Illinois, A Governor, and the Sword of Power

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is not planning on resigning. After all, why should he? The people of Illinois want him there; they voted him into office, signifying by divine right, that he, Rod Blagojevich should wield Excalibur. That is why he is the King!

Eliot Spitzer had the decency to step down. But then he also had the benefit of the knowledge, that he gained when he was New York’s Attorney General and was actively prosecuting prostitution rings, that prostitution is illegal. Blagojevich doesn’t think he did anything wrong.

Sure, putting the appointment to a United States Senate Seat up on e-bay might be going a bit far, but even he didn’t go that far.

I’m sure the Kennedy’s, Cuomo’s and every single union in New York have ‘expressed interest’ with Governor David Patterson for the Clinton Senate Seat that is about to be vacant. During this ‘expression of interest’ I’m sure the interested parties let Governor David Patterson know what the ‘benefits’ are for their candidate of choice.

Surely some of these ‘benefits’ are what’s good (in their opinion) for New York or what’s good (in their opinion) for the Country. But some of it is just as surely what’s good for David Patterson.

So what’s the big deal? All Blagojevich did was define what ‘benefits’ he was willing to listen too. That and ask for cash. Oh, and start the conversation with those he really wanted to talk to.

So three differences, which one crossed the line? It cannot have to do with the taking of a bribe, oops, sorry, considering personal ‘benefits’, because, hell, that’s how we finance campaigns these days.

Was it the cash? We all know that once cash is involved it’s a dirty deal. Then again, politicians are programmed now days to take as much cash from as many people as possible. We call it fundraising to get elected and taxes once elected.

Was it having the balls to make the call first instead of waiting for them to come to him? Blagojevich was just being efficient, getting the ball rolling quickly so as to be able to get back to the work he was elected to do.

Or was is it defining what he wanted? Again, The Governor was just trying to be helpful, and not waste anyone’s time. After all, all those poor folks who were just interested in the good of Illinois and the Country but couldn’t afford the price would know right away not to even try.

No, I’m sure Blagojevich doesn’t think he did anything wrong. In fact, all he did was take what is currently the political norm and go one step further.

Rod, clearly the Chicago Mob/Corruption scene is to tame for someone with your vision and talents. I suggest you name yourself to the Senate Seat, you’d fit right in with the D.C. crowds. Besides, in Chicago you’ll have to put up with those ‘Moral High-Ground’ Illinois Supreme Court Justices, the U.S. Senate Committee will be more understanding.

Long Live the King.

Sometimes my sarcasm knows no bounds.