Chicagoist: Thompson Wants Bush to Grant Ryan Clemency

matilda

Wed, 28 May 2008 11:28:14 -0600

OK, Spav. Whatever you say. You are either joking, or would be happier in an outright dictatorship. Either way, your idea is worthless.

Spav1

Wed, 28 May 2008 11:24:14 -0600

I did follow the trial, I just think that is is a misuse of resources to prosecute these types of things and that generally, the public should just be willing to look the other way.

UTV

Wed, 28 May 2008 09:48:06 -0600

If Ryan doesn't end up serving his sentence, I'm going to throw up. This is exactly the type of crime that requires just punishment.

Kfunk

Wed, 28 May 2008 09:39:17 -0600

If he pardons him it will not be until his final few days before he leaves office. I can't wait to see Bush's final lame duck signing statements either.

matilda

Wed, 28 May 2008 09:15:29 -0600

"... it is so much harder to show effect, I guess." Yeah, trading cash for favors and access is so hard to see and understand, especially when it is against the law, and especially when public money--your tax dollars--is involved. Did you even follow the trial coverage? Do you like being ripped off by elected officials and their appointees? Do you get some thrill from that? At least I can better understand why these people are so eager to embrace corruption--they can count of such apathy from so many "citizens."

frp

Wed, 28 May 2008 09:02:04 -0600

I hope Ryan rots in jail. He's a criminal. White collar, blue collar, popped collar -- he was convicted, and has [an]used the system, and if he's out of appeals, oh well. Don't commit the crime of you don't want to do the time.

Spav1

Wed, 28 May 2008 08:56:54 -0600

I don't think people generally should be punished for white collar crimes...it is so much harder to show effect, I guess. I hope he gets his pardon and can go home to his family.

happygrl

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:17:06 -0600

I doubt Bush will grant Ryan clemency before the election. Illinois isn't in play in the Presidential election, so there's no potential benefit to the GOP and McCain.

Ward Up

Tue, 27 May 2008 20:42:21 -0600

OK, the phone number of the White House is 202-456-1414. Maybe they aren't going hear from Ryan's people for a while but I am not taking any chances. Time to use my clout (I wish I had some!).

ljpljpljp

Tue, 27 May 2008 20:21:58 -0600

Ryan should be allowed to die in prison like any scumbag.

Ward Up

Tue, 27 May 2008 20:18:06 -0600

Crap. As if we Republicans haven't been embarrassed enough. This jerk Ryan led the Illinois GOP right into the crapper. And yes, I do think he bears the responsibility for the deaths of the Willis children. Does calling the White House work? I have never done it before. Maybe if a lot of Illinoisans call, it would have some effect. After GWB's stupidity in invading Irag (no I do NOT consider stupid invasions a demonstration of Republican principles), I do NOT trust GWB with George Ryan's case. He is certainly dumb enough to give Ryan clemency. Ryan should rot and GWB had better keep out of it.

matty

Tue, 27 May 2008 20:15:40 -0600

How long did Ryan get? I mean, you know, I know this is terrible for him and his family, and I know that he did suspend the death penalty (bless him), but his actions cause the death of a family not to mention full-out corruption. I don't think what is happening to him is unfair.