As a Democrat I’m offended by John Kass’ Mar. 16 column in which he states that Democrats remain silent about Gov. George Ryan and the scandals at the secretary of state office because money in the Illinois FIRST public works proposal is some form of “hush-money.”
Due process is not to be taken lightly and outrage regarding the situation fortunately does not alter this sacred tenet.
I speak for many Americans of all parties when I say I am disgusted with the ongoing party warfare represented by the numerous, and fruitless, investigations of the Clinton administration over the past seven years. A faction of Republicans appears to be not so much concerned with justice as with regaining the White House.
As for gauging the public’s “outrage,” the numbers speak eloquently. Ryan’s approval ratings are anemic. Conversely, during the impeachment, when outraged Republicans were excoriating the electorate for not jumping on the bandwagon to tar and feather President Clinton, he saw a rise in his already high approval rating.
If Gov. Ryan is charged and is guilty I expect him to step down. If the man is innocent, and as our duly elected governor, I fully expect him to remain and fight for the truth.
