Carry forth declaration's ideals

To the Editor:

Dec. 10 marked the 60th anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was written in the aftermath of World War II to demonstrate the world's commitment to and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the future.

The then 58 members of the United Nations represented many different political ideologies, cultures, religions, and stages of economic development, yet they were able to come together and agree upon basic human rights that belong to every person everywhere. The declaration begins by proclaiming in Article 1: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not a binding legal document; rather, it has been an inspiration for many national constitutions, domestic legislation, and international human rights treaties. The United States was a leader in the preparation and adoption of the declaration. In fact, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, widow of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, chaired the committee that prepared the draft of the declaration. She considered the Universal Declaration to be her greatest accomplishment.

For this 60th anniversary, I urge the United States to reclaim its role as a leader in the field of human rights and demonstrate its commitment to the ideals set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60 years ago.

Cindy Galway Buys

Murphysboro

Corruption is king

To the Editor:

I am not surprised whatsoever that our governor is corrupt. My opinion is that all politicians are corrupt and the only solution is to rid ourselves of them all.

We should start from scratch and swear in the farmer that lives down the road from you, or the neighbor that works 40 hours a week and strives to keep a perfectly manicured lawn. Three people sharing a position so that one person does not have the temptation of corruption. Corruption is in our everyday life. The good jobs are given based on who you know and not what you know. Nepotism and the good ol' boy system is king. They run an ad for one day only just to make it legal and then hire the person that was already picked for the position.

We all know someone who has been applying for a good union job for years and then learn that another friend suddenly has a new job at the same place that didn't have any openings. Pay to play has been a staple in our society since the beginning and it will continue. Hiring for any position should be based on qualifications and nothing more. Minority quotas are discriminating to the majority. By the time the quotas are filled and the good ol' boys get their picks, there is nothing left for the eager-to-work majority.

Outside entities should do the hiring, to ensure the integrity of the hiring process, not our governor or the likes.

Terry Nolen

Johnston City

Somebody stop the shame

To the Editor:

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is a total disgrace to the state of Illinois. Impeachment proceedings should be taken immediately by the Illinois Legislature to remove him from office. If that doesn't suffice, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan should start proceedings to remove the governor from office.

This state deserves better, especially since we have two governors of this state having to face brazen acts of corruption in state government back to back. There should also be better and new legislation initiated by the General Assembly to stop and deal with corruption in this state in a more effective manner.

Illinois government is becoming an embarrassment to the entire country. This has to stop.

Marianne Dillow

Anna

Will Ryan have a roommate?

To the Editor:

It is my understanding that the Department of Corrections has traditionally kept only one cell reserved solely for the incarceration of former governors. In the past that has been sufficient as we have usually locked them up one at a time.

However, given the situation involving Blagojevich, it seems likely he will be needing that cell in the not too distant future. Will this provide an impetus for the pardon of the cell's current resident, or will Mr. Ryan and Blagojevich have to double up in a cell like common criminals?

It would be shameful for Illinois to require our former governors to be treated in such a manner.

Larry Hill

Makanda

Bradley was in the right

To the Editor:

In the time since Gov. Rod Blagojevich's arrest, there have been a number of the governor's former allies to criticize him very harshly, and have also asked for his impeachment.

My only question is: Where have they all been before while the governor was playing games with our state over the past six years?

To my knowledge, State Rep. John Bradley of Marion has been the only Democratic official in our area to question Gov. Blagojevich's practices in the past, and he was criticized for doing this.

Maybe Rep. John Bradley knows the difference between statesmanship, and politics?

Right on John!

Jack McReynolds

West Frankfort