ross to TWO life sentences plus 40 years - without the…

But he’s only served a tiny fraction of what you say was an unjust sentence. So the jury’s still out as to whether he’s served enough time. Other hard drug dealers get way more time than Ross has served. Its astonishing that granting pardons to drug dealers and attempted murderers is something Trump sees as one of the more urgent matters affecting the most powerful nation on Earth. I wish this weren’t true.

Maybe Trump is counting on Ulbricht starting a blockchain based online grocery chain to bring down the price of eggs.
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