Letters written on behalf of Jack Abramoff

Breaking News - CNN.com Ex-lobbyist Abramoff gets prison sentence

From the AP Story: ABRAMOFF GETS ALMOST SIX YEARS IN PRISON

"Before the hearing, more than 260 people — including rabbis, military officers and even a professional hockey referee — wrote letters on the men's behalf asking the federal judge for leniency.

"The letters, obtained by The Associated Press, put a new spin on the foibles and crimes of a man who became the face of Washington's latest corruption scandal.

"Jack is a good person, who in his quest to be successful, lost sight of the rules," National Hockey League referee Dave Jackson wrote, describing the time Abramoff brought 14 youngsters to his dressing room before a game.

"Kidan, in his own letter to the judge, said he knew the SunCruz deal was wrong but said he "was very caught up in the fast paced world of my partner and the high profile that came along with it." He added, "I am not the horrible person that the media has written about."

I will add that Mr. Kidan is right. Neither he or Mr. Abramoff are all that horrible. But they are the "villainous flavor of the moment". After all, 'Famous is as Infamous does.'

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