Durbin should end call for Ryan pardon

I sent an e-mail to Sen. Dick Durbin expressing my strong disagreement about his request to President Bush to pardon former Gov. George Ryan.

Mr. Ryan's personal circumstances are unfortunate, but pale in comparison to the extent of the criminal acts for which he has been imprisoned. He assaulted the faith and confidence the residents of Illinois have in their state institutions and elected officials, though, sadly, he is not alone (merely one of the more prominent perpetrators). Senator Durbin, whom I have supported in the past, must realize that Illinois has become a cesspool of political corruption-the people certainly know this.

Illinois residents know we lack entirely public institutions of integrity. Most have little or no faith in our current state government and its officials. Senator Durbin's request for a Ryan pardon, whether or not granted, is an enormous miscalculation of the level of disgust residents have with our current state of affairs and will, in fact, only confirm our worst fears and suspicions. Our hope and faith in our state government are not beyond repair, but this request for pardon is a step in the wrong direction. We need now, more than at anytime, to begin recovering and rebuilding from the damage done by Ryan and other former state officials, and to stop the damage that continues to be done by current officials of all political stripes.

Ex-governor Ryan deserves nothing more from us. He is, in fact, indebted to us to serve out his lawful sentence until its appointed end. In five more years, he will have served his time - just like the rest of the prisoners from this state who will serve their lawful sentences. I hope Senator Durbin will consider withdrawing his request for a pardon for Ryan.

Seth M. Aigner

Lisle