Illinois Governor George Ryan, seemed very relaxed and at peace during
his recent interview with C.R.O.E. Co-Founder Munir Muhammad at the State
of Illinois Building in downtown Chicago. Gov. Ryan whose popularity has
risen as of late, on the heels of controversial scandal that continues
to be investigated inside the office where Ryan previously served as Secretary
of State, concerning the illegal obtaining of truck drivers license.
One of the main issues that have catapulted Ryans popularity in past
few months is his recent instituting of a death penalty moratorium.
When asked by Muhammad why he chose to place a moratorium on the death
penalty whereas his Republican counterpart Presidential candidate Gov.
George W. Bush has chosen to remain pro-death penalty. Ryan responded by
saying that each situation if different and "I personally did not feel
comfortable with the death penalty due to the information I received."
Accompanying the governor on the program was his longtime comrade in
the world of politics, State Senator Minority Leader Emil Jones, Sen. Jones
who traveled with the Governor to both Cuba and South Africa, spoke with
great enthusiasm about his return to the Homeland and the tremendous business
opportunity available in both countries, particularly in cities such as
Soweto where a dire need for job training and education has been missing
for so long.
Gov. Ryan cited American companies such as John Deere and Caterpillar
as potential candidates for such opportunities in South Africa. Ryan also
felt many of the American Automobile Manufacturers having a great potential
for business in Cuba.
The highlight of his trip was Ryans opportunity to visit former South
Africa President Nelson Mandela. Mandelas (who for 27 years was incarcerated
by South Africas Apartheid regime) ability to harbor no bitterness towards
his oppressors impressed the governor greatly.
The second half of the program featured Attorney Jeremy Magolis one
of Gov. Ryans advisors, Mr. Magolis discussed his long career in politics
with both the Democratic and Republican Partys along with his current
position and the duties it entails. This episode of the Munir Muhammad
Show will air on Wednesday July 12 at 6:00 p.m. on channel 25.