great column Rich, seriously. This one needs to be syndicated in areas where the local papers are dropping the ball. Such as: Springfield, Bloomington, Champaign, well basically all of downstate.
Would that be possible to do?
Because papers like the SJ-R have shown no inclination to voice any kind of negative op-ed pieces against this guy.
wndycty
· 3 years ago
"Because papers like the SJ-R have shown no inclination to voice any kind of negative op-ed pieces against this guy."
Say what? Have you ever heard of Doug Finke or Bernie Schoenburg? They never miss an opportunity to jump all over Rod.
Anon
· 3 years ago
Anon 6:53 AM: What the heck planet are you on? They may not be "offical" op-ed pieces, but Finke and Bernie have made Rod Bashing a weekly, sometimes daily thing in the SJR for a least three years. You not only don't know what the heck you are talking about, you are proud to prove it to the world.
anon
· 3 years ago
Bernie & Finke are not the primary opinion of the paper though. When was the last time you saw anything negative about Blago in the Our Opinion part? I should have clarified more, that is my fault, still waking up....
But based on the way that piece has shaped up over the past couple years, I wouldn't bet against the SJ-R giving Rod their endorsement....
Finke & Bernie do not equate to the paper's overall opinion...
Pat Hickey
· 3 years ago
Rich,
Nice work on the power editorial boards wield over -'What is News.' The news, unlike Minvera (Wisdom) does not spring from the Head of Jove, but the bowels of Hephaestes - just to wax classical.
Bottom Line
· 3 years ago
great column Rich, thank you for being true to your profession. Also to windy and Anon 7:02, it's not Bernie or Doug Finke's fault the governor has given them so much material, I'm sure they never thought they would have to write so many negative columns about Illinois top official who promised to clean up corruption.
Rich Miller
· 3 years ago
Let's get back to the point, shall we? Thanks.
These little town blues are me
· 3 years ago
I imagine some or all the governor's staff from the New York contingent were deeply involved in this.
Leroy
· 3 years ago
Ok..so I am governor. I fly to the east coast for a fund raiser, and meet some new people. They give $xx,000 to my campaign. 6 months later, they are legally awarded a contract with the state for $x,000,000 to provide a product / service.
My question: did I break the law?
If I did, it should be obvious, and then I go to jail. But that never happens with any of these 'allegations' against the governor, does it? What he is doing is not illegal. If it were, he'd be in jail.
The problem, my friends, is not with BLAGO. It is with how our state government is organized. If the governor can legally throw around hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on a whim on pork, procurement, jobs, etc.to his buddies, THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH THE GOVERNOR, IT IS WITH HOW THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS ORGANIZED.
You think Blago is bad, wait until someone *TRULY* brilliant and seriously sinister comes along and turns Illinois into the Fourth Reich. If the rules here are so lax that the head dude in charge can do all this on a daily basis LEGALLY, we really got big problems here, people.
From here on out, I am no longer going to bash the governor. It doesn't make sense to. He is using the rules to his advantage. Who wouldn't?
Blago is the product of the system, not the cause of it.
RBD
· 3 years ago
First, you want to read (or at least scan) a book called “Generations†by Strauss and Howe. It and its follow-on, “The Fourth Turning,†detail American history, generation by generation, going back 500 years. They did the basic research in their attempt to understand if there had ever been another generation like X (nose rings, body art, etc.). Yep – turns out that everything old becomes new again, and on a regular basis.
We are the point in our regular historical cycle where politics is so bad that the very best people generally won’t get involved. So all of the comments about dumb and dumber, less and lesser, are accurate. And no doubt applicable nationwide.
Which brings me to my second point: I would have flunked the focus group tests too because I assume that the Governor and his opponent are equally problematic. In fact, my friends and I are counting on the next governor being indicted (quickly, we hope). Which leaves the real choice between Quinn and Birkett – and that’s no choice at all.
Had the Republicans pandered to the middle with their Lt Gov’s choice, a lot of Dems would not mind voting for JBT but Birkett is the show stopper.
So I watch the press for reports on Pat Quinn in hopes he’s still around when the dust finally settles.
To Leroy
· 3 years ago
It's just politics. It's just the system. It's the organization. Politics, systems and organizations don't commit payroll fraud and steal from teachers' pensions. People do. Governor Blagojevich must be held accountable for any of his illegal behaviors, which law enforcement and the courts must decide.
DOWNSTATE
· 3 years ago
Someone let the feds know that when they arrest him he is living in Chicago not Springfield.
anon
· 3 years ago
RBD - it sounds like you are saying JBT will get indicted if elected. Please explain your proof source for this. What basis do you have? If you are just basing it on G Ryan & Blago, then it is a foolhardy assumption with no weight.
If you can't back it up, don't say it.
Also, please provide me with accurate info as to why Pat Quinn, is so squeaky clean, or do you forget his run as State Treasurer....
The views on Pat Quinn are at best viewed-through dem-provided glasses
Walking Wounded
· 3 years ago
Rich, Your article reflects exactly my sentiments. For all it was worth, I was trying to let everyone I knew how corrupt Ryan was when he ran against Poshard. It made me sick to think that the public and a lot of the press ignored the "smoke" coming from the federal investigations against Ryan's administration. I think it's all happening again with Blago's administration (at least as far as the general public is concerned). I'm trying to learn not to care and just vote my concience. *sigh*
Ray Coleman
· 3 years ago
I don't know about you, but I don't want to see four more years of this guy. Those of us who are for good government should take the time to pass the Sun Times article on to help educate our peers who may not be paying attention. We need to all work together to rid our state of the "corruption is the norm" label.
We should give Judy a chance and hold her accountable to do what Rod promised he would do.
RBD
· 3 years ago
Anon at 8:05 -- As stated, the people willing to run for office right now aren't the people most of us want to vote for - and that applies to all political parties.
Re JBT - Rich's point in his column was that voters aren't examing the finer points. The scandals, etc., on all candidates are just flashing by our eyes. There is probably a lot of guilt by association.
Re Quinn - his actions related to some issues that are important to me are clearly superior to Birkett's.
Maybe I should be looking at the next person in line when they are all indicted -- is that Mike Madigan?
Wumpus
· 3 years ago
That's ludicrous on its face! Rod and these lawyers have been friends since they were 8 years old! I see a recurring theme.
Squideshi
· 3 years ago
You see? This is exactly why Rich Whitney is refusing all corporate contributions. People try to make a big deal about campaign warchests; but the truth is that this type of legalized bribery turns out to be a liability in the end, and people appreciate the candidate taking a stand on principles.
DOWNSTATE
· 3 years ago
How nice it is when your opponent runs a negitive ad on you and his own stupidity burys it.Let me see now what was that ad about JBT?Oh who cares this is better reading on him.
Truth
· 3 years ago
It appears Blagojevich is going to eventually be indicted. What a mess that will be for Illinois if he's a sitting Governor at the time. Doesn't the US Attorney have a civic responsibility to inform the public if he already has enough to indict? What's the bigger issue, here? That he takes his time to line up all the dots exactly, or that he informs the voting public of what he knows now so they can make the most informed decision possible?
Yellow Dog Democrat
· 3 years ago
If Stu Levine testifies that he and Blagojevich schemed to trade TRS contracts for campaign cash, Rod is done, election or not.
Wumpus
· 3 years ago
It'd be irresponsible for the USAtty to let the public know. As much as I'd love it, that'd be unduly influencing an election. If people are too stupid to read about the various investigations, they desrve Blago and Toddler.
Cal Skinner
· 3 years ago
"Baksheesh."
Is that like what my son wanted when I made him be banker in Monopoly.
He asked if he got a "banker's tip" for giving me money.
Wheres the leadership???
· 3 years ago
Can we say "Governor Pat Quinn"
Truth
· 3 years ago
Wumpus, we agree on most, but "unduly" influencing an election? How about "unduly" allowing a felon to be elected to the highest office in state government? I think Fitz should let us know what he knows, I think we are "due" that information.
Anon
· 3 years ago
Rich-
You make a good point that these investigations are about two further along than with Ryan. It begs the questions about whether Rod will be indicted during his next term (assuming reelection), rather it coming after he leaves office.
The untold story now is the very real possibility that Pat Quinn stands a good chance of becoming governor sometime in the next four years. Whether you love or hate him, it would shake up state government in really profound ways.
Anon 9:44
· 3 years ago
How about this for a QOTD? Describe the changes that would take place in state government after Pat Quinn becomes governor because Rod is forced to resign after being indicted.
Ramsin
· 3 years ago
Khoon- Never thought I'd read a post about Illinois politics titled "Bakshessh." Well played.
VanillaMan
· 3 years ago
Pat Quinn in no excuse for voting for Blagojevich. That is like saying you know the new car you are buying is garbage, but the dealer has great loaners.
If Blagojevich is re-elected, it sends a message almost as damning as when Ryan was elected. We didn't know what we would get when either of these guys received first terms, but now we know who Rod really is. If we vote for Blagojevich, what are we condoning?
1.) We'd be saying we don't mind unethical behavior. 2.) We'd be saying that we are partisan more than sensible. 3.) We'd be saying that unless you have a crappy running mate, and are actually indicted, you have our vote. 4.) We'd be saying that unless there are handcuffs on your wrists, you can be governor. 5.) We'd be saying it is OK to promise reform after an incumbant is drove from office for fraud, then behave the same way. 6.) We'd be saying that we are freakin' idiots.
Bluefish
· 3 years ago
If the allegations regarding the campaign contribution are legit, then shouldn't the Feds be freezing Blago's campaign fund during the course of the investigation?
What?
· 3 years ago
This is unbelievable. What is it going to take to get rid of this guy? I am amazed and sickened by the thought that he might still win.
rich-anon 7:02
· 3 years ago
This guy sounds familiar and usually has nothing to add but attacks on the person instead of debating the point. Why don't you make him get a moniker or ban him from comments?
Sound Reasoning
· 3 years ago
All one has to do every time Blagojevich gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar is to ask oneself ‘Is Blagojevich’s excuses reasonable’?
In this latest incident Blagojevich flies to New York on a private jet paid for by Levine (who will be pleading guilty in November) to get Blagojevich to New York for a money grab trip. Blagojevich then meets with a former Democratic congressman (forced out of office for accepting illegal campaign gifts) at a swank New York club for millionaires. Blagojevich even accepts a $10,000 dollar check from this disgraced former congressman. Blagojevich then accepts thousands of dollars from law firms and lawyers during this trip that soon show up on the preferred list for the TRS.
Blagojevich’s response ‘none of this is connected’. Let’s ask ourselves ‘Is this excuse reasonable’
Anon from BB
· 3 years ago
Anybody seen Bill or Reddbyrd yet? Or have their heads exploded trying to figure out the spin?
DOWNSTATE
· 3 years ago
SQUIDESHI hate to break your heart but Green is already in the Also Ran Columm so you can quit trolling for votes.I think they have a lot more on Blago than they had on Ryan.What the holdup is there is probably at least a Dozen or more operatives that will also be indicted.This is a RICO investigation involving crimes commited over a period of time and involves several people.If I was the Democratic party I would start figuring out how to grab cover when bad news hits the fan.
Little Egypt
· 3 years ago
Anyone want to place bets on Levine being sentenced one week before the election or his attorney ask for a continuance until after? Either way, won't this determine who our next governor is?
DOWNSTATE
· 3 years ago
NEWSFLASH someone was just seen in a trenchcoat,sunglasses and fake beard trying to register as a Republican.Our first reports indicate it could be Bill.
Wheres the leadership???
· 3 years ago
We will have Gov Quinn if Gov "I can't remember what the check is for" becomes Georges Roomate!!!
scoot
· 3 years ago
He should be called on to resign his post ASAP!! and the feds should freeze his warchest.
Angie
· 3 years ago
P.J. O'Rourke, the noted satirist (whom I love), has said that "Term limits aren't enough. We need jail."
To anyone who would throw away 3 years of very hard work in law school, unless rich uncle moneybucks paid for it, you need psychological help. What is with these crazy lawyers who keep getting busted and then disbarred?
All Comments
Would that be possible to do?
Because papers like the SJ-R have shown no inclination to voice any kind of negative op-ed pieces against this guy.
Say what? Have you ever heard of Doug Finke or Bernie Schoenburg? They never miss an opportunity to jump all over Rod.
But based on the way that piece has shaped up over the past couple years, I wouldn't bet against the SJ-R giving Rod their endorsement....
Finke & Bernie do not equate to the paper's overall opinion...
Nice work on the power editorial boards wield over -'What is News.' The news, unlike Minvera (Wisdom) does not spring from the Head of Jove, but the bowels of Hephaestes - just to wax classical.
My question: did I break the law?
If I did, it should be obvious, and then I go to jail. But that never happens with any of these 'allegations' against the governor, does it? What he is doing is not illegal. If it were, he'd be in jail.
The problem, my friends, is not with BLAGO. It is with how our state government is organized. If the governor can legally throw around hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on a whim on pork, procurement, jobs, etc.to his buddies, THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH THE GOVERNOR, IT IS WITH HOW THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS ORGANIZED.
You think Blago is bad, wait until someone *TRULY* brilliant and seriously sinister comes along and turns Illinois into the Fourth Reich. If the rules here are so lax that the head dude in charge can do all this on a daily basis LEGALLY, we really got big problems here, people.
From here on out, I am no longer going to bash the governor. It doesn't make sense to. He is using the rules to his advantage. Who wouldn't?
Blago is the product of the system, not the cause of it.
We are the point in our regular historical cycle where politics is so bad that the very best people generally won’t get involved. So all of the comments about dumb and dumber, less and lesser, are accurate. And no doubt applicable nationwide.
Which brings me to my second point: I would have flunked the focus group tests too because I assume that the Governor and his opponent are equally problematic. In fact, my friends and I are counting on the next governor being indicted (quickly, we hope). Which leaves the real choice between Quinn and Birkett – and that’s no choice at all.
Had the Republicans pandered to the middle with their Lt Gov’s choice, a lot of Dems would not mind voting for JBT but Birkett is the show stopper.
So I watch the press for reports on Pat Quinn in hopes he’s still around when the dust finally settles.
If you can't back it up, don't say it.
Also, please provide me with accurate info as to why Pat Quinn, is so squeaky clean, or do you forget his run as State Treasurer....
The views on Pat Quinn are at best viewed-through dem-provided glasses
Your article reflects exactly my sentiments. For all it was worth, I was trying to let everyone I knew how corrupt Ryan was when he ran against Poshard. It made me sick to think that the public and a lot of the press ignored the "smoke" coming from the federal investigations against Ryan's administration.
I think it's all happening again with Blago's administration (at least as far as the general public is concerned).
I'm trying to learn not to care and just vote my concience. *sigh*
We should give Judy a chance and hold her accountable to do what Rod promised he would do.
Re JBT - Rich's point in his column was that voters aren't examing the finer points. The scandals, etc., on all candidates are just flashing by our eyes. There is probably a lot of guilt by association.
Re Quinn - his actions related to some issues that are important to me are clearly superior to Birkett's.
Maybe I should be looking at the next person in line when they are all indicted -- is that Mike Madigan?
Is that like what my son wanted when I made him be banker in Monopoly.
He asked if he got a "banker's tip" for giving me money.
You make a good point that these investigations are about two further along than with Ryan. It begs the questions about whether Rod will be indicted during his next term (assuming reelection), rather it coming after he leaves office.
The untold story now is the very real possibility that Pat Quinn stands a good chance of becoming governor sometime in the next four years. Whether you love or hate him, it would shake up state government in really profound ways.
If Blagojevich is re-elected, it sends a message almost as damning as when Ryan was elected. We didn't know what we would get when either of these guys received first terms, but now we know who Rod really is. If we vote for Blagojevich, what are we condoning?
1.) We'd be saying we don't mind unethical behavior.
2.) We'd be saying that we are partisan more than sensible.
3.) We'd be saying that unless you have a crappy running mate, and are actually indicted, you have our vote.
4.) We'd be saying that unless there are handcuffs on your wrists, you can be governor.
5.) We'd be saying it is OK to promise reform after an incumbant is drove from office for fraud, then behave the same way.
6.) We'd be saying that we are freakin' idiots.
In this latest incident Blagojevich flies to New York on a private jet paid for by Levine (who will be pleading guilty in November) to get Blagojevich to New York for a money grab trip. Blagojevich then meets with a former Democratic congressman (forced out of office for accepting illegal campaign gifts) at a swank New York club for millionaires. Blagojevich even accepts a $10,000 dollar check from this disgraced former congressman. Blagojevich then accepts thousands of dollars from law firms and lawyers during this trip that soon show up on the preferred list for the TRS.
Blagojevich’s response ‘none of this is connected’. Let’s ask ourselves ‘Is this excuse reasonable’
To anyone who would throw away 3 years of very hard work in law school, unless rich uncle moneybucks paid for it, you need psychological help. What is with these crazy lawyers who keep getting busted and then disbarred?