Why give amnesty to George Ryan?

Senator Dick Durbin and Gov. Blagojevich think former governor George Ryan has paid his debt to the society he betrayed. This despite the fact that it was proved that he lied to hide his corruption, hired friends for nonexistent jobs, sold inflated contracts to friends, plus other actions that showed complete disregard for honest government or for the common good. He was justly convicted after a long and expensive trial. His grossly corrupt administration resulted in corruption on down the line of command.

Blagojevich has reason to worry and to fear the law, but Durbin should speak for the people who elected him to represent them. He should ask the victims of accidents caused by drivers who were allowed to purchase a driver's license. He should listen to taxpayers who were robbed of millions of dollars. He must be aware of the many disgusted citizens who are fed up with politics as usual in Springfield. Ryan has his friends who want him released, those whom he made wealthy, those who benefited from his administration and its corruption. If you rob Peter to pay Paul you can always count on the support of Paul.

Public officials must be told that politicians are not above the law. Unwarranted amnesty does not do this. Durbin knows that through money, name recognition, and political backing that about 95 percent of Congress is re-elected each time. He should not forget that his duty is to represent the people. I don't think he is doing so by letting Ryan get away. Durbin holds a powerful position in Washington but he has to be careful, because sometimes when enough voters get angry enough with bad representation it could catch up with him.

William McNutt

Des Plaines