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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Sunday, May 4, 2008 11:07 PM CDT
Where do candidates stand on death penalty?

RANDY STEIDL, Rural Charleston

In this year of change as the so-called Fourth Branch of Government, this paper should ask each of the candidates for Coles County State’s Attorney to make public their stance on the Death Penalty in the State of Illinois.

As potential prosecutors each would be entrusted with the godlike power of life and death. That the pursuit of justice cannot be blind, but must be guided by the premises of unbiased and uninfluenced pursuit of the truth.

Death-penalty cases present pro-found consequence for everyone involved. Innocent blood can be on the hands of prosecutors and judges and the truly guilty go free.

Although it appears that there is a higher degree of corruption in the Fifth Judicial Circuit of which Coles County is a part of than in other circuits, no part of the State of Illinois criminal justice system is immune.

In most jurisdictions the office of the State’s Attorney is highly political and the decision whether or not to pursue a case or to seek a death sentence is often influenced by extralegal considerations. The use of political influence usually stops far short of outright bribery, but criminal behavior by prosecutors, judges, so-called expert witnesses, and rogue police officers is not unusual.

As the Fourth Branch of Government can you please ask Mr. Komada, Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Reardon where they respectively stand on the issue of capital punishment?

As an innocent survivor of Death Row, I must state you can release an innocent man from prison, but you cannot release him from the grave.

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Early Bird wrote on May 5, 2008 5:51 AM:

" This ought to be good! LOL "

Harry Potter wrote on May 5, 2008 7:59 AM:

" In all due respect, Mr. Steidl, being released early because of a technical error, does not equate to innocence. Your letter seems to infer that being against the death penalty would make someone a better candidate. A lot of people believe in the death penalty for brutal crimes such as murder. Unfortunately, many are released, and do not have to pay the full costs for their crimes, because of legal snafus. Sound familiar? "

Rotty wrote on May 5, 2008 9:37 AM:

" Let us hear from you Mr. People Person.
Where do you stand on the death penalty, Todd Reardon? "

The Question wrote on May 5, 2008 10:30 AM:

" Steidl was the 18th person since Illinois reinstated the death penalty in 1977 to be freed because of a wrongful conviction after serving time on Illinois' death row. Steidl's moral argument is irrefutable. "

krusayda wrote on May 5, 2008 1:07 PM:

" As I believe, only God has the authority to make a life or take a life, you beileve what you want and I will not try to change your befiefs, as most people simply believe what they have bee taught. Maybe I was taught wrong, may be you were, who is to say?? "

Tom Andres wrote on May 5, 2008 1:27 PM:

" Harry, when you say "In all due respect, Mr. Steidl, being released early because of a technical error ...", are you serious? I did a Yahoo search on Randy Steidl and clicked on the 'truthinjustice' website. Stridl's release was not the result of the typical "technical error" you imply. I'm not saying that Steidl and/or Whitlock are innocent, but it does appear that neither one of them should have been found 'guilty beyond a reasonable doubt'. Both of the local alcoholic/drug-addicted eye witnesses in recanted their sworn testimony AND the potentially plausible testimony from a third witness (the gas station attendant who sold 21 gallons of gas, in cans, to the driver of a Florida car) was never pursued by investigators. To me, the whole thing sounds like two badly botched prosecutions - which is not a 'mere technicality'. Are you sure you're familiar with this case, or are you just jumping on the bandwagon here? Maybe you should check out the version of this story on the truthinjustice.org website. "

racerchick wrote on May 5, 2008 2:10 PM:

" It was hardly because of a technical error, I believe you, Mr. Potter, read the wrong article. Not to sound like CHSGrad but look up the People v. Steidl. The reason it took so long to get an appeal was because Mr. Komada (Paul) had business dealings with the State Police investigator of the case, Jack Eckerty. Please know your facts before you spout off at the mouth. "

Todd Reardon wrote on May 5, 2008 2:21 PM:

" Dear Rotty:

I will respond fully to Mr. Steidl's letter through the Editorial section of the Newspaper this week. Thanks for your immediate concern.

"

racerchick wrote on May 5, 2008 3:12 PM:

" It was hardly because of a technical error, I believe you, Mr. Potter, read the wrong article. Not to sound like CHSGrad but look up People v. Steidl. Please know your facts before you spout off at the mouth.
"

85CHSGrad wrote on May 5, 2008 5:00 PM:

" As potential prosecutors each would be entrusted with the godlike power of life and death. That the pursuit of justice cannot be blind, but must be guided by the premises of unbiased and uninfluenced pursuit of the truth.
------------------------------

That rules out 2 of the candidates, Ferguson and Komada!!! "

Harry Potter wrote on May 5, 2008 5:34 PM:

" OK OK, all of you legal eagles. Where is Steidl's partner in crime at the moment? Hmmmmm....And for my friend, Tom Andres, the point I was making was the Mr. Steidl was NOT found innocent as he implies in his letter. This point seemed to go over the head of racer chick, as most thing seem to do, but I'm surprised that you didn't get it, Tom. "

Rotty wrote on May 5, 2008 7:46 PM:

" Thank You, Mr. Reardon. "

usmcvet wrote on May 5, 2008 8:14 PM:

" Imagine that, Paul Komada having dealings with such people. I do believe he was involved somehow with the Gochanour(sp.) deal too. And he is running for SA ? I do believe there was also a boat deal that he made also. "

usmcvet wrote on May 5, 2008 8:20 PM:

" 85 Grad is right on the money as usual.That's one thing about ole Grad I like and that is he posts the facts,whether Rotty and Harry Palmer agree or not is their problem,I think sometimes they are blind to the truth of the matter.They both will vote for Komada and Ferguson and be proud about it. It's time for a change in the Coles county judicial system and Ferguson and Komada are not gonna get the job done, unless you like having meth makers and child molesters on our streets. "

Rotty wrote on May 5, 2008 9:02 PM:

" usmcvet, I have stated several times, over several different threads, that at this point, I'm still undecided over to whom of the lesser evils are, that I will vote for. I've not ruled any of three out, just yet.
You must have missed it, or you possibly need to put a shine on those rose colored glasses of yours.
So, see, there's no "blind" to it, except in your case.
2 words, usmcvet - Baa Baa
You ought to be very used to those by now. "

Tom Andres wrote on May 5, 2008 10:19 PM:

" HP, when you say "Mr. Steidl was NOT found innocent as he implies in his letter", it sounds like maybe you're the one who isn't 'getting it'. I believe the terminology is either "Guilty" or "Not guilty". I know, I listen to too much TV, but I don't remember any verdict being read as "Innocent". Obviously, I'm not an attorney, nor even a student of law, but I do know that innocence is presumed, and guilt has to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. In laymen's terms, I guess a Not Guilty verdict is as close to Innocent as you can get. // Please, HP, go read the account of this case on that truthinjustice.org website I mentioned earlier. You may change your opinion of this case. "

ed miller wrote on May 6, 2008 2:38 AM:

" Abolish the death penalty. We can't afford it.

It costs more to kill someone than to keep them in prison for life. Just make the prison life a little less desireable. Did anyone see the video of the Ft. Bragg barracks shot by a returning soldier's father? They had to make their own toilet seat out of cardboard. That is deplorable. Compare that to these fancy prisons with A/C, weight rooms, and cable TV. "

Harry Potter wrote on May 6, 2008 7:05 AM:

" I'm sure it was an oversight on your part, Tom, but I noticed you failed to answer the question as to where the other "innocent" partner is spending his days and nights. Hmmmm... LOL "

The Question wrote on May 6, 2008 9:29 AM:

" I can't believe I'm saying this, but Tom Andres is absolutely right. "

61912 wrote on May 6, 2008 9:47 AM:

" Candidate Reardon, while your addressing your stand on the issue of capital punishment I would like to know what your stand is on the Coles County Drug Court program. This will be one of the deciding factors in my choice of candidate. By the way, you stated in an earlier post that you had literature with your accomplishments, do you have a website? "

the neighbor wrote on May 6, 2008 10:59 AM:

" Tom Andres IS absolutely right....and Mr. Steidl's "partner" was also released after a new trial on January 8, 2008. "

racerchick wrote on May 6, 2008 12:05 PM:

" Harry Potter-to answer your question about Mr. Whitlock, he is a free man as well, so let me say again, please know your facts before you spout off at the mouth. "

racerchick wrote on May 6, 2008 12:12 PM:

" Mr. Potter are you playing pool this week? "

Harry Potter wrote on May 6, 2008 2:49 PM:

" Thanks for the update, racerchick. I'm sure you keep track of all of the criminal element. Family member or just a good friend? "

father bob wrote on May 6, 2008 4:14 PM:

" The states that have ratified this treaty are trying to strengthen the rule of law. The Bush administration is trying to punish them for that.Richard Dicker
Director
International Justice Program
Human Rights Watch

U.S. President George Bush today signed into law the American Servicemembers Protection Act of 2002, which is intended to intimidate countries that ratify the treaty for the International Criminal Court (ICC). The new law authorizes the use of military force to liberate any American or citizen of a U.S.-allied country being held by the court, which is located in The Hague. This provision, dubbed the Hague invasion clause, has caused a strong reaction from U.S. allies around the world, particularly in the Netherlands.In addition, the law provides for the withdrawal of U.S. military assistance from countries ratifying the ICC treaty, and restricts U.S. participation in United Nations peacekeeping unless the United States obtains immunity from prosecution. At the same time, these provisions can be waived by the president on national interest grounds.

The states that have ratified this treaty are trying to strengthen the rule of law, said Richard Dicker, director of the International Justice Program at Human Rights Watch. The Bush administration is trying to punish them for that.

Dicker pointed out that many of the ICCs biggest supporters are fragile democracies and countries emerging from human rights crises, such as Sierra Leone, Argentina and Fiji.

The law is part of a multi-pronged U.S. effort against the International Criminal Court. On May 6, in an unprecedented move, the Bush administration announced it was renouncing U.S. signature on the treaty. In June, the administration vetoed continuation of the U.N. peacekeeping force in Bosnia in an effort to obtain permanent immunity for U.N. peacekeepers. In July, U.S. officials launched a campaign around the world to obtain bilateral agreements that would grant immunity for Americans from the courts authority. Yesterday, Washington announced that it obtained such an agreement from Romania.

trying to save his own neck....funny how he could end up like saddam.
"

usmcvet wrote on May 6, 2008 8:24 PM:

" And Mr.Rotty what branch did yourself serve in ? This ought to be a good one !!! "

Rotty wrote on May 6, 2008 8:47 PM:

" usmcvet, we all may not have served, but one way or another, we all feel or have felt the pain.
"

Harry Potter wrote on May 6, 2008 8:50 PM:

" Only in Coles county could someone beat someone half to death with a baseball bat a wind up a hero to some poor misguided folks. Some of you have a real strange sense of values and of right and wrong. And yes, of course, all of this means we need to elect the, shall we say strange, Todd R. as states attorney. "

Harry Potter wrote on May 6, 2008 9:28 PM:

" Rotty, I agree with you, and I wonder why some people have to wear the military service on their sleeve. I too am a veteran but don't feel that I have to go around bragging about it. By using your service branch in your posting name, that's what it looks like some are doing on this site. I know his comment will irritate some, but really I don't give a hoot one way or the other. I even remember a few months ago someone inferring that those who didn't serve in the military really had no right to comment on Bush's war. Remember that moron? And, oh yeah, he was a proud veteran too. "

Justice Matters wrote on May 6, 2008 11:25 PM:

" A few years ago, I took the time to go to the Edgar County Court House and, actually, read the files on the 1986 murder of two newlyweds. I was, particularly, struck by a slip of paper down at the bottom of one of the files bearing the names of two individuals (not Steidl or Whitlock) but of two males seen buying seven 5 gallon cans of gasoline from a convenience store the night the Rhoads were murdered. The attendant knew their names and even described the size of one man's hands as being quite large. This never came out in the trial, yet, it was known and recorded in the files.

If you asked around, you might learn that one of the men described by the attendant had been associated with a nightclub in a small town outside of Paris, just across the State Line into Indiana. If you, actually, visited the small town and looked for the nightclub, you might learn that it burned to the ground about a week after the murders in 1986. Why was this not investigated and brought up at the trial?

I continue to believe in the innocence of the two men convicted of this horrific crime. Perhaps it's because I've read the court files and researched newspaper accounts online. Or, perhaps, it's because I've read the book, "The Bluegrass Conspiracy" and learned about the 1976 incorporation of a business called "The Company" that had its roots in Illinois and Kentucky. Many believe "The Company" corrupted some of our finest citizens and elected officials throughout Illinois and Kentucky including bankers, policemen, attorneys, and even a few judges along the way.

For most of us, the idea of someone being able to coerce or bribe a witness to give false testimony just doesn't seem possible. After all, most of us believe there are checks and balances in our court system. But, if that's always true, how is it possible to have the names of two people seen buying seven 5 gallon cans of gasoline at a local convenience store on the night of two murders and a giant fire; yet, neither the prosecutors nor the defense attorneys ever called either of them to the witness stand?

If this happened in the Rhoads murder case, then it is, truly, a travesty of justice. I was once told that Steidl's post-conviction judge's former law partner, S. John Mueller, described what happened to Steidl and Whitlock as a "true travesty of justice". Unfortunately, Attorney Mueller did not live long enough to see Steidl's conviction, finally, overturned and what Mueller called a "true travesty of justice" undone by the successful efforts of the Downstate Innocence Project.

Justice Matters, no matter how long it takes.

"

Mervin L. Wolfe wrote on May 7, 2008 7:14 AM:

" This is a very sensitive issue relating to the application of the power of life and death. That power of life and death is given to the States Attorney to exercise in the best interest of the people. What is best for the people is an open question. "

the neighbor wrote on May 7, 2008 8:52 AM:

" to "Justice Matters"....AMEN!
to "Harry Potter".....that crack you made to "racerchick" was just as judgemental and close minded as anything I have ever seen you write. Any educated person would have read a little about the case before he wrote something so hateful. You should just get on your knees and thank God that you weren't the person who was in the "wrong place at the wrong time" like Mr. Steidl and Mr. Whitlock.
I CANNOT even imagine being on Death Row......waiting and hoping that someone would finally take another look at the evidence that would show that I wasn't the one who committed the crime I was there for.
I'm neither related nor a friend to Randy Steidl, Herb Whitlock or "racerchick", but what I AM is a human being who is capable of feeling empathy for a person who is wronged. How is Mr. Steidl or Mr. Whitlock ever going to get those years that were spent in prison back? Put yourself in their shoes, HP. Admit that you have no idea what you are talking about on this one. "

krusayda wrote on May 7, 2008 1:21 PM:

" Unless Jesus is running for office, the death penalty should not even be an issue. No man has the right to judge or take another person's life. "

racerchick wrote on May 7, 2008 4:31 PM:

" Harry-It's called doing a little research on topics before running your mouth. Maybe you should try it sometime. "

racerchick wrote on May 7, 2008 4:32 PM:

" Neighbor-you have it right on target, thank you. "

Harry Potter wrote on May 7, 2008 6:20 PM:

" Actually neighbor, I've said worse things, and you have to admit that racerchick makes a pretty fun target, that is watching her reactions to my posts. Don't try to spoil my fun. If I wasn't giving her a hard time, I might be out stealing Todd Reardon's signs. LOL "

Harry Potter wrote on May 7, 2008 7:31 PM:

" You don't seem to be bothered by some of the hateful comments made by racerchick toward me and anyone else she disagrees with, and why is that, neighbor? Like so many on this site, your indignation seems to be along the lines of what you think are the general theme of the messages of a particular poster are. That to me is rather shallow thinking. The truly mature poster will not always agree or disagree with his fellow posters 100% of the time. And as for getting down on my knees and thanking God about anything to do with these societal rejects in this case, no thanks. We're not talking about upstanding citizens here. If racerchick was to follow her own advice, and do a little research, she would know that. But no, she is too busy getting all giddy over the fact that I missed the fact that the other accused murdered got released too. "

the neighbor wrote on May 7, 2008 11:12 PM:

" Harry, to be honest with you, I was all "giddy" about that particular fact, myself. I don't expect that all of our opinions will be the same all of the time, but I don't think that pointed personal insults are necessary either.
I am not the most educated or socially accepted person on the face of the earth either....believe me, I have made a lot of bad decisions in my life, but I can still feel some sort of empathy....sympathy....whatever you choose to be the "politically correct" term, for a person....from WHATEVER walk of life....who has lost over 20 years of his life to the Department of Corrections.
I know that there are some who have the opinion that prison is a "cake walk", but just think of not having your freedom....having to do EVERYTHING in the presence of other inmates and not seeing the people that you love grow and change....and for a crime the you DID NOT commit.....
I don't think that you or I have any idea what it is to be completely stripped of your freedom to come and go as you please.
I, personally, reject the idea of capital punishment.....specifically for this reason....you CANNOT release a dead person if you happen to find out that he is not guilty, and I also feel that only God has the "right" if you will, to take a life, no matter what that person is guilty of.
I don't know Randy Steidl, Herb Whitlock or racerchick, but I do know that they are people....just people like you and me. I have no idea what kind of raising any of you had, I have no idea who any of your family or friends are.....I don't care what you do for a living.....I just have the opinion that we should not judge others, especially without knowing the facts....and you didn't even know the most basic facts in this instance.
"

racerchick wrote on May 8, 2008 10:40 AM:

" Harry I know you don't really think I am a retard, just a college educated idiot. That is why I still love you. Another thing, if you weren't picking on me I would think that you were feeling under the weather. That is just an understanding I have. Now let's all give ourselves a big hug so we can feel warm and fuzzy inside. "

Interested Observer wrote on May 8, 2008 11:40 AM:

" As a Roman Catholic, I support the teachings of my church on this subject and utterly reject the death penalty. "

Harry Potter wrote on May 8, 2008 7:26 PM:

" College educated? A degree in cosmetology? And you're starting to concern me with all this love and hugs business. "

1 cav wrote on May 9, 2008 7:13 AM:

" krusayda wrote on May 7, 2008 1:21 PM:
" Unless Jesus is running for office, the death penalty should not even be an issue. No man has the right to judge or take another person's life. "
Maybe you need to study the Bible. God instituted Capitol punishment and gave that right to Government! "

the neighbor wrote on May 9, 2008 9:04 AM:

" Thank goodness you put all your faith in government.....

The government is made up of men...mortals who made mistakes and who have convicted innocent people. I'm sure that you would have been happy in Salem....unless someone in the "government" thought you were a witch. "

krusayda wrote on May 9, 2008 9:15 AM:

" Cite the sricpture. "

Harry Potter wrote on May 9, 2008 1:15 PM:

" I don't think I would hold my breath, Krusayda. "

Justice Matters wrote on May 9, 2008 2:39 PM:

" As a Christian, sometimes struggling with what is morally right or wrong, Ive come to rely on a feeling of peace before I accept an idea as coming from God. Even when I read scripture in the Bible, I search for that feeling of peace before I accept my own or someone elses interpretation of what God intended.

With that said, I do believe that God communicated instructions in the Old Testament that were intended for his followers, at the time, to obey. And, I do believe that people from those days did not always obey God and that he was disappointed. As a result, he sent Jesus and we now have the New Testament for Christians of today to follow.

But, regardless, God has passed down instructions for not just Christian people to follow but for Christian Governments to follow, as well. The Bible teaches us as individuals that God wants us to treat others with love and compassion. God has given us the Ten Commandments so that we know what he expects from us as individuals. The Bible instructs our leaders that there is sin and that it is important to deter crimes when the Commandments are broken. Without a doubt, there are scriptures that talk about Capital Punishment in the Bible. And, at the same time, there are scriptures asking us not to judge, and one scripture telling us to Let He that hath no sin cast the first stone.

In this imperfect world, I do not have a sense of peace about our Government exacting Capital Punishment on any individual for the simple reason that we, as Americans, have the right and power to elect moral leadership to enact and carry out moral laws but have failed to do so, consistently. It is for this reason, that I do not believe God would want me to support Capital Punishment and I will continue to speak out against it. In a, completely, moral Government no man or woman would ever be convicted of a Capital Offense that was not deserving of it. In a less than moral Government, it may happen only once, but once is intolerable.
"

the neighbor wrote on May 9, 2008 10:54 PM:

" Again, Justice Matters.....AMEN!

I think you stated your opinion and the reason for it, eloquently. I believe that you have just said what a lot of us wanted to....but we failed to just quite hit the mark. In my opinion...well said. Thank you. "

Mervin L. Wolfe wrote on May 10, 2008 7:26 AM:

" These arguments flow around two central premises that being thou shall not kill and thou shall not bear false witness. It is interesting to note that these two moral problems made to the ten commandments together. Apparently bearing false witnesses was and is as big a social problem as murder and has been over two thousand years. "

the neighbor wrote on May 10, 2008 12:57 PM:

" Bearing false witness was exactly the issue in the Steidl / Whitlock scenario. So apparently, until the candidate can assure that no witness will lie, and that the crime can be proved beyond the shadow of a doubt, he or she should not be pro capital punishment......he or she is in the position to serve the best interests of the public. The alledged perpetrator of the crime is also a member of the public. Therefore his best interest must also be served, whether we agree or not.
If an accused person is indeed executed, and later proved to be not guilty, are we not murderers ourselves? It would be difficult for an individual to live with that knowledge that he or she was the one was responsible for administering the lethal injection if that were the case, I think.
The bottom line, to me, is that we are all human, and holding an office or being in some position of power does not make us any less susceptible to being deceived, so why take the chance? Incarceration gets the accused person off the street, and while a loss of freedom is a terrible price to pay if one is innocent, the price of an innocent life is much greater.
Again, for HP, this is only my opinion, and I DO NOT expect all to agree. "

Justice Matters wrote on May 11, 2008 12:35 AM:

" Actually, Neighbor, you said something in your last post that intrigued me and I decided to write my previous post because you mentioned Salem and witches. After thinking about your comment, I realized how often Mans law changes over time and by locale. The Ten Commandments are consistent no matter where one lives and never change over time.

Yet, at one time, American leaders put suspected witches to death. In different parts of the world, people were once put to death for not paying taxes. Today, Americans put people to death for murder, but never for bearing false witness even when it destroys anothers life. These are but a few of the inconsistencies in Mans law.

From the moment I first read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, I was taken by the patience, love, and compassion Jesus had for sinners. While others may not have concerned themselves with helping a sinner, Jesus stopped whatever he was doing to offer hope and guidance to those that asked. Jesus did not appear to concern himself with punishment, but he did try to deter the crime by telling them to Go and sin no more..

Mervin Wolfes last post is also intriguing. Bearing false witness against someone IS like murdering them, for it is destroying who they are. The Commandments are simple, righteous, and the only true law that is worthy of Gods Blessing. Man and Government cannot really perfect Gods law for it is already perfect, consistent, moral, and has stood the test of time. The best we can do is to try to live it.

"

Todd Reardon wrote on May 16, 2008 12:04 PM:

" I have responded to Mr. Steidl's letter, however, the JG-TC have not printed it nor allowed it to be posted. So, I took the liberty of hand delivering same to Mr. Steidl. Who was pleasant and appreciative. "

Todd Reardon wrote on May 16, 2008 12:07 PM:

" to 61912 my website is toddreardon.com.

You'll see my accomplishments, the site is still under construction. "

Harry Potter wrote on May 16, 2008 8:08 PM:

" Check it out Rotty. The pictures of Toddy's supporters say it all. Looks like a group of Coles counties best and brightest. LOL! I wish he would use captions so we could see which one is Dally, racerchick and of course the PR guy, grad. The best picture is the clown with the tattoos. Actually the tattooed guy looks about what one would expect 85 grad to look like. I hope everyone checks this one out. Real good site, Todd. They're probably showing this on the big screen at the Ice House, and all of the hillbillies are oohing and aahing...Yhee...Haw...that's our Toddy boy! "

Early Bird wrote on May 17, 2008 6:51 AM:

" Wow! Todd is going to create more jobs for Coles county.

Todd is going to create a drug court, never mind that we have one now, I guess he wants more, even though his press agent deplores it.

I suspect the home confinement idea is what appeals to most of his loyal followers.

Todd is going to create after school programs too.

What about world hunger, Aids, the price of gasoline, catching OSBL and global warming, Todd, you forgot about them. LOL!

After reading his ideas, I have to wonder if there is any problem he's not going to take care of.

If this load of dog doo doo is what the paper rejected, I'm not surprised. I'll bet those boys in the backroom at the paper are still laughing over this pie in the sky Utopian load of banana crap.

On a more serious note, Todd lose the pictures of the fundraiser on your site. It looks like a bunch of rejects from the movie Deliverance, and looking through them is sort of like looking at the pictures on the wall at the post office. This will probably hurt you more than help.

It appears your platform was written by one of your sign painters.

Lastly, Todd, I hope you take an ad out in the paper listing all of these fantastic ideas you have, so that the good folks in Coles county can see how out of touch with reality you really are.
"

Todd Reardon wrote on May 17, 2008 12:35 PM:

" Dear Bird: Why you should come to the Mattoon Moose tonight and see for yourself how many people show up to my events. If you have any ideas on how to improve the county other than dittoing harry, I am sure the people will appreciate it.

My letter will not be published as I question one candidates ethics. It appears the Editorial staff is not the 4th branch of Government as Mr. steidl indicated but a lap dog as I have suggested. If you want to meet Mr. Steidl and read my response to his inquiry he will be at the Mattoon moose tonight as a speical invited quest of mine as I had to deliver him my response to his question as the Paper does not have the back bone to print it. as for drug Court it was on my platform the last time I ran and Ferguson was opposed to it for years as Judge Waller was opposed to it and so Steve would not stand up to him. After Waller left the bench then Steve got the courage to stand-up for drug Court when there was no resistance.
That being said I am glad it is in place now I plan to expand it as it has better results than prison on reforming behavior. It is also pretty well accepted in the medical community than drug abuse is a medical problem should we punish cancer patients, AIDS patients as well?

"

Harry Potter wrote on May 17, 2008 7:45 PM:

" Todd, you and your PR guy (85 grad) need to get together. Seems like you're on different pages when it comes to drug court. Why is that? And perhaps the paper is treating you like they do because they too think you're a little weird. Ever consider that? Come on now, how many candidates for office go on line and call names and get into arguments with other bloggers? That may appeal to your redneck base, but I don't think most voters will be very impressed by your immature actions. And seriously, who is that low life looking character with the tattoos? Is that your, shall we say, special friend? There have been rumors, you know. "

61912 wrote on May 18, 2008 12:28 AM:

" Todd,
I did visit your site. Thank you for your response on the website and for responding on your stance towards the Coles County Drug Court Program. "

Harry Potter wrote on May 18, 2008 12:23 PM:

" I wonder where Todd stands on gay marriage, like we don't know. (on the right or left side) LOL! "

85CHSGrad wrote on May 18, 2008 8:37 PM:

" It is not the drug court that bothers me. Inconsistent sentencing is what bothers me! 2 people charged with manufacturing meth... One gets probation or drug court, the other person gets 20 years in prison! Not Justice in my eyes! Give them all drug court or, give them all prison, just be consistent! Time for a Change!

The laws from state to state differ due to different penal codes and legislative sentencing guidelines. These separate standards, along with prejudice from judges and prosecutors, make punishments for the same crime different throughout the nation.

If there would be more community involvement, prosecutors and judges would be held more accountable for their actions more often than they currently are.

Crime should not be condoned, but the punishment for crimes should be consistent across the board in our legal system. "

Todd Reardon wrote on May 19, 2008 12:29 PM:

" Dear Harry: How much have you had to drink what does gay marriage and the death penalty have in common? Only you could some how tie those to issue together. "

Harry Potter wrote on May 19, 2008 5:53 PM:

" These threads have a tendency to go off in other directions, Todd. I would have thought you would understand that by now. And when are you going to answer EB's question?

After looking at the pictures of that drunken bunch of your supporters, I would say it seems sort of strange for you to comment on anyone drinking. "

Todd Reardon wrote on May 20, 2008 12:48 PM:

" Dear Harry Potter and Early Bird:

Today after 6pm my web-page will be updated with my letter to Mr. Steidl that had to be hand delivered to him as the paper lacked the Backbone to print it.

Check-out www.toddreardon.com

"

the neighbor wrote on May 20, 2008 1:21 PM:

" Isaiah 11:4
but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. "

the neighbor wrote on May 20, 2008 2:03 PM:

" That is to say, Mr. Potter, that God will be the judge of humanity, and He will be fair with all the "societal rejects" so you can get off the bench now, and give your gavel a rest.
It appears that if YOU ran the world, it would be a virtual utopia....*sigh*.....but, alas, you don't. So get over yourself and quit running the "redneck low-life underbelly" of our great nation into the ground. They are citizens and voters and what they say and do DOES count......whether you like it or not!!
They will be there just as long as all you people who look down your noses at them are there. You and others like you see only what you want to see.

This is an example of how far off track the threads can get, I suppose, so back to the subject at hand....capital punishment....it is no mortal person's job to judge what another's life is worth. Your judgemental arrogant nature is an exceptionally good example of why that is so true. If you were the judge, it would seem that ANYONE who did not conform to what you consider to be "the norm", would be in very serious danger of being judged more harshly than those that you find "socially acceptable".

Oh, wait!! That is CHSGrad's complaint that you hate so much right? He thinks that all people should be judged on the crime and not on who they are or where they come from, or what connections they have......hmmmmmmmm

And on another note...
Would you be willing to wlk up to the guy with the tats and ask him if he is Mr. Reardon's "special friend"? I think a meeting could be arranged...LOL
"

Harry Potter wrote on May 20, 2008 5:38 PM:

" Hey neighbor, judging by your last two messages, I guess one might say you must be a Bible thumping hillbilly. LOL! And you seem a little sensitive about Todd's special friend. Jealous?

Actually your message seems a little schizophrenic, going from Bible quotes to veiled threats. What's with that?

Perhaps your messages would have more cohesion if you would put the bottle aside before posting them.

Hey, you're not posting from the Ice House are you? If you are, say hello to my little buddy sbritt, or as he is better known there as Tinker Bell.

I love a good argument, but if you're going to try to debate any issue with me, please try to be logical about it, OK?

And don't you find it a little strange that you berate me for going off subject when you do the very same thing. More schizophrenia on your part?

Just out of curiosity, how many of those nasty looking tattoos do you have on yourself. Lots of them, I would be willing to bet. It's been my experience that most people who put tattoos on their bodies have a lot of insecurities and are usually trying to compensates from some self perceived inadequacy. Is that your story too? "

the neighbor wrote on May 20, 2008 10:16 PM:

" Mr Potter, I'll go with the "Bible thumpin' hillbilly" thing if you like, and you may perceive me in any way that you wish. It seems we need to keep you happy.
There is NO way that anyone will ever "out insult" you, because you seem to have a bad case of the "I'm right and you're wrong, na na na na na nas"
I have had the same job for the past 10 years and the one before that was for 17, till the place closed down due to NAFTA. I have no tattoos, my only piercings are in my ears and I haven't even drank socially for the past 23 years. There is no Prozac or anything remotely like it in my medicine cabinet and I don't know your friend, Tinker Bell. I'm sorry if that disappoints you.
I would, however, be more than willing to meet you and let you see for yourself what kind of person I am. I am not afraid of people, and I have nothing to hide. I am a basically nonjudgemental person who HATES to see people judged by their appearances and wealth and/or lack thereof.
This conversation has gotten to be very pointed and personal, and I have to accept my part in all of that, but you have a way of provoking an ugly kind of argument. I absolutely did not mean for you to ever feel threatened. I really hope that I haven't triggered some paranoia or something. LOL
I was not berating you for getting off the subject, I wish you would go back and read that part again. Mr. Reardon was the one who questioned what one subject had to do with the other. I was kind of trying to kind of draw the thread back to the real subject at hand. Sorry if I confused you. "

Harry Potter wrote on May 21, 2008 7:50 AM:

" Actually you didn't confuse me at all. I'm glad you're enjoying my posts, though. It's always good to have more new fans. "

Harry Potter wrote on May 21, 2008 3:00 PM:

" Yes neighbor, it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must a hell of a man... yada yada yada....yes neighbor, I know it's a Mac Davis song, but you have to admit it makes you think of me.

Would you be interested in heading up a fan club for me? I can't promise you anything, because there are several people wanting that privilege. I'm going to hold a raffle for the job, so I'll put your name in the hat. Good Luck! "

Harry Potter wrote on May 21, 2008 5:47 PM:

" And a correction about me always being right. That's not true I made a mistake back in 03, OK? "