Sources close to the Bush White House are reporting this morning that the President is considering commuting the sentence of former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards before his term ends on January 20. In fact, a decision may be made in the next few days. Edwards is serving a ten year sentence in a federal prison in Oakdale, Louisiana. He began serving his prison term in October 2002. He will be eligible for parole in early 2011 at which time he will be eighty three years old.
Former Louisiana Governor Dave Treen, along with former U.S. Senators John Breaux and J. Bennett Johnston, combined forces to petition President Bush to commute his sentence. In fact, Treen has expressed confidence that Bush will act before his presidential term ends.
President Bush and Louisiana politicians may feel compassion toward Edwards, but, the mercy is misplaced. Edwards was given the great honor of serving as Governor of Louisiana for sixteen years, longer than any other person in state history. During that time, the state experienced significant decline in a number of important areas. When Edwards was first elected as Governor in the early 1970’s, Louisiana was competitive with neighboring states. We had a strong oil and gas industry and our population was growing.
After four terms of Edwards, gambling was introduced, but the state was declining in a number of important areas. Our population declined as loyal Louisiana residents had no choice but to leave the state in search of economic opportunity. In addition, the business community contracted and political corruption became worse than ever. Clearly, Edwards left the state in much worse shape after his terms in office.
Pardoning Edwards would be a terrible mistake. It would send the wrong message and give people an impression that political corruption should not be vigorously prosecuted. It is sad that politicians are given such special treatment. At this point, President Bush is not considering pardons for ordinary citizens, only a privileged politician like Edwards. Garden variety criminals do not receive presidential pardons, so neither should Edwin Edwards.
By breeching the public trust throughout his checkered career, Edwards engaged in unseemly activity that merited at least a ten year prison sentence. He should not receive special treatment for he is where he belongs and should fulfill the remaining years of his sentence.
The sympathy for Edwards is misplaced because a true analysis of what he did as Governor will show a politician who lined the pockets of his friends and family and did not deliver for the people of Louisiana. Edwards does not deserve all of the blame for the economic woes of Louisiana, but he should bear some of the blame.
It would send the wrong message to commute the sentence of the corrupt former Governor. Edwards spent his career thinking about himself and his cronies and not the voters he represented. It is ironic that today so many politicians are spending precious time not thinking about how to make this a better state, but on how to release Edwin Edwards from prison. To say such an endeavor is not the best use of their time is an understatement.
Jeff Crouere is the Host of “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. He is the Political Analyst for WGNO-TV ABC26 and the Political Editor for NewOrleans.com. For more information, visit his web site at RingsidePolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com
I grew up in the Great State of Louisiana, and was honored to know Governor Edwin Edwards as a family friend. He made no secret of his love of gambling, women, and drinking...respectfully letting it all be known to the public without regret. We know that he took the fall for many people who may never be known publicly. We know that mud-slinging still, and always will continue on this topic. That doesn't make things right, but he was straight up about his 'passions', which included working for all the citizens of our fair state, to improve our quality of life, and to surround himself with a team of hard working individuals and groups to help see these things through to the very end. We have not had a governor as strong and focused as Edwin Edwards since he left office.
Frst and foremost, we must look at what GOOD he did for our state. There were jobs...even when the oil crunch nearly crushed the citizens and businesses of our
fair state.
Still, there were jobs, as he and his team diversified and worked endlessly to bring new industries into the state to compensate for the weakening and crumbling oil industry.He made good things happen for all of Louisiana's citizens.
Yes, his son Michael also took the fall for many things that neither of them should have had to suffer for, leaving true criminals roaming the streets, and still practicing 'good ole boy' politics. Edwin Edwards was NOT even into politics at first. He was born and raised in Crowley, Louisiana, where he hung his shingle as a small town attorney. Even then, working for our people. It was later that he was convinced to run for office. He started at the bottom, and worked his bottom off for many years. Four terms as governor! Now, if he was doing so badly as our governor, then why did we all re-elect him FOUR times to serve the people of our state?! He is a good man, who made some mistakes of his own, but also I believe took the fall for others. He has honor, integrity, and faith in our system, as I do, and I truly believe that with his physical condition failing, and the over-crowding in jails, I think that Governor Edwin Edwards SHOULD definately be released so that he can spend his remaining time on this earth walk with his family and friends, outside the concrete and steel walls that have surrounded him for 7 years and counting. He does deserve this respect, and mercy. How can people talk about him so negatively, without even knowing him, or having the full story about his 'career' as Governor of the Great State of Louisiana. Look it up, and you will find out the WHOLE story of Edwin Edwards, and his life helping people selflessly.
In conclusion, I say...RELEASE GOV. EDWIN EDWARDS! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Thanks,
Gwen Gourdon Written by Gwen Gourdon
on 11/25/2008
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Edwin Edwards deserved to be convicted of extortion and to spend time in prison. He was a swashbuckling, confident, charismatic young governor who did many good things for this state at one time. Yes, he ultimately extorted money from the gambling interests who are now sucking money out of this state like a thousand horse power pump. And he was one of the first southern governors who championed civil rights and equal protection for all citizens. He was a robin hood who has paid for his crimes. It is time to have some mercy on an old man who doesn't deserve to die in prison. Have mercy on him. If not for him for his family and for those who really would like for the president to practice the moral teachings of Jesus. Let him live his last days in peace and die surrounded by his family. "Let those among you who are without sin cast "..the last stone. Mercy. Written by Terry Rowe
on 11/24/2008
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Time and prudence will tell Katy, time and prudence will tell.... Didn't vote for Obama, didn't vote for Piyush, but if they come up with good plans, I will do what I can to pitch in and help.... But remember, it wasn't Bush all on his lonsome, he had one heck of a Congress both Democrat and Republican doing more than their share of things as well.... Written by
on 11/17/2008
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Just let the poor old man out of jail.(Edwards) what else can he do. and the smart butt that say he should stay in jail should be ashamed. Worry about all the other corruption that still abides in our state. Oh forgot about Jefferson who, by the way gets re-elected and has been charged with a felony (money in the freezer no doubt). How stupid is that people!!!!! its never ending. I hope Bush will at least do some good before he leaves office (thank God)and will pardon him. And for Bush leaving office - - don't let the door hit you in the behind. You are reason this whole country is in the mess that we're in now. Maybe Pres. Obama can do something with the mess we are in. I feel confident that he will. Written by katy
on 11/17/2008
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Well if you know so much then spell it out... That is what we have District Attorneys for, if not, sit back and STFU... Only a fool would take the word of some kind of a character hiding behind the name of NANA as the reasonings for a person sitting in jail.... I have simply stated that justice has been served, anything more is vengance and spite, and you Nana, are quite the talking head.... Written by
on 11/13/2008
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Edwards is exactly where he belongs. What he was convicted of is the only way they could get him. I remember him well. The man is a crook. He did so much damage to this state that we may never recover from it. Whatever crimes you may have heard he committed are only the tip of the iceberg. He deserved a much stiffer sentence than he got. Written by Nana
on 11/12/2008
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Yeah, I can see the genius levels on this bored........ Don't know chit from shineola........ What is the crux of the matter/matters? Vengance? Justice? Was there even any restitution made? No? And why? Because there is none that can be calculated on any philosophy...... Or perhaps there is a lack of substance when it comes to identifying the true nature of the conditions that availed,......... Lessons? Lessons learned? For the most part I don't think the readers would be able to identify a lesson if it came up and slapped them in the face....... What a bunch of sheep..... Ripe for cultivation - harvest - and deployment...... T minus 10, 9, 8, 7....................................... Written by
on 11/12/2008
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I'll admit I did not realize what offense EWE was convicted of (or just "what kind of crook" he is)... I do think those in public office should face very severe penalties for straying from the straight and narrow - more severe penalties than murderers and child rapists even. Make a few examples out of them to keep 'em straight. Unfortunately, they make the rules and it appears the only time they "crack down" on a politician is when they are a member of the opposition party. Can't trust any of them to do what's right... or very damn few at least. Written by kpf, bring back the guillioitine (sp?)
on 11/10/2008
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It's time to pardon Edwards. He's paid his dues. As a matter of fact Bush should pardon Karl Rove as well. Oh wait a minute..........he was pardoned before he spent a day in jail. God Bless America and the Republican. Hail to the righteous. Written by Al
on 11/10/2008
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Now that would be a funny skit.... Lady Luck duking it out with Lady Justice... Ha!-Ha-Ha!!!! Written by
on 11/10/2008
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He wasn’t put in jail for misappropriating public funds; he was put in jail because of ‘extortion?’ practices….. I am not defending Edwards, nor do I have any knowledge of the specific particulars to the case, but the facts of the matters are; Those were not public funds, it appears that gaming interests wanted licenses, and when all the ducks appeared to be lined up in a row, Edwards ended up charging them more for those ‘licenses or rights’ than the soliciters wanted to pay…… And I say soliciters, because for years they ‘comped’ him, ‘perked him’ and ‘V.I.P.’d’ him in Nevada, and maybe even Atlantic City, although I do not know exactly where he gamed at, or what his particular favorite game was or is……. And so, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned?” It appears ‘Lady Luck’ got all indignant about the odds getting stacked in Edwards favor and decided to use the Louisiana court system for vengeance… That is the real misappropriation of public funds, the public trust, as well as the public justice system…. Were any of those entities prosecuted for offering up cash in exchange for licenses in the first place??? Were any of those entities brought up on racketeering charges? Louisiana had cried ‘The Economy!!!!’ and low and behold, lottery tickets that were supposed to fund the education system or teachers pay or some kind of malarkey like that appeared on every convenience store counter in the state…… That was the appetizer…….. Then came scratch off games and shortly later course video poker. Bars were allowed to have a couple of them inside…… that was the public relations campaign….. then came truck stops that didn’t have a truck in the parking lot but inside a person could find anywhere from a dozen to a hundred video poker machines…… operating 24/7……. Springing up like weeds across the state, Then riverboats were cranked out faster than offshore oil and gas rigs…… the Coushatta’s got in on the action, and the once brave and powerful (ha-ha) Chitimacha tribe got in on the action, and on and on it went……. The money flowed, and people got fleeced at the casinos…… Misappropriating public funds? But you know something, I don’t think it was the fee at all, what I think was there were behind the scenes scrambles or grabs for power………. That is what money is commonly used for… And Edwards was feared…… That little bit that Edwards was supposed to have ‘extorted’ from the gaming interests? Not even chicken feed in comparison to the scale and practice of the gaming industry now here in Louisiana that has emerged over the past 2+ decades….. If there was any real extortion committed, it is the extortion the gaming industry plys upon the citizenry of Louisiana under the guise of ‘loose and easy slots’ and reasonable odds…… The mesmerizing ding- dings and electronic bling-blings the machines make as people let their hard earned savings or wages or borrowings get sucked by a lying entity……………… A person can argue that gaming is good, and I am sure there are also those that would argue that drugs are good, and building cheap products are good, etc., etc., etc…. I suppose it all depends on what a person’s values are….. And myself, I value our justice system enough that I don’t want to see it used as a vengeance system…. Wielded by the few…. That can cause detriment to the many……… That is simply wrong………….. On so many levels… Pardon Edwin Edwards, and also those border patrol agents that got tossed in jail..... It is time to clean up the messes... On not only a state level, but on a national level as well.................. Actually it has always been time, we are only now starting to realize in the pocket book that there are consequences for our stupidity, and for the stupidity of our neighbors... Written by
on 11/10/2008
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I was jesting about someone serving his sentence for him. I do believe that those in office who are found guilty of misappropriation of public funds should serve harsh sentences as their crime is more than simple theft. It means taxpayers had money taken that they could have spent on their families as well as money the government could have put to good use (theoretically speaking of course). I must admit that between your "Tdubyaish" phrase and Ms. Whalen's reference to "peekaboo toed Naughty Monkey red high heels" I am finding it hard to concentrate on my job.... so I must sign off from the Buzzy Boards until I get some work done. Written by kpf
on 11/10/2008
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The idiots who kept on empowering Edwin Edwards are the real threats to society. Edwards is just one manifestation of their stupidity. Written by
on 11/10/2008
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Oh, so an innocent man in jail serving Edwards's time in jail would placate you KPF? I suppose then that you are in effect saying you more interested in a pound of flesh.... rather than justice... Or justice can only be achieved through hardship and a stripping away of life.... Or perhaps even more sinister, everyone needs to be jailed? Sort of Tdubyaish of ya there KPF.... Written by
on 11/10/2008
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kpf,
I'll only agree to support Edwards' release if ALL of his supporters go to jail to finish his sentence. Written by
on 11/10/2008
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I think "someone" should serve the remaining time for EWE's crimes. Perhaps one of his supporters would volunteer to serve out the remaining time in his place? Written by kpf
on 11/10/2008
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No just a person who watched Edwin Edwards screw us time and time and time again, and the rub our noses in it while ignorant populist voters praised him like a king. The little crook finally got caught. If justice worked in this backwards ass state, he'd have been a convicted felon by the time he was 40, and his career as an elected official would have been over then. The fact that he eluded justice until his 70's doesn't mean that the legal system should take it easy on him. Written by
on 11/9/2008
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Sounds like that was written by a mean little person that derives pleasure from running over a dog that is already dead and laying in the middle of the road..... So typical..... Yeah, got'ta luv those kind of sensiblilities.... Written by
on 11/8/2008
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Keeping Edwards in prison does many things that are completely right and fair. It prevents the greedy little bastard from enjoying the luxuries that his stolen money could buy for him. It prevents the paunchy little criminal from cavorting with whores, eating steaks at Ruth's Chris, driving Mercedes, holding court with his worshippers, and rubbing our noses in it while he's at it. He deserves prison, and if 3 more years is a life sentence, then that's the way the crooked cookie crumbles. Written by
on 11/7/2008
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I don't think President Bush is worried about a few kind words from democrats, or the absence of the same...... And I do not know that he is trying to do anything for Edwin Edwards, but I do hope it is on his Christmas List... I am in agreement with the statement that President Bush has gone through a lot of bashing by a lot of people, and I think history will show in the future that this was undeservetably so.. In fact, the more I consider what is going on right now, and what is necessary for the future, I am beginning to see some kind of sordid genius there.... Yup, we deserve Obama as President, much in the same fashion that New Orleans deserves Nagin as Mayor... Read into that anything anyway and anyhow you want, but those are interesting paradoxes.... But please if you would Mr. President, please commute the sentence or pardon Edwin Edwards.. He is an old man, and I believe justice has been fully served.... Nothing has really been changed as a result of his imprisonment anyways, and that is supposed to be one of the benefits of the prison system... The protections and reliefs afforded to common citizens that are supposed to help shield them from criminal acts... The facts are, he sits in jail, and common citizens are still falling victim to the desparities that are associated with gambling and their effects.... And for the most part, the rest of the state whole heartidly implemented and accomdated the institution of such an industry here in Louisiana... Mr. Edwards didn't do this by himself... So keeping Mr. Edwards in prison, in light of his age, actually accomplishes nothing, changes nothing, protects no one from anything... Except for other criminals that have committed extremely outrages crimes that could be occupying his bed space instead but have nowhere else to be housed....... Please help deservent criminals find fair and proper housing Mr. President, it is a terrible thing for them to be forced to wander the streets....... They are every bit as entitled to a jail cell as Mr. Edwards was.... Please grant a pardon for Mr. Edwin Edwards..... Written by
on 11/7/2008
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Well, dears, let Edwin free. Remember Eddie Jourdan's claim to fame was that he got Edwin. Eddie is gone. However, Jim Letten must remain and the push to rid this district of crimes of all kinds under federal jurisdiction must continue. We can only hope that Letten and his staff remain. Written by RhettsWife
on 11/6/2008
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Edward is an arrogant, pompous, thief and a liar who betrayed the state and laughed in our faces while doing it. He has committed enough crimes to spend another 80 years in prison. Why in the hell would any republican president would consider shortening his sentence or giving him any kind of break whatsoever. Is Bush trying to get some kind words from the ignorant democrats who have mercilessly bashed him for 8 years? Screw Edwin and all of his friends and cronies. Written by
on 11/6/2008
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Commutation is fine... I guess the President of the United States of America has that power also? Edwin Edwards son? I am not aware of him, or his age, or even what he was convicted of.... And you want a come to Jesus moment? Well, I would suppose that my come to Jesus moment will have to do instead, I am sure Jesus is alright with that...... I simply feel he has been punished, justice has been served, and anything longer than after a couple of months ago is simply unfair, as well cruel and unusual punishment considering Mr. Edwards age..... He is in jail for extorting money from folks that extort money from common Louisiana citizens every day protected by law.... They got mad because he raised his price for licenses, or so I have been lead to believe... And they decided to become self-rightious and complain..... Sure, it was underhanded of him, but in essence, it was really simply two crooks doing business together, Did any of those gambling casino representatives go to jail for paying him bribes in the first place for licenses? You see, this amounts to nothing but a perverted utilization of our criminal and justice system in a game of tit-for-tat.... To be truthful with you, I wouldn't mind seeing gambling banned yet again here in Louisiana..... And there, that's your Jesus moment explained for you....... Please grant mercy President Bush... Oh, and if Jefferson is 80 something years old when he is in jail for his extortion practices, I will ask the same for him if his plight is brought to my attention...... Written by
on 11/6/2008
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noladude, I could not have said this better! A million thank yous!! Written by Deon
on 11/6/2008
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Have I missed something or did Mr. Edwards ever express contrition, offer to make restitution, or otherwise express even the slightest remorse for what he did to the state and the very people who made him such a political success. It seems to me that defiance and smugness are the only ways to characterize his attitude throughout his career, including this entire caper and its aftermath--to the public as well as to the judge and jury that convicted him. And what of his son? Is he also to be pardoned? If not, why one and not the other? If Mr. Edwards were to confess his sins in an open letter to the people of Louisiana from which he stole so much, and seek their mercy and forgiveness, then and only then should the question of an early out even be considered. Now I'm as merciful a person as the next guy, and believe in the power of amazing grace, but there has to be a come to Jesus moment first. And why not a commutation of sentence rather than a pardon? Is it that a pardon further enriches him (or his heirs when he is gone) by restoring to him entitlement to fat Congressional and Louisiana pensions he would otherwise be deprived of if he is not pardoned? Written by NotSoFastEddie
on 11/6/2008
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Your opinion is all fine and jim dandy there Jeff, but the facts are; Mr. Edwards is 80 some odd years old, 3 more years is the same as 9 - 12 years in comparison... No, actually it is the same as 50 years to life....... He does not deserve a life sentence, he does not deserve to die in prison, I do not know the man, never met him, I have heard of some good things he has done for some people that I remotely know, and you can take that anyway you want... And I for one hope that President Bush does find it within himself a reason to grant a pardon to him, because this sentence of his is in reality based on someones vengence and it has no true resemblence of justice....... Mercy for Edwin Edwards Mr. President, Mercy............... Written by
on 11/6/2008
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Yes, pardoning Edwards would be a grave mistake and a slap in the face to Louisianans, but perhaps it's good to set the groundwork for pardoning the whole Jefferson clan and Mayor Nagin's relatives and friends. Perhaps Bush can pardon all the Morial relatives and cronies while he's at it. Let's get this state back on track where it was. The good news for our politicians is that now Jefferson can petition to Obama to release Jim Letten and replace him with someone who will turn a blind eye to all the crooked activities of the Jefferson clan and others.
Lord help Louisiana. What a mess we're in, and it can only get worse now Written by noladude
on 11/6/2008
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Sources close to the Bush White House are reporting this morning that the President is considering commuting the sentence of former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards before his term ends on January 20. In fact, a decision may be made in the next few days. Edwards is serving a ten year sentence in a federal prison in 
