Durbin wrong to ask for Ryan's freedom

When I read that Sen. Durbin was considering asking President Bush for a commutation of George Ryan's prison sentence I was disappointed. When it was announced that Durbin did just that, I was not only disappointed but angry and disgusted as well. In his letter Sen. Durbin wrote that Ryan has been found guilty of violating public trust. Personally, I think that's sugarcoating it just a bit. George Ryan was found guilty on all 18 counts of bribery, theft and misusing state resources for political gain. In addition, he tried to suppress the investigation into the sale of driver's licenses that had led to deaths of six children.

I do not believe that serving 13 months of a 6-year sentence is adequate. What is equally disturbing is that Lura Ryan has stated that she has heard him say that if he had to do it over ... he would govern the same way as he did before. This is a slap in the face to Illinois and the Willis family but also serves to show us what George Ryan is: pathetic.

The fact that Ryan has lost his pension benefits, is not sure of his financial outlook, has been disgraced and needs to take care of his frail wife are not reasons for him to be released.

Unfortunately, Ryan, at age 74, has not, nor will he ever learn the importance of ethics and boundaries. President Bush needs to send a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated and not show any leniency for George Ryan.

Nancy Wedell

Libertyville