The most important Christian value I know, and one that all respect, is the concept of supplication, of atonement, of seeking forgiveness through Christ for sins. I hope I learned this as a boy. Christians took this concept from their Jewish roots: the Jews still seek "Slicchus" which roughly means "Forgiveness" for their sins from God. They do it once a year on the Day of Atonement: Yom Kippur. We Christians do it much more often, and it helps to purge the soul of evil.

Very commonly, convicted felons come to understand this concept. They often become the most devoted of Christians when behind bars. Or they become devoted Muslims who share the same core values.

Some few felons never seek forgiveness. They are the types who tend to be the repeat offenders, like felon foulks who now has three strikes against him. He's shooting for a fourth strike like Fidel Castro (the guy is probably too young to remember that one).

I do hope, Ted, that you give some serious consideration to taking over the organization the felon put together. It does have potential to be of good in the hands of a leader with a good moral soul. And you have that kind of soul - we all recognize it.

Some people don't want to be in the spotlight. They prefer to do their own thing. And if we have to see you be that sort, we are all going to respect you just as much. But I'm hoping that SOMEONE who is morally a decent person takes up the cause and steps up to the plate to put the felon off to the sidelines. For the sake of the taxi industry in Chicago, it doesn't need to be influenced by a criminal element.


Donald Nathan