
AP Photo (1/6/09)
The Senate has spoken by blocking the "junior Senator from Illinois." Roland Burris, filled with confidence and momentum, ran into a detour as Washington, D.C. senatorial brass, shut the Chicago attorney down. That makes my batting average .000 because my first pick - Jesse Jackson, Jr. - swung and missed a big curve ball. My designated hitter - Roland Burris - was without a batting glove and pine tar. He took a big swing by traveling to the province that Pierre Charles-L'Enfant designed. But he was greeted with a smile and a regret, as Democrats presented no welcome mat to the attorney.
Roland Burris is a prizefighter though. He will gather his legal team, head to Springfield, and continue to display reasons why he is the junior senator. Despite Blagojevich's blessings, Burris has a dark cloud following him, and in baseball, games can get rained out.
Keep pushing Roland. Swing for the fences, or get behind the arc. The home run or "3" pointer will happen: eventually?


Comments (14)
Bottom line Gerard, this is a symbol of the American Justice System. A great lawyer once told me, "But they are humans, you are right 100 percent according to the law, but that doesn't mean anything." This was under different circumstances but let us all agree the Governor is still the Governor and he can appoint whomever he wishes to as Senator, Roland Burris is a fine choice. However the witch-hunt started a long time ago and the angry crowd is holding their torches and are at Mr. Burris' door now. You see in America the people think they have right to choose their leaders, but alas there is the electoral college. You think the laws 'they' make 'they' would follow, however when the laws do not suit 'them', 'they' change the rules and the playbook. And on a side note, 82% of America supports Obama in recent polls. Before the election I expected Obama to appoint some more independent politicians to office, however he did not. In retrospect what was a lesson our mothers taught us long ago, if something appears to good to be true it probably is. Just a thought.
Peace
Posted by 14th Century | January 6, 2009 12:12 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 12:12
Great baseball analogy! I enjoyed!
Personally, I don't have a problem with Mr. Burris. I just feel that he should have waited until the Governor was declared unfit to nominate someone to pursue this opportunity.
The Bible tells us to "be anxious for nothing" and that's really why he's going through all of this. His lack of patience has led to something that's not divinely ordered.
Posted by Zack | January 6, 2009 12:23 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 12:23
Mr. Burris seems to be a decent choice, but I also think that he had to know that he would not be seated because his appointment was so questionable in light of the Blagojevich situation. I personally wish he would have waited until he was sure he would be seated as I think it has caused the ugly head of racism to once again be the focus of some narrow-minded people when President-elect Obama has been so effective in taking the focus off that subject.
Posted by alice vockell | January 6, 2009 1:29 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 13:29
This sound to me as if Blagojevich has upset someone higher up in the political rankings than himself. After all the power play is over, Burris more than likely will be appointed, but for right now the head hunters have their point to prove. Until then Burris and the people of Illinois will have to be patient and wait until one wins this political game their playing.
Posted by RENEE | January 6, 2009 2:36 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 14:36
The rejection process Mr. Burris was subjected to in Washington should've been no surprise. The law states that his certificate have the seal and signature of the Secretary of State. He did not have those requirements. Simple as that!!!
We must start focusing on the source of our injustices and stop inappropriately pointing the finger just to be seen and heard.
If there are any boycotts or demonstrations, they must be directed at Jesse White's office. He is the one who sacrificed his integrity just to be a part of a dysfunctional bandwagon.
Constitutionally, the Washington process was conrrect. Regardless if they don't want a Black Man to replace President-Elect Barack Obama or not, we don't have a fight there concerning Mr. Roland Burris's acceptance.
Posted by Dwight Taylor | January 6, 2009 2:48 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 14:48
I am so tired of the Roland Burris & Blago mess.
It is becoming a three ring circus. I can't wait
until this is over with.
Posted by Linda | January 6, 2009 4:08 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 16:08
garrard, enjoy your show. best show for local politics. keep up the good work. i have a problem with dick durbin. he wants bush to commute george ryan's sentence. ryan, covicted of multiple felonies, by a "jury" of his peers, at thousands of dollars in taxpayer expenses. durbin takes the easy way out, by asking for this commutation after he is safely elected. to me this is a blatant end around the judicial justice system. where's the outrage towards durbin? then durbin doesn't want roland burris seated. a man, who has dedicated his life to public service. burris is guilty of nothing, other than guilt by association. durbin is a hypocrite, and trying to make buriss the fall guy. if durbin runs again, i hope the voters have good memories.
Posted by burr | January 6, 2009 4:12 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 16:12
This is not..repeat..NOT a racial issue!!! This is as big of a stunt by Blago as the McCain stunt during the Presidential election by "stopping" his campaign and going to Washington for bailout participation. Too bad Roland Burris refuses to see this fact, Burris instead sees it as an opportunity for HIMSELF instead.
Thank you to the Illinois Democratic politicians, who robbed the people of Illnois to have a special election to pick the Senator for themselves, in fear of losing a seat to the Republicans. Either way, Illinoisans would have had the satisfaction of choosing their own US Senator to represent them. Even if it was for only 2 yrs.
Thank you to the Illinois Democratic politicians for the circus sideshow that now shows Illinois as an embarrassment in Washington, and taking emphasis off Illinois making history by producing the first African American President through their ranks, and looking forward to the inauguration (referring to Garrard's point...talk about raining on game day!!!!)
One last thank you to the Illinois Democratic politicians, because of this broo-ha-ha that you've caused, this "Blue" state just might wind up with a "Red" Elephant in the room (or should I say in Springfield) come next round of elections!!!!!!!
Posted by Lisa | January 6, 2009 4:42 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 16:42
He should not have accepted this appointment. He is only being used as a 'Black' pawn by his Governor B.
There should have been a special election. I have lost all respect for 'this egotistical maniac.' This is our time to honor our President-elect Obama and this historic moment.
Posted by Marie | January 6, 2009 6:02 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 18:02
Roland Burris was denied Equal Protection under the law as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. There is existing federal case law that governs this seating process and our elected officials who took and oath to enforce the Constitution are proving that they are lying bynot enforcing the Powell case law.
Posted by Mark S. Allen | January 6, 2009 6:14 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 18:14
THOSE THAT LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES SHOULD NOT THROW STONES.
How to make yourself look foolish, petty, unprofessional and hypocritical. See Harry Reid and the Democratic party. The Democrats don’t have the authority to prevent Roland Burris from occupying the senate seat from Illinois.
I believe precedence has been establish by Adam Clayton Powell Jr vs. the U.S. Congress in 1967. Blago has not been find guilty of any crime and Burris credentials meet all the standards needed to become a Senator. Do the Democrats plan on removing B Richardson, R Daley and Charles B. Rangel all these people have been linked too scandals.
If the Democrats want this circus to stop they need to make a concession and let Roland Burris take the Senate Seat.
Posted by Ray | January 6, 2009 6:29 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 18:29
All said better than I. :)
Posted by Charles Burns | January 6, 2009 8:00 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 20:00
"He should not have accepted this appointment. He is only being used as a 'Black' pawn by his Governor B."
Well said Lisa. I think that Burris should not have accepted this appointment. If he's unable to quell is eagerness, he could've at least make it a tentative acceptance pending the results of the investigation/trial. Initially he was one of those that called for Blago to step down, then he turned around and attempted a poor (letter of the law) defense as to Senate is rightfully his. The fact of the matter is that he ignored the potential taint that comes along with this appointment which could irrevocably taint is career. On the matter of Jessie White's refusal to sign, I totally agree with his decision. If the Gov. *is* guilty of the accusations he would be deemed incapable of making a decision of making in the best interest of the people. Perhaps this is why Jessie refuses to sign the necessary documents.
P.S Please try to maintain your objectivity and NOT play the race card.
Posted by Sha | January 8, 2009 7:12 PM
Posted on January 8, 2009 19:12
The U.S. Senate should not be allowed to deny Roland Burris his seat once he receives the signature from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. Jesse White can tumble and somersault himself back to the South Side.
Posted by Adrian Holman | January 8, 2009 11:24 PM
Posted on January 8, 2009 23:24