No Way

From John Kass' column, which I endorse:

The Illinois Combine is pushing hard to have President George W. Bush release corrupt former Republican Gov. George Ryan from prison, though he's served only a little more than a year of his 6 ½-year sentence on corruption, fraud and other charges.

Sen. Dick Durbin has written Bush a heartbreaking letter on Ryan's behalf. Durbin's Democratic Senate colleague—now President-elect Barack Obama—doesn't think it appropriate to get involved in the matter.

But you can get involved. This time, you can act.

You can e-mail Bush at comments@whitehouse.gov, or write him at The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20500.

You might consider including this letter from Janet Willis to U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer at Ryan's sentencing in 2006. I published it then, but it's time to read it again. Janet's children were the casualties of political corruption. You may also go online and read all the Willis family letters to Pallmeyer at chicagotribune.com/familyletters. Here is Mrs. Willis' letter: