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The governor of Chicago *** UPDATED x1 ***
Monday, Jul 7, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller * Last week, you will recall, the governor held a press conference at a Chicago gas station to highlight his administration’s efforts at making sure that gas pumps are accurate. The presser was a fiasco, as reporters ignored the gas pump story and instead focused on corruption allegations…
* What nobody seemed to notice, however, is that the City of Chicago does all the gas pump inspecting within city limits. A spokesman for the state Department of Agriculture, which had a high-level representative at the guv’s presser, admitted this to me today. To be fair, the state essentially oversees Chicago’s inspections, in the same way that the federal government oversees the state’s inspections of, say, meat processors. But you’d think the governor would at least have done his little press conference at a gas station that is subjected to direct state oversight. Then again, he rarely leaves the city, and he seems to know little about the actual operation of state government, so it’s probably not a huge surprise. * John Patterson points out another little tidbit…
Unfortunately for Blagojevich, Patterson has one of the best memories at the Statehouse. *** UPDATE *** During last week’s press conference, Gov. Blagojevich was asked why he insisted on putting his name on everything, from tollway signs to leaflets touting AllKids, when he criticized George Ryan for doing the same sort of thing. Blagojevich flatly denied that he had ever criticized Ryan for this and berated the reporter for even bringing it up. But back in 2003 Blagojevich caught some heat for handing out bumper stickers at the State Fair that featured the fair’s “United We Stand” theme as well as Blagojevich’s name. The bumper stickers were being paid for by the state, but the campaign eventually picked up the tab…
* Related…
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- Levois - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 9:51 am:
How does one take a job and then not know what it takes to do the job or at least fails to learn anything?
- S. Illinois - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:00 am:
Levois - Blagojevich sees the priorities of the job much differently than most of the electorate.
- Concerned Voter - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:01 am:
Levois, I don’t know the answer to that one. Wait, let’s ask Rod at his next press conference. As well as the gas station appearance went, I’m sure he can’t wait to get out and press the flesh again.
- Vote Quimby! - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:04 am:
This was only a stepping-stone office on Rod’s way to the White House! Remember?
- Shelbyville - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:07 am:
“He’s not a sociopath.”
Another good quote for a tee shirt. OUR GOVERNOR IS NOT A SOCIOPATH! I tell you with quotes like that, no one needs to make up anything,
- problem - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:08 am:
The state does have direct oversight of all gas stations. They just delegate inspections in Chicago to the city.
If the state received a complaint about a chicago station, or wanted to check it, they could inspect it directly.
They don’t to save money and overlap, but they could.
I would ask the Chicago reporters if they would have traveled to a suburb to cover the story. Most won’t send crews outside of the city. That is more likely the reason for the location.
Blame the game, not the player.
- Fan of the Game - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:14 am:
There is plenty of blame to place upon the player. Plenty.
- wordslinger - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:14 am:
The whole premise behind the press conference was another example of narcissistic gubernatorial surrealism. No one thinks the pumps are rigged; how he thought he would get any populist bump out of this is bizarre.
He threw down the gauntlet, though, with that particular media gaggle. They’re not going to forget how they rattled him and will try to do it again and again. That’s entertainment.
- Anon - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:35 am:
Did the dead guy he pardoned have his voting franchise restored for the upcoming election?
- A Citizen - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:39 am:
* Quote of the week: “Let me tell you something, I know the truth of things and I have nothing to fear but the truth, OK?” - Rod Blagojevich at the 22:09 mark.
This IS the t-shirt to end all!
- Ghost - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:42 am:
In all fairness to the Gov on this bit: “In the summer of 2001, Rod Blagojevich appeared at an Amoco station at Clark and LaSalle to launch his campaign for governor by complaining about gas selling for $1.99 and charge that the Republicans who’d run the state hadn’t done enough. He said a Blagojevich administration would do better.” Blago has done substantially better, the price of gas has more then doubled from that mere 1.99. And since the State gas tax is based on a percentage of the sale price the State is making a lot more money from gas sales. Thus, the Gov kept his pledge to do a lot better on the price of gas - he has managed to see it more then double under his watch.
On a side not, the treasurers incetive program fo hybrid sales seems an even better idea today then when he launched it. Time to dust it off and re-announce it to the public.
- OneManBlog - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:45 am:
I think I have my first suggestion for the
Special Sessions in Hell 2008 T-Shirt..
He’s not a sociopath
Let’s see how I can work Obama into this.
Investigation, I am under no stinkin investigation
Ok, perhaps a little bit of a sociopath
- anon - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:56 am:
After listening to the audio of the repartee between the Governor and the reporters, I felt the reporters were spiralling into some unprofessional debating (maybe baiting, too). They seemed to get off-message and pursue a non-productive line of questioning to the point of becoming personally involved. It was an embarrassmment for both sides.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:57 am:
He also issued a press release that the state flags will be flown at half staff for Chicago Officer Francis, which is nice, but it seemed strange to have the State issue the presser and not the City. Maybe he thinks he’s Mayor?
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 10:59 am:
anon, I don’t disagree.
- GoBearsss - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 11:07 am:
Regarding your update -
There is a stark difference between a putting your name on materials for something you did/created, and just putting your name on a bumper sticker as a promotional tool just for yourself.
Ethics and ethics laws recognize that difference.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 11:15 am:
===There is a stark difference between a putting your name on materials for something you did/created, and just putting your name on a bumper sticker as a promotional tool just for yourself.===
Um, you mean like the “Welcome to Illinois” signs?
- S. Illinois - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 11:30 am:
…or the open road tolling that was started by George Ryan?
- Ghost - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 11:32 am:
The ethics law may recognize that difference, but I would not say ethics do. Then again the Gov has a number of ethics bills he is sitting on so he can shape or use the ethics law to skirt actuall ethics.
BTW Rich you owe me a new KB. Your comment caused the uncontrollale release of the coffee I was trying to consume.
- On the Road Again.... - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 11:33 am:
He should move some departments within IDOT to other areas of the state when it makes sense. Example, IDOT has a department that deals with Small Businesses and certifies them as minority and female owned, well more than half are based in the Chicagoland area. So if there is a problem or question regarding certification the small business has to drive 4 hours to Springfield to address questions or concerns. That doesn’t make sense especially since most of your small businesses cannot afford to miss a productive day without pay to attend a meeting 4 hours away. There should at a minimum be a satellite office to certify these firms or the possibility of outsourcing the certification process to save the taxpayers millions of dollars.
- BandCamp - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 11:36 am:
Rich/anon, to the defense (somewhat) of the reporters with regard to their demeanor as to their questions to the Governor…
As we have seen (and heard) over the past few years of his administration, the Gov is simply not receptive to reporters questions on the issues. These same reporters, in my opinion, did what most of us do sometimes: act in a human nature. They are frustrated, and yes, they have ammo (bait) for the Gov now because of the fed probe.
I agree w/anon, however, I don’t blame the reporters for behaving the way they did. Mob mentality, for sure, ruled the day during those questions aimed at the Gov’s involvement (or lack of) in the federal investigation.
Sometimes you get treated the way you treat others. God works quick.
- Vote Quimby! - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 11:44 am:
To OTRA: IDOT does indeed have a satellite office for DBEs in East St. Louis…. I find it hard to believe that (a) there’s not such a location in the Chicago area and (b) that an issue arises that a business owner would actually have to appear in Springfield…not with mail, fax and email options.
- Gregor - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 12:18 pm:
I can’t be too hard on the hectoring reporters. The governor remains unresponsive. He only wants to use the press and have them passively repeat to the public, word for word, his canned statements, without question. You don’t get that luxury here, Rod.
A free press means that if you throw a press event to make statements, you must also take questions. Meaning you should probably study some facts or consult an expert so you have a good answer ready. And if you don’t answer the questions, they are going to ask them again until you make some kind of answer. Get over it, and get over yourself. Trying to change the subject or distract by insulting the reporters will not deflect a trained professional.
Rod is just mad that he can’t manipulate reporters as easily as the sheep that watch his campaign commercials or read the printed propaganda with his name plastered all over it. Boo freaking hoo.
- puzzler - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 12:34 pm:
I agree with the Governor. He is not a sociopath. He just isn’t very bright and is in way over his head in a job he never would have had if he hadn’t married well.
- Downstater - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 12:58 pm:
I agree with Puzzler, after more than 5 years one would think the governor would know how to do his job. I blame the Illinois Democratic party for making Blago their poster boy after the Ryan fiasco and I blame the voters who reelected him and knew that he was incapable of being an effective governor.
- DumberThanUThink - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 1:24 pm:
Hey Downstater —- don’t blame the Ds. They were to keep the GOP tradition alive until you served up another right and then the AccordianGal. Just blames yourselves
- Lurker - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 1:30 pm:
That raw video is priceless. Who was the guy with the chewing gum standing behind Rod, trying to pull him away. Was it one of his flaks?
And that Ben Bradley’s a looker!
- DumberThanUThink - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 1:49 pm:
Bradley a looker —- maybe that is Blagoof huddled next to the SUV?????
BTW after listening to a bunch of versions I seemed to have missed Blagoof, the AG guys or the vaunted the Chicago press corp ask or answer:
1. Is shorting the gas buyer a big problemo?
2. How many short selling fines have been handed out this month, this week, this year?
3. What do the inspectors do before the DefCon 5 Alert presser.
4. Are you doing this cause Daley’s guys are dozing and he refuses to give $500 million for a casino?
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 2:01 pm:
Staffers need to get a hold of him. As the pressure builds as the Feds get closer, he is going to really explode. They were wrong for putting him in this situation. It is time to put him in the bunker and stay out of the public.
- On the Road Again.... - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 2:02 pm:
To: Vote Quimby,
Obviously you have not tried to get certified with IDOT or you would know that it probably takes anywhere from 6-9 months to get certified. Also, if most of the firms that are getting certified are based in the Chicagoland area, why have the certification HQ 4 hours south of the greatest concentration of your clients you are supposed to be serving? It would save the tax payers millions of dollars if you privatized the certification process and would streamline the certification process by half thus allowing minorities and females an opportunity to work on state projects.
- GA Watcher - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 2:06 pm:
Lurker:
That was Lucio Guerrero, the Guv’s new Spinmaster.
- Lurker - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 2:37 pm:
Thanks, GA. That’s what I thought.
- DumberThanUThink - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 2:42 pm:
O.K. Students let’s do a quick review:
Profile of the Sociopath
This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.
Glibness and Superficial Charm
Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as “their right.”
Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
Incapacity for Love
Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others’ feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet “gets by” by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others’ lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
——————————————————————————–
Other Related Qualities:
Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them
Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them
Authoritarian
Secretive
Paranoid
Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired
Conventional appearance
Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)
Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim’s life
Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim’s affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)
Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim
Incapable of real human attachment to another
Unable to feel remorse or guilt
Extreme narcissism and grandiose
May state readily that their goal is to rule the world
(The above traits are based on the psychopathy checklists of H. Cleckley and R. Hare.)
- Ghost - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 4:13 pm:
OTRA your analysis has a few non-seqitors. If the majority who get certified are in Chicago, but certification is all by mail, then the location for processing is irrelevant.
Privatizing it saves millions how? you argue that the operation should be moved to the most costly portion of the State in terms of employee salaries, buying/renting space, paying for office supplies etc, but then say the State needs to save money on the process (by the unrelate conclusion of privatizing it).
How about this, put the office Donwstae where the overhead is a lot lower since the process does not require in person contact. This saves the State and taxpayers money by reducing the cost of the operation.
The worst place for the State to operate its acitvites is Chicago, the overhead cost to taxpayers and those useing State services is substrantialy higher in Chicago.
- Crystal Clear - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 4:25 pm:
Check out this press release for the 2003 Ethics law:
http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/PressReleasesListShow.cfm?RecNum=2153
Check out this quote, I love it.
“The focus of a Public Service Announcement should be on the message of the announcement, not the politician promoting the message. If you want to serve in government, focus on government. If you want to appear in commercials, take up acting,” Blagojevich said.
- Crystal Clear - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 4:42 pm:
If you want a real laugh on that press release, listen to the attached audio. It is a hoot.
- Wacker Drive - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 5:56 pm:
Check out the vein popping out Rod’s neck during that interview. WOW!
Talk about a compulsive liar.
- IDOT Engineer - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 6:46 pm:
OTRA & Quimby - IDOT has a full-time satellite Small Business Enterprises office at 900 South Des Plaines Street in Chicago and has had for several years.
- Sheryl - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 7:44 pm:
Blagojevich has bigger problems than worrying about the gas pumps being accurate. Another ” I’m worried about the people press conference”, give us a break.
Just answer the questions Rod.
- Gregor - Monday, Jul 7, 08 @ 9:21 pm:
Crystal Clear: How do you think he likes eating those words now?
They are just one quote of many he will get to gnaw on when the hammer falls.
- Cougar - Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 1:59 am:
Did anyone else think that the station owner could have been Tony Resko’s twin??? Why would you pick that location!!
- Gas pumps - Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 8:12 am:
State law requires pumps to be checked once per year. Look at Ag’s stats for last few years-more like 80 percent checked because they can’t hire inspectors because of Gov’s office refusal to fill empty positions.