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Under normal circumstances, jailed former Illinois Gov. George Ryan would be packing his bags and preparing to go home to his house in Kankakee. But Ryan’s circumstances are hardly normal.
For the last six years, the former governor has been a federal prisoner. When he leaves the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute next week, he will be traveling not to Kankakee but to a halfway house in Chicago.
And he has nothing to pack. Someone will have to bring him the clothes he wears out of the prison gate.
"It will be the first time he’s worn his own clothes in six years," Ryan’s former chief of staff, Scott Fawell, said Monday.
Fawell provides a unique perspective. Not only was he Ryan’s closest advisor, but he also did more than four years himself for Ryan-related crimes. And he occupied that same Salvation Army halfway house on Chicago’s west side.
"It’s dingy. It’s dark. It’s dirty,” Fawell said. "It’s an old facility."
And ironically, said Fawell, it will be the place where Ryan will most likely mingle with the hardest criminals he will see during his entire stay with the Bureau of Prisons.
"You can be in the same room with guys who have done 20 or 30 years in prison, where he’s used to a little different clientele," Fawell explained.
Ryan will be required to take mandatory classes on such mundane skills as opening a bank account, writing a check, and making out a resume. It sounds ridiculous for a former governor but is par for the course in the Bureau of Prisons' one-size-fits-all approach to corrections.
"It’s for everybody," Fawell said. "Whether you’ve done 30 years or three months."
After orientation, it will be time for the former Springfield dealmaker to go to work. Every halfway house resident is required to have a job and to work 40 hours each week.
Ryan will have to sign out when he departs in the morning and call when he arrives at his job site. He is to be back at the Salvation Army facility at Ashland and Monroe by 7 p.m. every evening.
"It’s more that they want you to go somewhere," Fawell said. "And you have to bring back a paycheck every week or two to give 25 percent of your gross to the halfway house."
Halfway house residents are constantly reminded they are not totally free. But the differences between their Chicago existence and their lives behind bars are enormous. Not only are they allowed to wear their own clothes, they can carry a wallet and money for the first time. Personal items are allowed.
Ryan will even be allowed to get a driver’s license and keep a car on site. Ryan used to issue the state’s driver’s licenses when he served as Illinois Secretary of State.
Eventually, perhaps as early as three weeks or so, Ryan will be allowed to begin transitioning to his Kankakee home. But even then, he will very much remain under Bureau of Prisons control.
"They’ll call him between 8:30 and 10:00, between 11:00 and 1:00, and between 2:00 and 4:00 in the morning," Fawell said. "Every single night."
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3 of the past 5 governors of Illinois served time in prison after they left office. Now that's funny.
Whats funny is he was a Republican
And the other four in jail or jailed are all democrats! So what's your point?
Wrong 3 Dems 3 Pubs. Look it up.
The Illinois Governor's mansion is the halfway house. The occupants are halfway to prison.
I love how a Republican points out that "this one was a Democrat" and then a Democrat points out that "this one was a Republican". Partisans are ruining this country-what you both should realize is that politics is a means to an end for these guys, the end being tax payer largesse while in office, and then jobs and board positions when out of office.
Democrats don't rob you. Republicans don't rob you. They all rob you. If it weren't such a great gig, you would not see the majority of elected officials fighting term limits, and many candidates pouring cash out of their own pockets in excess of the salaries to be earned in the event they win an office.
They all know a great opportunity when they see it. A chance to get into the trough of money that everyone reading these posts pour out of their pockets to the government.
i figure he has been in a federal pen...thats two steps above a holiday inn...i don't think that change him so he'll do it again... i guess he can reach out to his political friend...and say hey Barry loan me ten billion nobody will know it's miss'n...
The bill was APPROVED On Jan 3rd, 2013 so now they are no longer...
"undocumented".. illegal ...aliens
they now are ....
"Documented".... Illegal .....aliens
gee whats wrong with that picture?......
It's almost like our Congress, around 1/4 of those guys have been arrested for one thing or another, mostly DUI's, but some on felony charges. About the same number of them can't get a credit card because of bad credit and they're the guys we hire to be in charge of our tax dollars. They can't control their own personal spending and we expect them to balance the government's budget! Now that is funny!!!
What about the illegal Mexicans--they break the Federal immigration laws--I break a Federal law--I go to jail--the Mexicans get a free ride--right to the food stamp office
Bite me.........
Man! All this hate and anger. PRESIDENT OBAMA won Mitt Romney lost, get over it. The GOP is on decline because even people that agree with GOP principles are reluctant to be associated with people such as some of these posters who seem but a news story away from a shooting rampage. That's what the democrats have been able to take advantage of; the backlash against bigotry and entitlement. America belongs to AMERICANS and AMERICANS elected PRESIDENT OBAMA so deal with it!
OBAMA the Coward banned, re-reg.
In most states, politicians become criminals after they've been in office too long.
In Illinois, its a requirement to get on the ballot. (I'm an Illinois voter.)
NOTE: Multiple governors, various judges, Chicago Aldermen, various state legislators, even the Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee.
The motto in Illinois is, "Don't Get Caught."
Who would hire this guy??? But more importantly, maybe we will all get lucky and one of those illegal drivers with a truck license obtained thru Ryan's crooked work will suddenly hit Ryan.
Do they have a Website where a reservation for the Governor of my State could be made?
Mr. Governor. I would like fries with that.
a double cheese burger onion rings and a large orange drink...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO6CFQjUE-Y
He will be re- elected or assigned to one post or another, didn't you see where the halfway house is?
They get these guys a job? What about those people with no work?
do you think politicians give a #&% to normal taxpayers? keep voting for the same party, person..
GM Taknada,
That is the purpose of a halfway house, to re insert people into society..its a lib thing you should love it....The only real question is why are they using space on these politically connected people? do you really believe they are going to get a real job?
I'm not sure how they are supposed to HOLD a job being awaken that many times during the night. If someone woke me up that many times, I wouldn't be able to function during the day.
But they're important. (sarcasm)
POS
normal politician...yet most are RE-elected...whats that say about the populous?
You say we keep re-electing these people... but the real problem is we HAVE NO OTHER OPTIONS, they are ALL bad. So it's a choice of Crook A (D) and Crook B (R).
TERM LIMITS!!!!!!! DO IT NOW!
It's amazing how people can be so stupid in choosing a career. If he had gone for 'banker' - he wouldn't have served a single day.
Or corporate CEO. Then, he'd have gotten a bonus.
And a bailout as well.
And if he was elected President of the United States he possibly would have received a Nobel Peace Prize. This truly is the FUMU principle at work in the US.
Who are we talking about---the northern agressors of 1861-1865-- so called the YANKEE--who came south and burned our cotton fields--houses--we called them blue coats--Honest Abe Lincoln caused all of our problems--now you yankees have a president who only knows how to give money away to foreign countries
Grandpa-2986035--------------Tony-718913
Both of you calm down--------The President is busy--busy--busy----giving money away to foreign countries--his recent trip to Myanmar --used to be Burma---he gave them $125,000,000.00 and set up a office of USAID--United States Office Of International Development -the United States tax payer will rebuild the bridges--roads--schools in the country of Myanmar--Also the President will continue to spend $113,000,000,000 dollars a year on illegals--Our President gave the United States to Mexico and China
With all the Illinois governors doing jail time.....where does this leave Americans in public debt jail, with Odumbah in Washington again???
Perhaps if you could learn to spell someone would take you seriously.
Grandpa:
I think spelling Odumbo that way was very intentional. Perhaps you need to learn to read between the lines. Come on...you can do it if you try!
Nope. I can't believe anyone can be so stupid that they would call our President names. You may not like him but I believe you should respect the office. The rhetoric you use will not get Republicans back in office any longer and may be the end to the Republican Party.
But it was okay to call Bush Sr and Jr all kinds of names by the libtard democrats? You are a hypocritical azz!!!!
And, btw, I respect the office, not the person that happens to be in it today! Respect is earned not just given!!!
There you go with the name calling again. Who says I called any President any name other than their office demanded? Oh and by the way a lot of people think his respect has been earned. Enough so that he got elected as our President again.
Please spare me...libtards are the worst offenders calling people names when they don't agree with them. I'm just returning the favor...LIBTARD!!!
You mean the ignorant ghetto dwellers that simply voted the color of their skin? Racism is a two-way street, but you're too ignorant to understand that!
Now you can go back to worshipping your Odumbo Gia pet head!
Tony Tony Tony. You really are a piece of work aren't you?
Well I don't call Bush Sr or Jr nothing but tell it like it is. Bush Sr is a member of the NWO and was, probably still is a Drug Runner. He used CIA Planes to bring drugs into the US, as these planes are never inspected buy Customs.
Bush Jr, now what can you say there. Illigally invaded Iraq, Brainwashed the populance in WMDs with Properganda, (He did it in such a way Hitler and Goebles would be proud) and Failed to recognize that we were in a Depression while giving our (my) country away to Iraq Financally.
See, I don't call them names as their deeds speak for themselves.
6dogs:
Please learn the economics behind the recent recession before opening your gaping hole with ignorant statements. A brain is a terrible thing to waste...oops...I guess it's too late in your case!
Grandpa: Is that your best? I guess I can understand since your cognitive abilities are limited!
Oh yea...get ready for the next Illinois democratic politician headed to prison...Jesse Jackson Jr! It's funny how his father Jackson Sr is so quiet these days because of this. Hmmmm
tony ....before opening your gaping hole with ignorant statements.
tony you should reread your posts their full of ignorant statements. Dude your a "real piece of work".
Troll on!
Smitty:
Unless you have something relevant to post, perhaps you should keep your ignorant and elementary rebuttals to yourself. There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity.
Now you can go back to your mom's basement and your PS3!!!
tony There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity.
LMFAO
Troll on!
Glad to see Mitty and you are in the same clubhouse. I wonder if Obama extended an initation to old lying Willard for the inauguration. haha
True that Smitty....... When you've been addicted to the kool aid for so long, you don't know the difference anymore. Then, all you can do is post hateful remarks without a shred of proof....... AKA Tony.
For John and Smitty:
conscientious stupidity. You both fit this nicely!
When you consider the comparatively low pay, the long hours, and the glass house you have to ask yourself why someone would put a successful lucrative career on hold to run for public office. I think George Ryan is a prime example of the reason why. Until more transparency and checks are put in place our government will continue to produce such sorry examples of public figures. Since the beginning of this country we have had to tolerate the actions of these people, the only difference is in the past the media isn't what it is today.
tony Keep posting! I'm getting the popcorn out.
LMFAO
Troll on!!!!!
since when does being president demand respect... the office has become trash just like the people in it.. want my respect earn it just because you the president dont earn you any respect from anyone
really grandpa... get a clue and quit being a follower....
guys- you just are not as enlightened as Grandpa here, so you are clearly an idiot. The sooner you realize you are not on the same footing as this progressive and forward-thinking man the better off we all will be.
Now Grandpa- get back to your espousing of information to us clueless idiots who obviously are racist since we didn't vote for Obama.
Grandpa, when will Obama fulfill his promise and cut the deficits in half?
I am also a grandpa. Social issues are one thing, but 16 trillion in debt with no sign of slowing down doesn't bode well for our grandchildren, does it? Before you go there, I realize interest rates are low right now, but even at 1%, that means 160 billion annualy in interest paymnents alone as we continue to slip backwards.
Obama needs to take the economy seriously to create more revenue. Up till now, he's used the economy for his social agenda.
Making a case for SMALLER GOVERNMENT...!!!
You all need to go back and study where that debt came from...CONGRESS passed the spending authorization bills over the past 30-40 years that put us in that deep hole, including the costs of the two Middle East wars that were never on the "budget" books and the unfunded Part D Medicare payoff to the pharms/insurance companies. Both parties are responsible for that deep debt, all the way back to Reagan, and even before then. Eisenhower was the last president to attempt to pay off our debt with his up to 90% tax rate and few deductions/credits/subsidies. We need to go back to Ike's fiscal policies to take care of all of those decades of debt that keep building.
tony-718913, you've been around for a long time, so you should know the rules.
You are suspended for a day for violating rule # 1 of the Code of Honor.
Oh well ..
Six Illinois governors have been charged with crimes during or after their governorships; four were convicted, and of those, one (Blagojevich) was the first to be impeached and removed from office.
So...Democrat business as usual. At least Chicago doesn't have a crime problem. "removed from office" has a nice ring to it.
Of those six three were Republicans so whats your point?
"So...Democrat business as usual."
It doesn't matter what party they belong to, in Illinois they are all crooks. George Ryan is a republican and Rod Blagojevich is a democrat. Our present Governor was Rod Blagojevich's Lieutenant Governor and if he's not deaf and blind he is just as guilty as Blago and should be in a cell next to him. Lets not forget the Senator from IL that just won a second term in the White House, if you think he could make it that far in the Chicago political machine without being corrupt you live under the same rock as everyone else that voted for him.
Such anger.
Very funny and ironic, grandpa. A libtard calling someone angry!!!
I have read your garbage long enough. I will now put you on ignore.
My point is that Illinois is a corrupt hell-hole near the hallowed halls of government. You can crow about Republican governors, but it is obvious that the Democrats have completely ruined Chicago. Hey, who was it bought Obama's old seat? I forget. Gramps, I'm gonna put you on ignorant.
No, Grandpa Liar: Only one Republican was convicted. The other two were aquitted. All prosecuted by corrupt Democrat political appointee Prosecutors. The rest were Democrats, as are Illinois' problems.
Six Illinois governors have been charged with crimes during or after their governorships; four were convicted, and of those, one (Blagojevich) was the first to be impeached and removed from office.
Acquitted
Convicted
There were 6 charged. That was the original statement, and why would you call me a liar even if I was wrong?
When he goes to the halfway house they can give his old cell to Jesse Jackson Jr who was recently convicted. What a wonderful state!! Oh, and its broke also.
Most that hold office in Il . have never held a real job . There products of the MACHINE in Chicago. Sad that we have a President that calls it home . Home of gun control . Wonder how it works for them ? Also wonder why they don't report the abortion deaths weekly like they do the gun death's ? Or the increase on welfare checks issued weekly . So many numbers that are never reported. At least we know there is a end near . Only 4 more year's of Obama . I doubt he will move back there when he leaves office.
Illinois is like a third world country corruption, violence, home of organized crime, inept politicians list goes on.
I hope he is truely rehabillitated? Atoned for his sins? Payed his debt to society? If so, then give him a second chance, that is what America is all about, SECOND CHANCES!!!
I have no idea as to why Chicago attracts all the looney Governors? Whats up with that? Hows Blago doing in prison, anyone hear from him??? LOL!!!
President Obama uses alot of these Chicago politicians as his advisors and Chicago politics as his role model in leading the country. Dont forget, representative Jesse Jackson Jr is supposedly headed to prison in Illinois also. What a wonderful state.
It is all so sad. It makes one wish that he had not commited the crimes that put himself in this predicament.
Ryan will be staying at the Salvation Army, halfway in the picture, in his own private room with a key. I did three months there after I served eight years in a federal prison. Fawell is lying, Ryan will not have to take any classes because he has a college degree, like me. Ryan did wear his own clothes in prison, sweats, shirts, shoes, again Fawell lied. Inside his room, he is allowed a stereo, computer, vcr, and a tv. During the week, he gets to leave for six hours a week, taken in two hour, four hour, or six hour increments to do as he please. Ryan can order take-out food to have delivered to the halfway house, the halfway house provides a list of restaurants. Once he has a job, he is also granted the priviledge to go home on the weekends and report back on Mondays. After half of his time is done at the halfway, he can request to be moved home to house arrest. House arrest means you can leave your from 6am to 9pm, the halfway house may call you from during the night to make sure you are home from 9pm to 6am. Once your are in house arrest you can request to go out on Saturday night until 12am. Don't believe the hype of a snitch or former liar.
Interesting choice of words there Kevin...
It might be presumptuous on my part, but it seems that you are bitter that you were in fact caught, not that you committed a crime.
So, if there was no "snitch" in your past, you would still be the happy criminal. Oh, and let's be candid. Once a liar, always a liar. The original lie does not become the truth, only a confessed to lie when the truth is actually revealed.
Wasn't he the ass wipe who removed everyone from death row in Illinois in a blanket commutation? As I recall he stood at a University to cheering college students and announced all the murderers on death row were given a reprieve. The scandal at that time was that no families of murder victims were invited to the speech. So @!$%# freed the murderers then gets thrown in prison for bribery racketeerting etc. Wouldn't it be ironic if he had to serve fries to one of the murder victims families? I guarantee if it was my kid that was murdered and this crack head was the one who cut them a better deal I would be making his life a living hell at whatever McDonalds he was working at.
While we're jumping on the "no good politician" bandwagon, let's not forget Haley Barbour of Mississippi. One of the convicts he pardoned at the end of his term wasted no time in thanking the Gov. for his help. He was implicated in a fatal shooting at a backyard bar-be-que with a gun he was able to purchase because the pardon overturned his felony conviction. How about our own favorite son Rick Scott, who should have been in prison instead of the Governor's Mansion after settling with the government for a multi billion dollar Medicare fraud. You worry so much about a Democrat that might download nude pictures of himself, but not a Republican that steals Billions.
Thanks for the update Kevin on the routine. I worked there in the late 70's as a supposed counselor, but it wasn't run by the feds then, it was a state facility.
It must be a requirement in Illinois all politicians have to be criminals.
Where is Feisty Redhead? Not the first post here today.
She's still a little moist from all the gala events yesterday...
:(
Get him out of obamaville and send him to an Oklahoma half way house. Where you pay up to $2,500 per month, get all the drugs you want for free and if you ask for help they put you back in prison!
Illinois. The state where the governors make the license plates.
Did he get an early release or something? Why is he required to go to a halfway house? I was under the impression that once you served your prison term you were "free" again? Why will people be calling his home between 2 and 4 am weeks after release from jail? I know he's a horrible person, but is this how everyone who gets released is treated???
And the crooks, liars, cheats, robbers and gang bangers are singing,,,,, Chicago,,,Chicago,,,, my kind of town.
Hope they can get a few rooms for Obama, Hilary, Joe Biden and Peneta.