Question of the day
Tuesday, Oct 18, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Tribune…
The Blagojevich family posted a message on Facebook on Monday, telling supporters that they can write letters on the former governor’s behalf before his sentencing. U.S. District Judge James Zagel can consider Blagojevich’s good works as mitigating factors when deciding his punishment.
Blagojevich, 54, could face a double-digit prison term after being convicted of corruption charges in June. Though no sentencing date has been set, Patti Blagojevich has indicated it could be sometime in the next month.
“We have been getting so many requests from people who would like to help us by writing a letter to the judge for sentencing that I would like to post the email of one of our attorneys Aaron Goldstein: agoldstein3@hotmail.com,” according to a post on Patti Blagojevich’s Facebook page. “He would be able to help you with how to get the letter to the right place. Thank you to all of you who have supported us during this hard time.”
* The Question: What would your letter to Judge James Zagel say?
Snark is heavily encouraged, of course.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 1:24 pm:
Your honor I just ask you show the governor the same respect that he showed this court.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 1:31 pm:
Dear Judge Zagle,
As you are well aware, becoming governor of Illinois in the last 40 years has led several men into a life of crime. It is the gateway drug to becoming a felon, only by showing the youth of Illinois that getting elected governor of Illinois is not a path to success but is the start of the road of moral failure and decay can we break this chain of crime.
Therefore I ask, no I beg, that you sentence the former governor of Illinois to the maximum penalty under our law in order to send a strong message to the children of Illinois that becoming governor may seem cool at the time, but only leads to heartache and sadness for those around you.
Do it for the children, think of the children.
- Carl Nyberg - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 1:34 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel, I don’t think much of you as a judge. You said things and made rulings that caused me to doubt your impartiality.
That said, Blagojevich had to be a difficult defendant to deal with.
I honestly think there’s something wrong with how the guy processes information. And he’s the textbook case of a narcissistic personality disorder.
I hope Blagojevich can get the mental health services that will help him mitigate his issues while in prison.
But, Blagojevich was a jerk. Being a jerk is not a crime, but a jury did find Blagojevich guilty of crimes. And IMO, it’s ok to consider the fact he was a jerk during sentencing.
Don’t give him more time than he deserves, but don’t go easy on him either.
- JoePeoria - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 1:38 pm:
Please don’t put Santa Claus in jail!!
(snark…from “Miracle on 34th Street”)
- Cindy Lou - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 1:39 pm:
I’m afraid any letter I would write might fall under the guidelines of this site on inappropriate or excessively rabid and therefore place me in the category of being permanently banished. Sorry, Rod…you’re on your own.
- x ace - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 1:40 pm:
The foremost consideration of this sentencing must be the defendant’s two young daughters. They are in their formidable years. Their future awaits them.
You are urged , to consider the best interest of these children ,Your Honor .
Send this crook and lousey role model away for the max.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 1:54 pm:
I gave a letter to the postman, he put it his sack. Bright in early next morning, he brought my letter back.
(Zagel) wrote upon it: return to sender, address unknown. No such number, no such zone.
- GMatts - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 1:56 pm:
9-9-9 Your Honor. That would be 27 years in prison. Thank you.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 1:56 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel:
Please throw the book at former Governor Blagojevich - both literally and figuratively.
Yours,
Team Sleep
- dupage dan - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 2:07 pm:
There’s a whole world of folk who RB has not met - hasn’t had a chance to work his magic on. He can be so much to so many…..don’t deny these unfortunate people the opportunities that the rest of us have had. Since it takes many years for the full effect that RB can have in new situations it is important that he be allowed to come to a full flowering of his unique capacities.
I think 15 years oughta be enough.
- 1776 - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 2:14 pm:
Please let him keep his hair and have a brush.
- Simon Valentine - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 2:14 pm:
Dear Judge,
The way I see it, the defendant hijacked my summers in 2004, 2007 and 2008, at a minimum. So he owes me 90 days per year listed. Feel free to add on a total of 270 days to the end of his sentence.
Sincerely,
Simon Valentine
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 2:23 pm:
Simon, you forgot the 2003 veto session overtime.
I think it was 2008 when I watched the State Fair fireworks from the Capitol building. First time that had ever happened. Hope it was the last.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 2:27 pm:
“Dear Ya Hon-a …
I am jus a guy from da city, writin’ to you ’bout a guy from da neighba-hood who made good. Sometimes, people, dey do some really dumb tings, and I tink Rod did that. He ain’t hurtin’ no body, he ain’t out dere, wit a gun robbin’ people. Rod didn’t get one stinkin’ dime outta all the ‘G’ said he did. Dat has to be wort somthin’?
From time to time, favors need to get done, and Rod was a stand up guy. You are dingin’ him for some ‘Street Juice’. Look, if you want to move the freight, you gotta pay the Weight, ya know what I mean? He got none of da weight. Not one dime. Rod is a Saint for all da good he did, and did it wit no cash for da family.
Annoter ting, the Senate ting for Obama’s seat. Dat was suppose to go to Lisa. I don’t member Rod gettin’ nuttin’ for it. The ‘G’ took em in, before he could do the right ting. A-braham Lincoln was rollin’ in his grave all right, the way the ‘G’ thought day had a ‘fix’ on. Annoter mis-under-STAND-ting, ya Hon-a.
Finnaly, da hospidal ting wit gettin’ money for the kids. Rod is all ’bout da kids. Dat All Kids, fourgettaboutit! Kids left and right are gettin’ healt-y, tanks to Rod. Rod held no money up to dat hospidal, it was annoter mis-under-STAND-ting. I tink if you look at it like I do, you would see dose railroad tack all down Rod’s back on dis one too.
Please, ya Hon-a, look at Rod wit the eyes of da ‘Common MAN’. If he did some bad, he did it cause he was doin’ real good for workin’ stiff like me.
Let ‘em go home to his family and we’ll cal lit a day.
Your pal,
Jon Grabowski”
- 101 - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 2:28 pm:
Dear Judge, I… I broke the law fighting against tyrannieses and injustices for the trodden down pipples and for the little babies and the children and the…ooh is that a kitty?
- Irishpirate - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 2:37 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel,
Please sentence Mr Blago to 1 year in jail, 10 years without a hairbrush, and a lifetime of exile in a foreign country. Serbia will work as will Wisconsin or Missouri.
Tanks,
IP
PS I just talked to Indiana and they don’t want him so maybe Tennesee so he can hang out at Graceland.
- Patrick - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 2:50 pm:
Dear Judge Zagle,
I urge you to go easy on the former governor, in light of his illustrious service to the State of Illinois. Gov. Blagojevich always put the interests of the people ahead of his own interests, as you are no doubt aware. For example, he saved the state money by reducing the rolls of state employees. He also worked tirelessly to avoid burdensome oversight by meddling auditors who only want to stifle innovation. And he disciplined unruly rogue legislators by attempting to cut wasteful pork-barrel projects - like the Illinois Department of Transportation - in their districts.
Furthermore, it would be unthinkable to throw the book at such a sensitive, introspective soul. Have you ever seen him recite the poetry of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?
In summary, Gov. Blagojevich’s minor indiscretions pale in comparison to his vast contributions to this great state. He belongs on our currency, not behind bars.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Not Rod Blagojevich
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 2:57 pm:
Dear Judge,
Please exuse Rod from serving time, he is assigned to do charity work in Brooklyn.
Signed,
Epstein’s Mother
- Lake County - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:00 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel,
Can you please be sure they require Blago to shave his head for monthly lice checks?
- Ghost - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:11 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel,
If you want to deter corruption Bernie Madoff should get out first.
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:20 pm:
When all is lost…
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:21 pm:
And Rod’s in jail…
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:21 pm:
I beg you Judge…
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:21 pm:
To grant him bail…
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:21 pm:
- Burma Shave
- Michelle Flaherty - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:33 pm:
Sure I could write a letter.
But what’s in it for me?
If they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. F— them.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:37 pm:
He broke the law,
But in jail, will rot?
Wouldst rather come with me,
Where it’s really hot?
Satan
- Lincoln's Penny - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:37 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel,
Please Governor Blagojevich that his elvis statue is in my basement. That is all.
- anon sequitor - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:48 pm:
To the Honorable Justice Zagel,
On behalf of Mr. Blagoyevich, I ask the indulgence of the court to allow his request for mercy to be put into song, and here to sing it is Aimee Duffy:
“I don’t know what this is
But you got me good
Just like you knew you would
I don’t know what you do
But you do it well
I’m under your spell
You got me begging you for mercy
Why won’t you release me
You got me begging you for mercy
Why won’t you release me
I said you better release me”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7ZEVA5dy-Y
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 3:56 pm:
Dear Judge Zagle
Please, don’t be cruel to Rod Blagojevich. I know many think he is on the edge of reality, but he is really all shook up about this whole situation (aching like a man on a fuzzy tree, if you know what I mean). Sure, he was the big boss man once; but he is just another U.S male who is now crying in the chapel and wondering “why me, Lord?”
Sure, he had working class upbringing but he didn’t grow up in the ghetto. His family was small and, admittedly, he was a bit of a roustabout who was raised on rock. Maybe if he had had a little sister, or a hound dog to play with, things might have turned out differently.
Look at the government’s case. It was only initiated by some suspicious minds with a burning love of retribution. You would have not had to preside over this clambake if that were not the case. I’m sure Rod would tell the government to “clean up your own backyard first.”
I know the people would Rod like to say “I was the one. I apologize. I slipped, I stumbled, I fell.” But in his heat of hearts he thinks “I got stung.” Think of Rod as a flaming star, doused by teardrops.
Well, it’s funny how time slips away, but I beg of you, don’t sentence Rod before January so his daughters won’t have a blue Christmas.
P.S. If don’t heed this letter, just please return to sender.
Thank you
- BIG R. Ph - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 4:00 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel:
Whatever you are thinking of sentencing Rod Blagojevich. Please take that thought and double it to prevent some future judge from letting him out too early.
- Boone Logan Square - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 4:12 pm:
Your honor,
Rod Blagojevich may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don’t let that fool you. He really is an idiot.
Yours sincerely,
Dick Mell
(with apologies to Groucho Marx)
- 87% - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 4:15 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel;
On behalf the f’d, I would request you please send him away for at least ten years.
- Boone Logan Square - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 4:16 pm:
All hail anon @ 3:56pm for managing to work “Clambake” into that tribute to the King. Well done!
- Poilitical Junkie - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 4:18 pm:
If they want me to write a letter then I better get something in return because my letter is bleeping golden
- amalia - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 4:39 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel:
please consult a musical homage to Elvis Presley, and know how we care about GRod:
Bye Bye Rodie, I’m gonna miss you so. Bye Bye Rodie, Why’d you have to go?
We love you Milorad, oh yes we do, We love you Milorad, and we’ll be true.
LIke Elvis, Rod Blagojevich has inspired such happy nuttiness. How can you keep him from us Judge Zagel?
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 4:46 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel,
Please vacate the sentence so Rod can pick up the mantle of the great OJ Simpson and continue the search for the real killers.
Signed,
Not Rod Blagojevich
- Coach - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 5:10 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel,
I work for an obscure state agency. We’re so obscure, in fact, that Rod failed to discover us during his time as governor.
Thank goodness for that. Since Rod never found us, he never had the chance to ridicule us or throw us under the bus during one of his circus-act press conferences. He never attempted to skirt the veterans preference or other hiring laws to shove his cronies onto our payroll. He never sent his henchmen to shake us down or look for ways to enrich themselves at the public’s expense.
Simply put, we may well be the one agency spared of the havoc Rod wreaked on state government. For that, we’re thankful. And so, even if his oversight was due solely to Rod’s incompetence as a crook, I suppose he should get some credit for that. I do hope you will take this into consideration.
Thanks for your time.
- Left Out - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 6:41 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel,
I have no comment.
- Just The Way It Is One - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 7:34 pm:
Dear Judge,
So long as he agrees to never again wear any of those gaudy, overly-expensive ties he’s been so obsessed with–better yet, agrees to return all of ‘em or donate ‘em to Charity, agrees to never again quote lyrics from ANY Elvis song ever again, AND agrees to shave off the mop at least once annually, auction all it off to the highest (rich freak, no doubt) bidder and donate all of the proceeds to Charity, and if he meanly curses out loud in public at Patty or anyone else (unjustifiably so), the Court orders that he have his mouth washed out with soap–all as minimal mitigating factors–well, then, give ‘em whatever true “justice” requires for all of those terrible things he did (however much time THAT is, Your Honor;and shucks, I suppose you’ll figure it out just fine without all of OUR banter, anyway)! Good luck, too, ‘cuz rest assured that no matter WHAT time you dole out for those crimes, there are bound to be all sorts of folks who won’t agree with your decision anyway!!!
- Responsa - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 7:52 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel,
Do you like Haiku?
Rod Blagojevich
Sold his soul and got taped
You know what to do
- TheCantrallkid - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 9:17 pm:
Dear Judge Zagel,
When locking Rod up, please be sure to throw away the key.
Thank you.
- Quizzical - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 9:21 pm:
Keep this Serbian Running.
- North of I-80 - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 9:40 pm:
Your Honor; Please remember the good that the former Governor did when he treated the state’s resources as his personal piggy bank. Please remember how he swept funds from each department budget without an explanation or accounting of where the state funds went. Please remember how management of the state pension funds was not awarded due to performance or rates of return, but whether contributions to the Blagojevich fund were made. Please remember the “pension holiday” where the state failed to contribute the required $$$ while employee had to pay higher contributions. And please remember the ethics tests we were required to take at the orders of Gov Blagojevich - and how some of us got in trouble because we finished & passed it too fast. May his good deeds be rewarded by your sentencing.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Oct 18, 11 @ 10:09 pm:
Dear Jude:
As you ponder Rod’s sentence, we only ask that you consider the kind way he treated the 35 on his first day in office. Please give him the same fair treatment.
Sincerely,
One of the 35