Should have taken stand before election

To: Senator Richard Durbin,

Your request to George Bush to spring George Ryan from jail smacks of everything I and my husband voted against when we voted for 'change' under Barack Obama.

It is a continuation of the 'old boy' network of cronyism that we abhor. It's apparent that you've made your request only because you personally know the Ryans. Otherwise, you would be making the same requests for the countless other families that are in similar circumstances.

It is also the personification of the 'power corrupts' dictum. We, the voters, gave you the power to be a United States senator for eight more years. And within a month, you've dishonored our trust by thumbing your nose at your constituents. Even you have said your request met with overwhelming negative responses from the residents of Illinois.

You obviously believe that as a senator who doesn't have to answer to us for eight years, that you are bigger than us. You have spurned the rule of law that we had hoped would be restored by the Obama presidency, especially at the justice department.

The law, under a courageous federal prosecutor and at great cost to the taxpayer, made it's decision about George Ryan. But just like Bush, you now believe that you are above the law. And, if you had any courage, you would have sprung this commutation request before you were elected.

My husband and I voted for you this year and 8 years ago. But no matter what happens next we will not be voting for you again, even if it means voting Republican for the first time in 30 years. We will remember.

Eve Ray

Glendale Heights