As a reporter in Chicago it's interesting for me not only to cover the political intrigue we're witnessing right now but the reaction of those who are far removed from the events.
My cousins from Australia were here visiting for the holidays when Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested on federal corruption charges after allegedly trying to 'sell' the open U.S. Senate seat he had sole power to fill, by appointment.
They're now home but continue to follow developments. That includes the latest turn with Blagojevich going against nearly every democrat in the country by appointing someone to fill the seat.
Roland Burris, the former Illinois Attorney General and state Comptroller, was tapped today to be that person.
The question from my cousin, "Why did the governor do that when he knows it's not going to be accepted?"
Good question.
This affair is going well beyond Chicago, the state of Illinois or the halls of Congress.
The world is watching Governor Blagojevich and asking, in large part, "Why?"
50 U.S. Senators have signed an agreement not to allow anyone appointed to the senate by Blagojevich to be in the Democratic Senate Caucus.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan asked the State Supreme Court to declare Blagojevich unfit to serve.
President-elect Obama and Senator Dick Durbin have called on Blagojevich to resign and not to appoint anyone to Obama's former senate seat.
This is just from the governor's own party. I won't even mention what the republicans are saying. They're shaking their heads in disbelief, in some cases.
So are other countries.
Chicago was on the world's stage on November 4th when Barack Obama was elected to the White House. It was an honor.
We continue to be on the world's stage, but now it's embarrassing.
A 16-year-old from Australia is paying attention to the circus we have here, with Rod Blagojevich in the center ring.
The question I have is why did Roland Burris, a man who's served the state with honor in the past, want a ticket under the big top?
Do you think Burris should have said no or did he do the right thing?
Comments (2)
I know that the Governor may an excellent choice by filling Obama's Senate seat with Roland Burris whom political character is impeccable.
Posted by Derrick Thurmond | January 5, 2009 9:23 PM
Posted on January 5, 2009 21:23
I felt I was watching a bad episode of "Sanford and Son".
I thought Fred and Grady was dead and buried..where did Blogo dig up these two old fools (Rush and Barris)?
..where is Ester and her hand bag when we neeed her.
Posted by MikeH | December 31, 2008 7:58 AM
Posted on December 31, 2008 07:58