I think Gov. Ryan is now as much a monster as some of the criminals he cleared off of Death Row (“Life and death lessons,” Jan. 13). The disregard he showed for the families of the victims is beyond disgraceful.
I guess detracting attention from the scandals and corruption that has plagued Ryan is more important to him than the tears and pain of these families. If there is any justice in the world, Ryan will soon be indicted and in the company of some newfound friends behind bars.
Nicholas Tsinoukas, 32, Lincoln Park
A courageous choice
No government, in spite of the circumstances, should be given the authority to kill, murder or execute its citizenry. One look at the sad excuses that are our elected leaders should be evidence enough to never consider capital punishment workable.
Thank you, Gov. Ryan, for your wisdom and courage.
Mike Barrett, 53, Loop
Rewarding criminals
I think the decision Gov. Ryan made on a blanket clemency is insane. I guess the reward you receive for committing murder is guaranteed room and board for the rest of your life. What a waste of the taxpayers’ dollars to foot the bill for those who break the law. Of course, what do you expect from Ryan?
Lisa Gariota, 39, Norwood Park
Case-by-case pardons
I am saddened by former Gov. Ryan’s decision. I think it should have been decided on a case-by-case basis, and he should have spoken to prosecutors and victims’ families before making a “blanket” decision. Why do the victims’ families, and the rest of us, have to support these murderers while they spend the rest of their lifetimes in jail? It’s not fair!
Chris, Highland Park
Tax burden for Illinois
I applauded former Gov. Ryan’s clemency decision for inmates on Death Row, but BLANKET? He should have covered his ears and mouth.
I think the Gov needed to look at each case individually and base his clemency on its merit, case by case. To house and feed the inmates for life will put a big burden on Illinois residents in the form of state taxes. Wait and see.
Diana Hayes, 53, Southwest suburbs
Criminal pardons
I think [Ryan] should not have been allowed to make such a decision.
He should never have been elected in the first place.
It was completely unfair to give a blanket commutation of the sentences. It should at the least have been on a case-by-case basis with input from the prosecutors and the families of the victims.
Ron, 39, Franklin Park
Ryan did the right thing
I feel that Gov. Ryan did the right thing when you think about the Anthony Porters and many others [who are] wrongfully accused.
On the other hand, those obvious murders–where there is no doubt they committed the crime–come out smelling like a rose thanks to the criminal justice system. That is where the blame should fall.
Laverne Lawrence
