Do the Ends justify the Means in Illinois?

President-elect Barack Obama has said the following about Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's appointment of former state comptroller and attorney general Roland Burris to Obama's vacating senate position on Tuesday.

"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate
Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat," Obama said in a
statement. "The best resolution would be for the governor to resign his office
and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession."

It has been reported by the Chicago Sun-Times that Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) joined Blagojevich and Burris at their joint news conference Tuesday. He asked in an impassioned plea to his Senate counterparts to let Burris take office so at least one member is African American.

"He will be a great United States senator," Blagojevich said of Burris.
"Please don't let the allegations against me taint this good and honest
man."

As President-elect Obama indicated no person can be acceptable, after the accusations brought up against the Governor of Illinois. The governor needs to step aside. But, it appears some in Illinois feel the ends do justify the means. It appears race could become an issue in an attempt to trump ethics.

peace

Is this man the next U.S. Senator or is it this guy?

The next session of the U.S. Senate will soon begin, but two members are yet to be determined. Who is the next U.S. Senator to make this exclusive group in Washington D.C.?




Is it this guy? Latest from Wall Street Journal from Minnesota.

No, this isn't a SNL comedy skit, but the current set of affairs in the Land of 10,000 Lakes



Or will it be this guy from the State of Illinois, as the fight is on to replace President-elect Obama? Latest from the WSJ.

The soap opera continues in the State of Illinois as Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's pick to fill President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat is contested.

We know President-elect Barack Obama is working on a new nominee for Commerce secretary. It clearly is a "Next man in" situation in Washington D.C. right now. We see it in sports all the time, but in politics?

peace

Politics Gone Bad; Gas Prices rising and Concerns in schools

The Wednesday, December 17, 2008 edition of The Washington Post contains an article titled Rep. Jackson Said to Have Reported Blagojevich Request. For more on the issue of doing more to stop improper political influence, read Pork, Politics Gone Bad.

It doesn't appear that the Illinois governor will give up, without being forced out. Fox News reports a story on the State of Illinois' situation in the governor's office.

T. Boone Pickens comments on OPEC's plan to raise oil prices through reducing supply.

CNN reports on Children forced into cell-like school seclusion rooms, including a death in a school in Georgia.

http://www.twitter.com/cidsports

peace

Legit Question? Should Chicago win the Olympic Bid?

With the corruption charges today with the Governor and his Chief of Staff, should the City of Chicago, with the corruption reputation of the City and State, be rewarded with the Olympic Games?

Fond Ties Have Grown Between Chicago and Its Corruption Fighter -
The same year his office pursued corruption charges against associates of Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago, a Democrat like Mr. Blagojevich, ... New York Times
Highlights of the Blagojevich Corruption Charges - Wall Street Journal Blogs
Illinois has long legacy of public corruption - MSNBC

Now, the current governor of Illinois is under investigation and a previous one is already in prison.

Should Chicago be the 2016 host of the Olympic Games?

http://twitter.com/cidsports

peace

Comments of LeftyLarry on the Rivals Network from the Wisconsin Open Board...

Wisconsin is up on MSU 24-13 at the 9 minute mark of the 4th quater... though, while I was writing this blog post, MSU scored to make it UW 24 MSU 19 with about 8 minutes left to play in the fourth quarter... Go Badgers go!

Wisconsin LeftyLarry had the following Off Topic to say about Mr. Obama...

"Perhaps the U.S. should pull out of Chicago? Body count:

In the last six
months: 292 killed (murdered) in Chicago; 221 killed in
Iraq.

Chicago.... Who Runs it:
Senators: Barack Obama & Dick Durbin
Rep: Jesse Jackson Jr.
Illinois Gov: Rod Blogojevich
Illinois House
leader Mike Madigan
Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan (daughter of Mike)
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley (son of Mayor Richard J. Daley) .....our
leadership in Illinois.....all Democrats.

Thank you for the combat
zone in Chicago.

Of course, they're all blaming each other!
Can't
blame Republicans; they're aren't any!
State pension fund $44 Billion in
debt, worst in country.
Cook County (Chicago) sales tax 10.25% highest in
country.
(Look 'em up if you want)
Chicago school system rated one of
the worst in the country.

This is the political culture that Obama comes
from in Illinois. And he's
gonna 'fix' Washington politics for us?

Wake Up America!"

Don't forget to Vote on Election Day... In Iowa!

peace