by Eyck Freymann
The story about Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is now saturating the media, and rightly so. Yesterday, the Democrat was arrested for attempting to sell his appointment of Obama's senate replacement to the highest bidder. Asking for almost a million dollars, the governor was accidentally caught on tape describing "Senate Candidate number five" as one who was preparing to pay the bribe. So far the only source is ABC news, which could still be mistaken. However, I think we can reasonably assume that at least one candidate for the job was reaching for his checkbook.
Blagojevich has been for years one of the most unpopular governors in the country. He won reelection against a sacrificial lamb in 2006 and is before the scandal broke saw his approval rating fall below 20%. No matter how he behaved or whom he appointed, Blagojevich knew he was on his way out of politics for good in two years time.
Now was his opportunity, a chance to leave his imprint by appointing Obama's successor. Numerous names have been suggested, and he has been coyly postponing the decision.
I find this behavior, perpetrated by members of any political party, unacceptable in any circumstance. It remains an ugly stain on the integrity of our law enforcement and judicial system that former congressman Jefferson (D-LA) - the man who was found with $90,000 in bribe money in his freezer - is not serving a lengthy jail sentence. Likewise, former senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), the newly defeated man who was convicted on seven charges of bribery, should be put away for a long time.
This is an issue that, unfortunately, transcends party or geographic location. The Democratic party and President-Elect Obama must prove their resistance to this type of corruption. Too often we see celebrities and people in power absolved from their crimes because of influence or money. No longer.
Blagojevich should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and sentenced accordingly. There is no excuse for this type of behavior. A special election shall be held, and Obama's seat should be filled by interim appointment by the newly elected governor.
One of the things that disgusts me about this Blagojevich fiasco is the reminder that many of our politicians put aside their values, shelve their commitments, and excuse their broken promises. This can't happen anymore. The corruption thing is a disease, and only Obama has the mandate to prevent its spread. Let's hope that change has come to Washington. We need it now more than ever.
Blagojevich has been for years one of the most unpopular governors in the country. He won reelection against a sacrificial lamb in 2006 and is before the scandal broke saw his approval rating fall below 20%. No matter how he behaved or whom he appointed, Blagojevich knew he was on his way out of politics for good in two years time.
Now was his opportunity, a chance to leave his imprint by appointing Obama's successor. Numerous names have been suggested, and he has been coyly postponing the decision.
I find this behavior, perpetrated by members of any political party, unacceptable in any circumstance. It remains an ugly stain on the integrity of our law enforcement and judicial system that former congressman Jefferson (D-LA) - the man who was found with $90,000 in bribe money in his freezer - is not serving a lengthy jail sentence. Likewise, former senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), the newly defeated man who was convicted on seven charges of bribery, should be put away for a long time.
This is an issue that, unfortunately, transcends party or geographic location. The Democratic party and President-Elect Obama must prove their resistance to this type of corruption. Too often we see celebrities and people in power absolved from their crimes because of influence or money. No longer.
Blagojevich should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and sentenced accordingly. There is no excuse for this type of behavior. A special election shall be held, and Obama's seat should be filled by interim appointment by the newly elected governor.
One of the things that disgusts me about this Blagojevich fiasco is the reminder that many of our politicians put aside their values, shelve their commitments, and excuse their broken promises. This can't happen anymore. The corruption thing is a disease, and only Obama has the mandate to prevent its spread. Let's hope that change has come to Washington. We need it now more than ever.
1 comment:
This guy's also tried to shake down a children's hospital, in addition to Jesse Jackson Jr on a list of suspects. Illinois needs a non-corrupt governer. 4 out of the 8 most recent are charged with corruption, after all.
Post a Comment