One of the reasons why voters are so skeptical of politicians stems from the way in which they seemingly manipulate the system (politics, judicial process, etc.) irrespective of their criminality, credibility or deservedness.
Take, for the example, the recent felony convictions and sentencing of former St. Clair County (IL) Circuit Judge Michael Cook and former Washington Park, IL village trustee Darron Suggs, which amounted to little more than slaps on the wrists for crimes which would have resulted in more severe punishment for the average citizen.
Cook, inmate 10258-025, received a two-year sentence for heroin possession and weapons convictions and was assigned to the sunny Pensacola (Florida) Federal Prison Camp, a college campus-style facility without barbed wire, guard towers or walls and where brunch is served every weekend and holidays. The facility also houses a movie theater and a range of sports, recreational opportunities and crafts for inmates to enjoy.
According to the admission and orientation manual, after six months, Cook will be able to make visits off-prison grounds, as well as work day jobs at the Pensacola Air Station. They may even open a savings account at one of the nearby banks, which will benefit Cook, whose father is a wealthy attorney.
Inmates may also wear civilian clothing and wear their hair at any length (or style) as long as they are “well-groomed.” In no time, Cook should return to Belleville, tanned, rested, well-fed and unrepentant since his so-called “sentence” is a slap in the face of anything remotely resembling justice. It’s tantamount to a Florida vacation.
And remember Darron Suggs? He’s the former Washington Park, IL village trustee who was convicted of defrauding the federal government and forced to resign his village seat. Well, Mr. Suggs has managed to leverage his felony record (or credential, if you’re in Washington Park) into a $600 per week position as an “administrative aid” to Washington Park Mayor Ann Rodgers.
Now that’s a fitting punishment! Take a guy who just robbed the feds and rehire him in a different capacity with Washington Park. And to really show Suggs that crime doesn’t pay, have the judge give him 26 years to repay the $64,867 that he stole from the Medicaid program. That’ll show him. Maybe next time, Suggs will think twice before committing another crime.
Of course, I’m being facetious, but this miscarriage of justice (for Cook and Suggs) is no laughing matter. It is part and parcel of what is wrong with politics and the judicial system in St. Clair County, specifically, and in America, in general.
How can our youth buy the notion of working hard, walking the straight-and-narrow path and valuing a good education when we see such flagrant examples of public officials (a lawyer/judge and master’s degree holder) who demonstrate that criminality is OK if you’re a politician or if you have the right pedigree?
Why should voters and taxpayers continue to listen to political rhetoric when, right before their eyes, double standards and hypocrisy are the order of the day?
The judges, U.S. District Judge Billy Joe McDade and U.S. District Chief Judge David Herndon, who slapped Michael Cook and Darron Suggs on the wrist for their blatant offenses should be ashamed and removed from their lofty positions (which won’t happen).
That, in part, is the reason for the voter apathy, cynicism, pessimism and non-participation: the widespread belief that all politicians and officials are, in fact, crooks. And the sentencing and “punishment” of Cook and Suggs only confirms what many already believe. That is the real travesty.
Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com; Twitter@JamesTIngram.
