Blagojevich flak defends speech to kids
Tuesday, Mar 1, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Rod Blagojevich’s PR guy responds to questions about the convicted felon’s invitation to speak to a national group of high school kids…
The governor has many supporters who admire his courage to take on the system and challenge the allegations with all he’s got. He’s spent a career fighting duplicitous politicians and for government transparency. He has passionately pursued issues that impact ordinary, hard-working people.
His tenacity both as a politician and as a man earned him a spot to address the JSA regional conference and he’s looking forward to speaking to the youngsters.
So, he intends to lie. No surprise.
* In comments yesterday, a few members of the student group took umbrage with criticism of their invitation…
Blagojevich is one of the most well-known politicians of our time. We have to learn from the actions of the corrupt. We can’t shelter ourselves from reality. If we want to end corruption, we have to learn from the corrupt.
The man is an accomplished snake charmer. There’s not much to “learn” from him except not to do what he did. And you don’t need to invite him to appear at a conference to know that. A half an hour on the Internet would suffice.
* It’s obvious from the PR flak’s statements that Blagojevich intends to offer up a full-throated self defense on the eve of his second trial. Take a look at Blagojevich’s website to see how he promotes himself…
Since his controversial ousting from office, Rod Blagojevich has refused to be silent.
The twice elected former governor of Illinois has insisted he is innocent of all charges since his arrest in December, 2008.
(View Rod’s accomplishments as governor.)
Now he continues his mission to prove to the world he did not betray his family, friends and the Illinois voters.
His crusade for justice and his uncanny ability to deal with adversity has made him an in-demand public speaker where he consistently draws huge crowds.
The kids are being used as props. Period.
- soccermom - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:38 am:
Uncanny:
–adjective
1.
having or seeming to have a supernatural or inexplicable basis; beyond the ordinary or normal; extraordinary:
2. mysterious; arousing superstitious fear or dread; uncomfortably strange:
- Way Way Down Here - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:42 am:
On the bright side, at least the kids aren’t cynical yet.
- How Ironic - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:44 am:
Hopefully some of the kids parents are aware of what a lying weasel Rod is. One hopes they help the kids craft some serious questions about his corrupt activities. And one also hopes that they are able to refute his alternate reality where he was the peoples hero, not a cheating no good loser.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:46 am:
As someone who has had his kid used as a prop by Rod, I can tell you he is very good at it.
- Anon - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:51 am:
If my teen were involved in this group, I would urge him to consider withdrawing from membership in protest.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:53 am:
===And one also hopes that they are able to refute his alternate reality===
If the US Attorney couldn’t…
Just sayin’.
- Plutocrat03 - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:55 am:
Props, human shields what is the difference?
A number of questions arise….
Doesn’t this group have and adult advisor of some sort? They are spending $$, what is the source?
Where is the money for a PR flack come from? I thought Ex-Gov B was broke?
- Redbright - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:56 am:
Is there no adult supervision at this organization.
The only appropriate introduction for Blago is “this is what a psychopath sounds like.”
- Jim - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:57 am:
Rod was also the poster boy for skipping pension payments, as we are finding out now not the best long-term strategy for balancing a budget.
- Responsa - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:57 am:
He has a PR flak? I thought Rod and Patti were flat broke. Is this person part of the defense team?
- And I Approved This Message - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 11:01 am:
The Freak Show at Riverview consistently drew huge crowds too. They must be counting the block party where he appeared with the fake Fabio.
- MrJM - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 11:03 am:
[Insert violation of Godwin’s Law here]
– MrJM
- Champaign Dweller - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 11:11 am:
Blago’s removal from office was only controversial to him. I guess I can learn from any dictator on the planet,(as in what not to do) but that doesn’t mean I would invite them to make a speech
- Number Cruncher - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 11:27 am:
If the kids wanted to learn something, they should have invited Dave Ellis.
If they were just looking for someone with notoriety to gawk at, Ozzie Osbourne would have been a better choice.
“Don’t do like I did kids. Partying like a rock star isn’t for the faint-hearted.”
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 11:28 am:
–He’s (Blago) spent a career fighting duplicitous politicians and for government transparency.–
Wouldn’t you be afraid of getting struck by lightning for saying that?
- dupage dan - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 11:33 am:
I wonder about the whole adult supervision part of this issue as well.
Future Illinois voters. Gotta love their drive to learn from the best!
- Dan S in Springfield - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 11:41 am:
Why is a convicted felon who is about to go on trial again being exposed to high school students. Any parent that allows there child to attend this should have DCFS called to investigate them.
- vole - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 11:58 am:
Only in Libya and …
- Responsa - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 11:58 am:
Rich, I love these occasional Blago posts. They’re like a palate cleanser by proving that on certain Illinois subjects cats and mice can agree, and even play together nicely.
- Bluefish - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 11:59 am:
I assume DARE programs will now be using Charlie Sheen as a motivational speaker.
- soccermom - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 12:11 pm:
Was Charlie Sheen not available?
- one day at a time - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 12:16 pm:
maybe one could envision this a “scared straight” opportunity for the high school kids.
- Secret Square - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 1:08 pm:
“If we want to end corruption, we have to learn from the corrupt.”
By that logic, Gadhafi or Bin Laden would be the perfect speakers to address the topics of democracy and the war on terror.
- Champaign Dweller - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 1:08 pm:
Scared crooked is probably a better description of this “opportunity”.
- frustrated GOP - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 1:29 pm:
He’s bared from ever holding office in Illinois again. He’s convicted in federal court and hasn’t even acknowledged his guilt. No way should this guy be paid by anyone for a speaking engagement.
Of course, his removal was the only substantial piece of Legislation with that many yes votes in recent history. I guess that’s something when you think about it.
- Seriously??? - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 1:41 pm:
“…he consistently draws huge crowds.” — So do traffic accidents.
- Springfield Skeptic - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 2:04 pm:
I just looked at his web site. I think I’m going to be sick!!!
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 4:01 pm:
Well, the silence was nice while it lasted. Blagojevich just wants to re-start his “I’m innocent, the feds set me up!” dialogue. Of course, the press will report every word.
- Ain't No Justice - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 5:57 pm:
SS ==”I think I’m going to be sick!!! ” Your not alone, this could cause a “barf-a-rama”!
- Rachel - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 7:13 pm:
We have adult supervision. We are a student-run organization, but we have an adult program director for each state that attends all conventions. Having a bunch of minors at a convention with no adult supervision would make no sense. Redbright, you clearly know little about the Junior State of America or you would not say things that are blatantly untrue about us.
As I said on your article yesterday, we do not pay for speakers.
Again, hearing from him is an educational opportunity that should be taken advantage of. Civic minded students can learn how not to behave when they want to go into politics. Being judgmental about our organization due to the actions about Blagojevich has no value.
“The man is an accomplished snake charmer. There’s not much to “learn” from him except not to do what he did.” Did I not just say over and over that we are hearing him speak to learn just that? You are reinforcing my point, not refuting it.
There are plenty of politicians around the world that are corrupt. I think that Benjamin Netanyahu should be on trial for breaking international law; however, if I were given the opportunity to question him myself and hear him speak, I would absolutely jump on the chance. It would be a great educational opportunity. You are all ignoring the reality that students must learn from the actions of the corrupt. Having hands on experience includes asking him questions and listening to him speak. Last time I checked, learning from a primary source is better than a secondary one.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 7:23 pm:
Point of clarification: He isn’t getting paid to do this.
Another point of clarification: You guys have no idea what JSA is about unless you’ve experienced it. I was part of it when I was in highschool and i’m proud to see what it has become. Students are just excited over this because he’s been recognized nationally for the crime he committed. It’s also an opportunity to learn from his mistakes. I truly believe the students part of this club are the future and we should acknowledge them instead of calling them idiots.
- Had to point out... - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 7:56 pm:
It’s no coincidence that Stan Dai, the founder of the Naperville North JSA Chapter is now in federal prison.
- JSA member - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 8:47 pm:
In regards the the comment about Mr. Dai I’m sure no one in JSA condones his actions but that is truly a completely unrelated topic as he hasn’t been a JSA member in over 10 years and had absolutely nothing to do with the organizing and planning of this event. I know and an good friends with the people who put this speaker program together, and as someone who tries constantly to book speakers most politicians and even middle level bureaucrats and political commentators are far too busy to deign to speak to mostly non voting students. If you have problems with Blagojevich’s actions that’s well and good because i personally do as well, however i would relish the opportunity to confront him in person about it. I don’t feel the need to merely voice my opinions behind the protective shield of the internet.
- JSA Parent - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 9:31 pm:
I don’t care if my kid goes to see this guy. In fact, I’m glad. I think your article/responses to some of these kids are absolutely inappropriate and IGNORANT.
There are people living in the U.S. who don’t know anything about politics and we should take pride in these students.
- tonycastagnoli - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 9:35 pm:
Not even frontin’, but like fo real JSA is mad gay. Legit dog.
- jsa supreme leader - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 9:51 pm:
JSA is the single most important organization I have ever encountered, and I am proud to be a part of it. So proud in fact, I would like to assert my superiority, based solely off my membership, here on this forum.
Everyone who isn’t in JSA is ignorant, we are promoting real, tangible change. All of the students come to participate, and everyone does, and it is beautiful. We are superior to normal students in so many ways, that it actually makes me vomit when I think about it. We {JSA members} should receive an award for be alive. We are your superiors and we are not afraid to protect our power construct on an internet forum.
- t.cast. - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 9:53 pm:
We’re superior in every way possible.
Let’s be honest here, who can actually read the news and regurgitate what they read? Not a lot of people, which is why JSA is so important.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:11 pm:
=I don’t feel the need to merely voice my opinions behind the protective shield of the internet.=
I know you’re all excited over the publicity you’re getting JSA member, but you obviously don’t know much about the crowd who hang out here if that comment was directed toward them.
And, reading through some of the posts here, a chill is running up and down my spine…because this particular lot might even be more frightening than…dare I say it?…Young Republicans.
Oh my!
Sharpen your claws, little ones.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 10:43 pm:
=I don’t care if my kid goes to see this guy. In fact, I’m glad. I think your article/responses to some of these kids are absolutely inappropriate and IGNORANT.=
Let’s assume for a second, “Parent”, that the posts here from the “members” ARE from members, and review…
“…and have tried to discredit the organization of JSA are by definition cynical and deprived of any intelligence.”
“Us > you.”
“We’re superior in every way possible.”
You starting to see the development of a pattern there yet?
- Rachel - Tuesday, Mar 1, 11 @ 11:42 pm:
There are only a few JSA members that know about this blog and I know that the posts by “t.cast.” are not from a JSAer.
“Sharpen your claws, little ones.” Comments like these are completely unnecessary. JSA members are commenting to explain to you our outlook on the situation. We are attempting to broaden your thoughts so you can realize that your hatred of Blagojevich is not a reason for you to simply dismiss JSA as stupid. There is no reason for a “chill” to run up your spine. To be honest, your sarcasm has proven nothing. You are not even talking to us like young adults. You clearly have nothing intelligent to contribute to the conversation, so there is really no purpose in your comments on this blog.
I think the commenters on this blog should try to have dialogue with students involved with JSA to actually learn what we are about. No one here has made any attempt to have a discussion with us. Everyone here has immediately dismissed us. You are adults and as a high school student, I feel that it is sad that I even have to ask you to try to conduct yourselves like adults.
So again, I encourage you to talk to us. Judging us based on our keynote speaker is silly and childish. As adults, I would hope that you have all had enough life experience to realize that you should talk to people as opposed to judging them. Many JSA students are highly intelligent, eloquent, patient, and open minded. We would love to talk to you about our actions; however, you make it quite difficult when you tell us that we are stupid and make sarcastic comments that do not contribute to any further understanding. Do you really think that you will have an impact on anything by sitting around typing about how you think our actions are stupid? I certainly hope you are all smarter than that.
- Responsa - Wednesday, Mar 2, 11 @ 12:08 am:
I look forward to hearing from Rachael and the other real JSA members AFTER the convention and AFTER “the speech”. Perhaps Rich will provide an opportunity for them to report back. It will be interesting to find out what Rod told them in terms of how he feels about his political career now, how they feel about his presentation, and what life lessons they may have taken away from their time with ex-Governor Blagojevich.
- Marty - Wednesday, Mar 2, 11 @ 5:29 am:
No, the kids aren’t “being used” as props–they are willingly offering themselves.
But, hey, Blago is a celebrity and Charlie Sheen wasn’t available.
- Concerned Mother - Wednesday, Mar 2, 11 @ 10:47 pm:
I am a very concerned mother.
This concern me.
I shall now read my daughter’s Facebook.