Give Durbin credit for political courage
December 2nd, 2008 at 02:17pm Pat Cunningham
 
I have mixed feelings about whether President Bush should commute the prison sentence of former Illinois Gov. George Ryan, who was convicted on federal corruption charges in April 2006.
Dick Durbin, the senior U.S. senator from Illinois, has asked Bush to grant clemency to the 74-year-old Ryan because of the failing health of his wife, Lura Lynn. Ryan has served a little more than one year of his six-and-a-half-year sentence.
Durbin has been WIDELY CRITICIZED for his gesture, but I admire his guts. There’s no political upside for him in this matter. He’s a Democrat, and his compassion isn’t likely to win over many members of Ryan’s Republican Party.
Again, I’m conflicted on the issue of clemency for Ryan. But I’ll give Durbin high marks for courage.
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11 Comments Add your own
1. jonw | December 2nd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
It would be an understatement to say I was never impressed with George Ryan and his conviction was not a big surprise to me, however, I find myself feeling compassion for the man and his family. He clearly has paid a pretty significant penalty…loss of pension, a year in prison, his reputation, among other things. This adds up to a deterrent that will hopefully make other crooked politicians think twice. I would side with Durbin and Blago and agree that he should be allowed to live out his days with his wife and family.
2. Egyas | December 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Ryan needs to stay right where he is. He’s a convicted felon, period. He is just one more example of exactly what is wrong with Illinois politics, and he needs to serve his entire sentence.
I have a hunch as to why Durbin and especially Blago want the pres to commute his sentence. Supposedly Tony Rezko is cooperating with the Feds in their investigation of Blago. IF this is true, then Blago may very well need a pardon/commutation of his own when Obama takes office. Sure would be nice to have the precident in place already and to be able to say “Hey, I showed compassion for your guy, where’s mine?”
Yes, it’s just a hunch with no hard evidence. Time will tell.
3. Juice | December 2nd, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Where do you draw the line? Every convict has a story on why they should be let out. Every day we read about a light sentence being made even lighter. True he is not a “risk to society” but he knew he was cheating the system.
4. echo4charlie | December 2nd, 2008 at 5:44 pm
He cheated the system. He cheated you and I.\
I’m sorry, but, if you can’t/don’t want to do the time, don’t do the crime. Think in terms of consequence before you act, like the rest of us.
I say no to granting him clemency. It’s part of the price he hasd to pay.
Would they do the same for you, or I in the exact same scenario?
5. Billybeermonicagar | December 2nd, 2008 at 6:24 pm
This is a man that was convicted of 17 or 18 felony counts. He AND his wife benefited from illegal payoffs. As echo says, he cheated you and I, knowing if he got caught he would most likely spend time in prison. Keep him where he belongs–with the rest of the criminals.
6. Juice | December 2nd, 2008 at 6:58 pm
If Durbin only had GUTS in Washington to support the taxpayers that pay the freight in this country. He is a weak-knee supporter of redistribution.
7. David Johnson | December 2nd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
George Ryan has the blood of an entire family on his hands. He should spend every single day of his sentence behind bars. If he dies in prison, so be it. If he outlives his sentence and he dies a pauper, so be it. Let it be known that political corruption has very serious and dire consequences. There should be no mercy for that man. None.
8. Bob Tatman | December 2nd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
George Ryan is responsible for the death of six children who were burned alive while their parents tried to pull them out of their burning van. I have seen the burnt arms of the father and would not wish the experience on anyone. While it is sad that Ryan’s wife is sick, he made the choice to sell CDLs to unqualified people just to fatten his own wallet. Letting him out of jail because his wife is sick shows that there can be no justice in Illinois against our corrupt politicians.
Contrary to Cunningham’s assertion, Dick Durbin should be ashamed for even thinking that Ryan should be freed.
9. LD | December 3rd, 2008 at 11:52 am
Using Bob’s logic, maybe everyone who voted for Ryan should also be in prison?
10. snuss | December 6th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Aren’t there any other aged felons that are worthy of release? What makes Ryan so special, other than his political ties?
11. coldhotel | December 6th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
LD, you’re going too far. Everyone who voted for him should go to confession.
I think he should be released from prison but put into a house arrest program or something similar, where he can look after his ailing wife but still not be a free man.
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