Thursday, December 11, 2008

Blagojevich, Ryan ...and Thompson: above the will of the people?

Blagojevich news 'certainly isn't helpful' for Ryan: Chicago Sun-Times

Why has former governor Jim Thompson worked so hard to enable the convicted felon George Ryan to serve only a small part of his justly deserved prison sentence? Thompson's efforts to spring Ryan early are solidly opposed by an angry public, who more than ever are demanding that those who abuse public office pay a heavy price for their crimes.

Politics in Illinois has become a public gang-rape of the state by criminal career politicians. One of the public's few weapons of deterrence is the aggressive prosecution and severe punishment of official misconduct. We Illinoisans need the FBI and Justice Department to continue working hard to clean the rot from our state and city governments. Let us do what's necessary to rid Illinois of its reputation as a state governed by graft.

And we need former elected officials like "Big Jim" Thompson to stop interfering with the course of justice and working to thwart the will of the people.

Open letter to James R. Thompson, former governor of Illinois

Dear Mr. Thompson,

Your efforts (and those of Senator Durbin and Governor Blagojevich) to obtain an early release from prison for George Ryan are in direct opposition to the good of the state of Illinois and the will of its people. They reinforce Illinois' reputation as a state governed by corrupt politicians.

I recognize that Mr. Ryan, even in prison, has a right to legal representation, and he is entitled to hope for and ask for clemency. However, justice does not demand or even suggest that it be granted or supported by any citizen. Clemency in his case would not be clemency but indulgence, privilege, and injustice.

Official misconduct should be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law. Or do You disagree?

The campaign to release George Ryan is badly misguided, and I encourage You to abandon it, for the good of the state You once served in an official capacity.

Sincerely...