IL-”Violent end to a violation of the public trust”

Those were the words of Janet Willis, an Illinois homeschool mom, whose family suffered sheer devastation on a Wisconsin highway in November of 2004.

There have been numerous legal actions resulting from this tragedy.  Nine people, including the six Willis children, were killed in crashes with truck drivers who paid bribes for licenses when current felon and former Governor George Ryan was Illinois’ Secretary of State.  More details are in ABC’s 20/20 Edition; SCRIPT: Those Were Our Children 2/99.

Heartfelt words put Ryan release in context John Kass December 7, 2008

From Mrs. Janet Willis::

On Nov. 8, 1994, I voted to re-elect George Ryan as secretary of state to be in charge of road safety. I am a mother. I loved my children, home-schooled them and, with God’s help, poured my heart into trying to be the best mother I could be. We were very close. A few hours after that vote was cast, I watched as my children were trapped in an inferno. I have had to ask God to help me to forget the sights and thoughts of that day and all that occurred. However, I think now maybe for this one time, if I would be willing to share some things, it might down the road benefit others.

The unfolding story of Illinois political corruption led to George Ryan’s conviction and sentence of 6 1/2 years in prison after he left the governorship of Illinois.

IL Senator Dick Durbin is seeking a favor from President Bush with a request for Ryan’s sentence commutation.

From John Kass in the Chicago Tribune:

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.

~Susan Ryan

Tags: Dick Durbin, George Ryan, Illinois homeschooler, Janet Willis