For Illinoisans, it came as little surprise that the Gov. Blagojevich (pron. "bla-goy-ya-vich") was arrested for trying to sell Obama's vacant Congressional seat. The surprise was how stupid he was, knowing he's been under suspicion for corruption for years, to have been so blatant. And this man came into office right after Ryan, who went to jail for corruption. Unfortunately, they waited to arrest Ryan until he was out of office.
Blagojevich could still appoint Obama's senate replacement, though state lawmakers are calling for special elections to do this. IMHO, Blagojevich should step down & lets run special elections. Now, who will run?
At the same time, we have the FCC Chairman has abused his power. And don't forget Bush's abuse of power, the Pentagon abuse of power....They all seem to be doing it. I wonder if this is a membership club or just politics as usual?
Corruption is not a recent thing or just an Illinoisan thing. It's not just a Democratic thing either. Examples:
Connecticut Gov. John Rowland was threatened with the worst corruption in the state's history.You don't have to look hard to find corruption. We just need more Patrick Fitzgeralds to take care of 'em.
Louisiana's last 3 insurance commissioners were sent to prison.`1
Republican Bill Frist, a doctor, resigned from the Senate pending investigation into charges of "insider trading."
Sen. Ted Stevens (Rep. Alaska) was convicted on 7 counts of falsifying official Senate reports
The most corrupt state in the US is Mississippi (IL comes in #5).
Teapot Dome oil leasing corruption of 1922
Over 21 people were indicted for corruption in San Francisco in 1909.
Credit Mobilier corruption in 1872 involving Mass. reps. 2
The Whiskey Ring scandal where Dept. of Treasury officials were bribed. 3
Sources:
1. Public Corruption in the United States, National Press Club, Jan. 16, 2004
2. http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h234.html
3. Ibid
No comments:
Post a Comment