by Patrick J. Buchanan – January 25, 2003

Declaring the imposition of the death penalty to be “arbitrary, capricious … and immoral,” Illinois’ exiting, scandal-plagued Gov. George Ryan commuted the death sentence of every rapist-murderer and child-killer in the state.

This decision “commands respect,” cooed the Washington Post. Gov. Ryan “leaves Illinois a better place.” From the rejoicing in the penitentiaries of Illinois, 167 murderers agree.