GOP not perfect, either, Sheriff
An open letter to Sheriff Curran: Welcome to the Republican Party, Sheriff Curran. I wonder if the revelation (that's hitting the wire services as I write this) that President Bush just revoked a pardon that he initiated not 24 hours or so earlier will make you as pleased with your decision as you were a week ago. The pardon was revoked due to significant contributions to Senator and recent Presidential candidate John McCain, Rep. Eric Cantor and the RNC (for a combined total of approximately $32,000) by the subject of the pardon's father.
You see, no one I know claims that either party is perfect or free from selfish actions. However, there is a party that acts as if they always know better, that they always know who's at fault and that they always know how to lead despite their demonstrated inability to do so. Further, this party doesn't even seem to be willing or able to put forth qualified, moderate candidates, which would contribute to the strengthening of our American Democracy (Ms. Topinka, Alan Keyes, Steve Greenberg and Dr. Sauerberg) by providing the people with a true choice in a variety of elections.
Also, your recent comment that your consideration of Operations Greylord and Silver Shovel, which occurred before your accepting the nomination to be the Democratic candidate for Sheriff (in a race against a Republican sheriff with a cloud over his head or at least the appearance of a less than prudent tenure), suggests an impulsiveness or a lack of a comprehensive, plausible rationale for switching parties. Also, the manner in which you operate, including the airing of others' dirty laundry, the constant yearning for the spotlight and your savior-like approach to governmental affairs becomes unappetizing after a while.
To be sure, there are times that I wish that my county's sheriff was Tom Dart instead of you. He doesn't need to spend a week in jail (wouldn't a few days have been sufficient?), slam a friend's electoral opponent vociferously or otherwise grab the spotlight. Instead, he stands up for the average person (one who rents an apartment), catches fugitives via novel methods, and arrests those who deface cemeteries (Westlawn). Maybe they didn't teach such differences in approaches at the academy.
Marc Feldstein
Grayslake