It's wrong to ask for clemency for Ryan

There are many, perhaps rightly so, who think O.J. Simpson got away with murder. Results, however, show he was judged by a jury of peers, listening to the evidence, and then returning with a not-guilty verdict.

Regardless of how one judges that verdict, O.J. was exonerated, and was a free man. Several years later he became involved in a botched burglary, including the use of weapons. An action which he admitted was stupid, and that he was sorry having been involved with such action. There was no harm or injury involved in this action. He was found guilty and sentenced.

Now let us consider another case. A case involving a much higher standard of ethics, a case in which the main player sold his greedy soul for thousands. It will never be known exactly how much damage by the actions of this sorry individual was caused. We do know however, that in one case six children are at rest in coffins, while the parents still struggle to this day with those precious losses.

Not one "I'm sorry", not one statement of regret. What we do get is a plea for clemency for this individual. His name has been ruined - he ruined it.

A fairly common trait in our society is if you do me a favor somewhere along the line I will return that favor. You buy me a beer after a round of golf, I'll buy the next one. It is only natural then to surmise what kind of favor did that clemency writer receive that he should now attempt to reciprocate. Clemency is this case would be a total abomination. So many times we fall into the habit of minimizing an action, and not thinking it wrong, it gives the superficial appearance of being right and proper.

Bob Gosch

Arlington Heights