As former Gov. Ryan awaits word on whether his prison sentence will be commuted, he offered on Friday what he described as a public apology, through his high-powered attorney, former Gov. Jim Thompson.
Below is the text of the apology.
What we want to know, BackTalk readers, do you feel it's sincere and is it enough to spring him from prison after serving a little more than a year on a 6 1/2 years prison sentence?
The apology:
I must say something that I have known in my heart has been a long time coming. And that is a truly heartfelt apology to the people of Illinois. It has been a difficult journey for me to get to this point, as I truly believed in my service to the people, but it was less than my best, and for that I am sorry.
I want to make things right in my heart with God, with my family, and with those that I have hurt. As a former public official, a husband, a father, and a grandfather, I apologize. Even though I cannot undo my mistakes, I hope I can restore some faith in your hearts and minds by opening up and sharing these thoughts. And even though it took time for me to come to this place, in the end my goal is to do the right thing, no matter how tardy or flawed.
I sincerely hope that by coming forward today, my words in some way might help in the healing process of restoring the people's faith in their government and others that want to serve. In addition to damaging the public's trust and confidence in government, I realize my mistakes had other implications and tangible effects on my constituents and the citizenry. I know that Reverend and Mrs. Willis suffered such effects -- an unimaginable pain and loss -- from mistakes made in my administration, both by me and others on my watch. My heart has and always will go out to the Willis family. They, like all of the people of Illinois, deserved far better than I gave them.
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Too little, too late.
The fact that he is only now coming forward and saying this, when there is something in it for him in regards to commuting his sentence, tells me he's still the same old Ryan. If he had said this when there was nothing in it for him, then it would have been credible.
Sorry George, but this license you're offering me today isn't worth the cost of commuting your sentence.
Is this a joke or some PR thing that Jim Thompson whipped up? George Ryan should stay in jail and do the time he was sentenced to. When he gets out then he can go on trial for the murder of those Willis children. More of George's Secretary of State cronies should be part of the murder trial as well.
The State of Illinois has taken way too many hits in my Life Time. It seems that Gov. Ryan has taken more then his share of blame for the loss of life, that he was never directly responable for. The Willis family was not his fault yet it seems to be the reason why he should stay in jail. Take away the Willis family and I am not clear what he did wrong to deserve a jail sentence.
What ever he did, it was not murder. Let him live the rest of his life with his wife, and family and the shame he created.
Lets make some room for our present Gov. !
It is interesting that Ryan chose just this "time for me to come
to this place . . ." and issue an "apology"--just a few days before
Bush leaves office-and a last chance for a pardon. Once again, George
thinks all of us our idiots. Mentioning the Willis family at this
time, and in this framework, is disgusting. He didn't even mention
the actual children who died, just a generic reference to the "Willis
Family." I found this "apology," issued through an attorney, to be
quite lacking and insulting to all. It is not enough.
-Susan, Chicago
He's a criminal and it seems most civilized countries know what to do with criminals - except for the U.S. That's why other countries have much lower crime rates - because people are held accountable...Let the families of the Illinois former death row inmates whose sentences Ryan commuted so capriciously decide if his apology is enough. Let the prosecutors who worked so hard to send vicious killers to prison decide if Ryan has served enough time. Let's be finished with this white collar thug once and for all.
I have met Governor Ryan on several occasion at DePaul University at the time he issued the Moratorium on death penulty in Illinois and several times in court during his trial.
He always looked dignified and composed and slightly resembled my grandfather.
Without taking any legal or social sides I could honestly say that I believe Governor Ryan.
His public apology appeared truly remorseful and sincere to me. It was offered as a true and genuine effort to reach out to the citizens of Illinois and express his humble feelings of deep sorrow and remorse that created such devastating result on the state, his family, all of us.
I may be a cynical person at times. But this time, I believe this truly genuine apology.
God bless Governor Ryan and his family. I think they suffered enough public humiliation and shame.
Ryan should have apologized at his sentencing.
So full of poop. Not enough pols in jail, letting him out sends a bad message to the young people.
Pols are all crooks.............. Maybe they are??????????
I suspect your pumpkin patch must be very sincere as well ... see you in like 5 years, right?
I guess Mr Ryan wants to make room for Blogo
Why should Ryan be let out of jail? Do we not look at how this man was brought down. Six children died as a result for campaign contributions. Giving driver license to individuals who could not understand english. This man should serve his sentence and more time after that. DO NOT DO THE CRIME, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE TIME.
No it's not enough! You've got to be kidding me!! Funny he now decides to admit his guilt. The only reason for this is he wants a Bush pardon. Sorry you committed the crime so do the time. Everyone else would. And why should anyone believe that he now feels bad? Didn't bother him when he was skimming the State.
All he's doing is saying what he thinks needs to be said to get that pardon. I'm already po'd that Durbin is backing this. Come on he faced his peers, was convicted, now admits his guilt and he should do the time. It's not like his in County Jail!
HOW DO WE KNOW THEY WERE HIS COMMENTS AND NOT THOMPSONS?
So George is sorry NOW? After all of the things that transpired before, during, and after his trial, this is when the apology comes? Anyone with half a brain can see that this is merely an attempt to improve his chances of a Dubya pardon. The timing of this "apology" is calculated beyond reproach. Why not apologize when the idea of the pardon was first publicized, with the sad pic of his wife gracing the cover of the Sun Times? He's only sorry he got caught and sent up the river. He should sit and rot.
Former Gov. Ryan apologizes -- Is it enough?.
Nah - still needs more work - about 6 years more
I believe that Governor Ryan's apology is a start. It should be done on television in the Illinois market or across the nation. I believe he needs to show how contrite he is to the American people who supported him.
Then and only then would I consider a pardon for him.
to little far to late
can president bush bring back all those children who where killed???
Ryan should have stayed in jail for life
Big deal he is suffering what about the mother and father of those children who are now dead because of ryan's GREED
STAY IIN JAIL THATS WHERE YOU BELONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bleep YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"...a long time coming."??????????????
I'm sorry, but a long time coming was YEARS ago, not now when you are trying to squirm out of jail, log before you deserve to.
First, apologize sincerely to the family who lost their children.
Then you can apologize to the citizens of Illinois. After that is doen, then we can talk about cutting your sentence down, but not now.
My message to Mr. Ryan:
Why, my jailed "friend" did you wait so long? Sadly, 6 children died in the accident, so why are apologizing now? Is it because you want so badly to be released from prison? The old statement comes to mind, "Do the crime, do the time" and it should apply to you as well. Shame on you, George!
Mr.Ryan,
I forgive You, Sir.
Please, spare me. So, the Willises are featured in a news story last week and talk about the fact that Ryan never once apologized to them. Now, suddenly, he realizes he owes the Willises, and the people of the state of Illinois an apology? And gives a weak one at that. Alluding to his mistakes (did he forget how to spell the word crimes?) and mentioning the Willises in passing, he writes the type of apology that a truculent child gives when trying to bargain his/her way out of time out. "I'm SORRY! All right!!!" My children were always sent back to time out until a more sincere apology to those whom he offended could be given.
Ryan was convicted of crimes--and not even any directly related to the horrific deaths of the Willis children. His sentence was not overly severe--certainly not as severe as the sentence his actions indirectly gave to the Reverend and Mrs. Willis. He has to serve 6+ years, they have to serve a lifetime of pain. His wife, children, and grandchildren need and miss him? How about the Willis children's parents, grandparents and siblings? His letter reeks of self-serving self-pity. Let him finish out his "time out" and think about his "mistakes."
wwwaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy too little, wwaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy too late. may he rot in prison
rod stay in as long as you can, you have scraeed people and you know to much, be strong and fight for your life and tell the truth that will save your life ane your wife. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT STOP IL POLTICL
I think that george ryan made a big mistake on what he did and im pretty sure that their is one day that does'nt go by without him thinkin of what he did im sure he's locked up thinkin of his wife and grandchildren prison is the worst place to be.I think he should be let out of prison on a pardon if not on house arrest and do community service he is old and misses his family especially the grandkids he did not serve his time but i guess a year in prison is plenty of time for anyone if they did'nt commit murder or armed robbery child molestation or rape.We have another governor that will probably face jail time but he's young and will be away from his kids but he also did'nt kill no one but got caught by the feds. How much school do these politicians have that they go ahead and commit these crimes that isn't smart enough anyone could run for office as long as you no someone and be stupid enogh to ruin your carear. mr ralph garcia
You have got to be kidding? That is an apology? I think not. The only reason this is in print is because he knows that people don't want him out, he is a danger to everyone and people are complaining that the ignoramus has never apologized, and has continued to state he has done nothing wrong. Would he like to tell the Willis family that? He has never apologized, and still has not. He simply states it happened "from mistakes made in my administration, both by me and others on my watch." Has he apologized to the Willis family, no. He simply says they deserved more! What? Taking their children wasn't enough? He knew what was going on with the Secretary of State and did nothing to stop it. Wouldn't you apologize if it means you might get out of prison? Of course you would. Blago wants him out just to get his butt out of prison, and he knew it was coming, so what better way to get out for being a crook than to set a precedent? It's a shame Ryan is old, it's a shame his wife is old and sick, but what the heck, how many service boys are overseas who have family members who are very ill, or even died, and they don't get to come home. It's a shame his family name is ruined (I certainly would change my name if I was related to him)but who did it? I didn't, you didn't, he did. This was no apology, and I highly doubt he even said this stuff, I think Thompson drafted this so called statement, and told Ryan he did it to get him out. Let him stay in prison and think about the children he allowed to die, let him think about all the people he sent to the poor house because of his antics, but most of all, let him serve his sentence, and if he dies in there, oh well. He even got a prison closer to home so his family could visit, talk about special treatment. He didn't treat anyone any better when he was Governor. Let him stay in there, and put Blago in the same cell, and they can 'share stories' of how they took advantage of the people they were supposed to help and protect.
this ploy by ryan would have more impact if he referred to his activities as crimes and not mistakes
This is a joke right. Our state has been corrupt for decades, and both Ryan, and his attorney, are huge pieces in this cesspool of greed. Anything for power, anything to maintain power. It's really quite embarrasing, that at this moment, when yet another governor has been caught putting himself ahead of the people of this state,the ex-governor says he's deserving of mercy. Where is the mercy for the people of this state, long encumbered by a reality that their public servants are thieves and extortionists? Our state government has now become the laughingstock of the nation. The only way it could be even worse is if we tell those who victimized their constituency that they don't have to pay for their crimes.
Is this apology a joke?
This ryan. is nothing but a habitual liar.This man doesn't know what principals or morals are, even if he got hit with them between his eyes! I say let him stay in jail, just like any poor person. If all criminals just say there sorry, would that be enuogh? I don't even whant to start with jim thompson thats another winner for you. (same mold i say)
Talk is cheap. Did he write it or a speechwriter?
If he repays the taxpayers for the bribes he received, repays the taxpayers for the cost of the investigations, costs to prosecute him, costs to the families that have been hurt by his actions, restore my faith in politicians, then I might be willing to forgive.
Anything less is not enough. Let him rot in jail!.
"Is it enough?" Of course it's not enough. That's why his apology accompanies a jail sentence.
Mr. Ryan,
It is very interesting to me that we are seeing/reading of your apology only days before you are anticipating the President to open the doors to your cell and allow your freedom.
I have to say that if you were truly sorry for all of the wrongs you and your administration have commited in the name of good service, perhaps we would have heard from you MONTHS ago.
I do not know the Willis Family nor can I pretend to know the depths of their loss, it must be unimaginable, esp at this time of year.
But I do know that being the Governor of this or any state does not entitle you to having your sentence cut short. Instead perhaps you should move your personal things over and make room for our current Governor as the 2 of you would make perfect cell mates.
As the parent of young adults, that are both passionate about their one political beliefs I am embarrassed and ashamed for them that my generation is teaching them such hard lessons.
My God's peace go with you and your family.
Mary Langer
Crete, Illinois
It's too little, too late. And it's obvious he's only doing it to try and bid for early release. Sorry George, you're going to be wearing khakis for a while.
No, its not enough that Ryan finally apologizes through former Gov. Thompson. The man could have apologized years ago to the Willis family personally. Mrs. Ryan could have done the same. They want mercy but never showed a shred of it to the Willis family.
In additiion, releasing Ryan early sets a terrible example for the permissive way our system of justice treats criminal politicians.
Hey Blago!! Think 'R. Kelly'!!
Not enough and too late. This is just a ploy to get out of jail and crafted by his lawyers and political friends to get him released. Keep him in jail!!
no - he is only sorry because he got caught! Let him rot in jail, and pay back the taxpayers who are homeless and starving thanks to the cheating politicians
Too little too late. I don't think there is a real appology here. Rot in the cell you so earned. I wonder how the Willis family is doing.
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE. Nice try Thompson, Ryan didn't write that. If ryan goes free every family of a white collard felon serving time should storm durbins doorstep, phone, office, computer and mail demanding the same rights as ryan. Commute their sentences... start the impeachment process for durbin....Another crafty politican. Waits until he is reelected then asks for ryan to be freed....Is there one politican not a slime ball? yes lisa madigan and Fitzgerald.....
2 points:
1. If he really wants to man up he should write a letter saying he will take full responsibility for his actions and serve ALL of his time.
2. I was taught that when I apologize I have to explain what I did wrong. He did not. Therefore to me he, isn't even apologizing when he vaguely mentions "mistakes".
However, Bush will probably make a mockery out of the Presidency as he has been doing and as Clinton did and will pardon him without regard to what any of us citizens think.
OJ apologized too. Tough! Serve the sentence; all
6 1/2 years of it! (Take that, Dick Durbin)
He should not get treated any differently than any other prisoner. If suddenly they're all going to be allowed to apologize and sprung from jail, fine. Political criminals should be held to the same standards as all the others -- actually an even higher standard since they're representing the people. I just don't get why all these politicians or well-connected people think they deserve to have their sentences commuted or to be pardoned. I wish there was something that could be done to presidents who pardon unworthy cases, but they're always on their way out when they do it.
George ryan is just looking for a get out of jail free card. sorry, it doesn't work that way. he has ruined the lives of the willis family and humiliated and shamed the entire ryan clan. he feels no sincere remorse, as always, he is only thinking of himself. sorry pal, you need to stay where you are.
I pray every day, especially more on Sundays, that George Ryan stays in jail until his full sentence is served.
Ryan earned his spot in prison, Let him stay there. HOWEVER, # 1 on my wish list is to make it easier to fire or jail these POLs. Perhaps conduct unbecoming or some such. Our Police & Fireman live with such rules; why not all public employees.??
Did anyone think about all the other homicdes he is responsble for?
just like guzman was released? ,All x the nation , it had been
investigated, and there were many, Politicans are the devil's incarnate,, and were stuck with them and its devastating,, one jail sentence at a time folks, but we must inherently show our outrage orfight for justice, and acctblty or they will keep killing our kids and us, Bottom line ty,
too little too late.....Let him rot. his so called I'm sorry just does not cut it. He is only sorry that he got caught......How nice that he only says Im sorry for a pardon. What a phony ! Glad he is rotting away.....
Pardon? Do we really want to reinforce the fact that crooked politicians are not held accountable for their actions in the same way ordinary citizens are?