While commending the governor and those with him for the humanitarian efforts on behalf of the needful Cuban people during his recent visit, the governor should be reminded that his “humanitarian” record here at home needs attention. The governor should be concerned first with those to whom he has direct responsibility–the people of Illinois. Foreign relations are properly and constitutionally the task of the federal government.
Although the governor shrouded corporate and financial interests under the guise of humanitarianism, and criticized a totalitarian regime, he has maintained an inhumane policy–refusing to even reconsider this policy–in his state.
Back in March, religious leaders of several faith traditions called on the governor to reconsider the policy of capital punishment as exercised in Illinois. In light of the numerous people on death row exonerated prior to execution, and the numerous allegations of judicial and prosecutorial misconduct in Illinois, we assume either the governor is ignorant of these facts and allegations, in which case his ability to govern is in serious question, or he chooses to act in an inhumane manner by refusing to acknowledge that which he knows to be true. In either case, his criticism of Cuba’s government and record of human rights, not to mention his acknowledgment of a need for humanitarian efforts in Cuba, is simply political hypocrisy.
If the governor wishes to be a humanitarian, he needs to begin at home. Capital punishment, the relief of the urban and rural poor, medical treatment for children in need–these are issues not only for Cuba but also for the citizens of Illinois.
