But you'd never know that from reading the story in the Chicago Tribune. The name "Barack Obama" appears nowhere in this story reporting on the sentence received by one of the key figures in Obama's life - a man who raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for his state senate and US senate runs, who introduced him to movers and shakers in the shadowy world of big money real estate wheelers and dealers, and who befriended him on numerous occassions, including the favor he did him when he purchased the lot next door to his current home.
Will anyone even ask Obama for a statement on the fate that has befallen his former friend?
You defrauded the people of Illinois, you engaged in extensive corruption throughout the state of Illinois," the judge said, adding that she hoped other politicians would take note of the penalty for corruption.A pardon of Rezko by Obama would not surprise anyone.
"This sentence must send a message that enough is enough," she said.
Rezko asked St. Eve for mercy and apologized to the court, his friends and family. "I come to ask for God's forgiveness and the court's mercy.
"I deeply regret my conduct," he said. "I take full responsibility for my actions."
Rezko told the judge his brother, sister and favorite cousin passed away during his incarceration, and no punishment could be greater than the guilt he feels for not being with them when they were dying.
A gaunt Rezko, clad in a prison uniform and shackled at the ankles, bore little resemblance to the robust millionaire whose trial was held more than three years ago -- a transformation even St. Eve mentioned.
"Just looking at you physically is evidence of the great fall that you have had," she said to Rezko, who stood before her with his arms crossed.
Rezko showed no initial reaction when the sentence was handed down, but several relatives began crying.
Several family members called out 'we love you" as Rezko was led away.
No comments:
Post a Comment