Let’s right this ship called Illinois. D’s and R’s alike need to take this day as a reminder of what all has been, from this episode to the continual budget fights and make an effort to use today as the day Illinois started to turn itself around. There is no joy today.
Sullivan has the Yglesias nominee, the Malkin nominee, etc. Perhaps you could suggest a Blagojevich nominee anytime one of our politicians says or does something particularly narcissistic, delusional, shameless, or demonstrates an alarming lack of self-awareness or a dangerous level of hubris.
We should have no problem finding enough nominees, and like the dreaded Century Award, no one will want this nomination. Heck, it could be considered an early intervention, a sign that a politician is on the road to Rod-dom. A warning light. An alarm bell. That sort of thing.
I thought the tribune’s taste this morning in the jeff smith oped particularly the last part was highly questionable and somewhat surprising. If it’s in a zorn blog read by an older audience, that’s one thing, but kids read that for current events for school and it was in poor form.
Blago says he leaves with a “heavy heart” and a “clear conscience”. Really. And, he says “…this is not over.” Well, let’s hope not. I bet there are many that would like us all to close the book and think it’s all over. But, Blago’s legacy lives on in the daily business of state government. Unfortunately, it’s still “business as usual. Governor Quinn’s empty promise to “fumigate” state government should not be forgotten. Patrick Fitzgerald’s charge of “endemic hiring fraud” should be remembered and yield some action. The recommendations of the Illinois Reform Commission headed by Patrick Collins should not just gather dust. If you want to purge the state of its stench of corruption, it surely can’t be over. Really.
- Enemy of the State - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:21 pm:
Political Science professors, students and historians now will attempt to explain how this guy got elected. Twice.
‘Close the book and move on’ is easy to say. However Blago was not a solo act even though he was in the focus as a major player. His fingerprints / appointments are still around. I just hope the other players remember what occurred and finally figure out a way to work together.
It was a breakdown of the process of screening potential elected officials that allowed someone with severe personality disorders to be governor of a major state.
Some of the blame lies with voters. But the Dick Mell organization, the Democratic Party and the corporate media are the most negligent parties in my mind.
We were lucky to have such a shining example of narcissism, denial, fanciful thinking, a willingness to go to war with one’s own side, and everything else that I failed to mention…all rolled into one package.
He was a special one, the kind of scum that you only get to see once, maybe twice in a lifetime (even in a state like Illinois). As fitting his fate is, and as good as it is…I am going to miss him for being such a splendidly bizarre aberration of American political life.
See ya in 2026, Rod. I’ll be there with chicken mask on to greet you then (it’s a personal thing between the two of us).
His behavior and comments yesterday made it so clear that he belongs in his new home. The state will be many, many years in such a bad situation and so many will suffer as services are closed because he spent the money - on ball fields, etc. He did not seem to care where he took the money from and who would pay when he did. He could not be bothered to come to work in Chicago or Springield until after his arrest - or unless their was a movie actress in Springfield.
- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:01 pm:
I’m with 47th Ward. How about the Blago Golden Horseshoe Award? Kind of like a political Darwin award.
First nominee for 2012: Derrick Smith, aka Rep. Genius.
“I NEVER want to see or hear this bozo’s name mentioned again in my lifetime.”
I am old enough to resemble that remark.
- wordonthestreet - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:12 pm:
We will NEVER recover from the damage he did to state government. All recent governors raped the state in many ways, but Blago was the worst, by far. JustaJoe (@1:21pm) has it right.
Blago will never “get” that what he did was wrong… that’s just the way folks with NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) think. They are entirely self-centered, yet they think they are doing good. There is no explaining such behavior rationally. Just hope we don’t keep electing these people (but you know we will).
public service is an honor and a huge responsibility. this is not just a reminder for elected, appointed, and civil service hires to act according to the law. it is also a reminder that when things are going south with someone or something, don’t wait until a wiretap brings things to light. knowing, watching, and waiting for someone else to take care of a problem is not acting with dignity, honor and integrity.
It makes me sad for his family, and frightened because just closing the book on this chapter, doesn’t change the overall plot.
Rod might have some personality shortcomings which amplified the problem, but the problem is bigger than Rod. That is why he and others often don’t feel they did anything all that bad. The problem is a long-standing subculture of entitlement, reciprocity, and self-aggrandizement, which functions and can be learned in the political world across this state. Some of the public participates in this culture as well, via their own expectations for special services or rewards from their “own” public servants, and their cynical assumption that “they all do it”.
It goes deeper than what is now deemed illegal.
I call it a “subculture” of corruption, because the majority of those in our political world do not participate, and it is mostly hidden. But it does exist with some, they teach it to others, and there are incentives to continue.
There are ways to change culture, but they are complex and long-term. I don’t see the reform groups, like BGA and ICPR, fully comprehending the problems, and I have much still to learn.
An email I got from my friend G, a native Chicagoan now living in Denver:
He’s here! He’s here! Mr. Blagojevich arrived just a few minutes ago in handcuffs and was immediately tossed into the trunk of an electric hybrid sheriff’s car and carted off to the solar-powered prison….where you can write to him (now known as #40892) in care of the FCI Englewood 9595 Quincy Av, Littleton 80123. I might even go to see him…well not probably ever…never will I.
Anyhoo I woke up this morning to quite a ruckus on my radio station, which was playing Blago’s goodbye from Chicago. It was so loud and obnoxious that I wanted to drive over to Ravenswood Manor and smash his front window with a law book. But then I remembered I’m in Denver.
The disk jockey mentioned to the news lady he had heard that the last 4 governors of Illinois had gone to prison. I felt compelled to call the station and inform them that it wasn’t the last 4, it was 4 of the last 6. Sheesh, get it straight already. They wanted to know if I was from Chicago and I said who wants to know and hung up.
Denver is in a tizzy to have Blago live in a prison with such a great view of the mountains and no windows. It is across from a golf course, but they probably won’t let him play there…partly because everyone here thinks he’s a wee bit of a liar, but mostly because Coloradans don’t much cotton to people who don’t know how to handle tape recorders properly.
Several people here heard Blago on the news (we get Chicago’s very own channel 9, along with its sister station Denver’s very own channel 9). He said he was worried that his going to prison would ruin his daughters’ lives. Denverines expressed genuine concern about the girls, though they did wonder if it mightn’t have been better to not commit a felony in the first place, thus avoiding the whole prison thing outright. Sweet innocent little Coloradans…clearly so unused to putting their politicians in the big house.
Anyhoo, the prison is very nice and even though it is one of those country club prisons, it has murderers—REAL, ACTUAL MURDERERS. I guess they are all drug lords, which should help Mr. B in the vocational training aspect of his rehabilitation. Perhaps they can help finance his gubernatorial comeback campaign?
Did I mention Tom Skilling’s brother (Enron’s very own!) is in the same prison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How nice he will have a friend from back home.
Oh it is exciting times here in Denver. Wish you were here!
- Because I say so... - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 4:12 pm:
I’ve been tied up today and just now saw the clip of him walking into prison. I sure hope his family didn’t see that. Despite how you feel about the guy, that was sad.
- 3rd Generation Chicago Native - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 4:33 pm:
Kids can be cruel to one another, hopefully the teachers at his kids school will watch out for this and stop it in it’s tracks.
Be fair to Illinois! Governors Small and Stratton both beat their cases! Snark!
- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 5:18 pm:
To the tune of 8675309 Jenny.
Blago, Blago, how long are in for?
I’m so glad you’ve gone away.
It took a few years more
To see the writing on the wall.
Blago, you got your number,
you’ve got to do your time.
Blago, you got your number,
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
Blago, Blago, I voted for you once.
But then I came to realize you were just a dunce.
I thought you cared, you’ve really got some nerve.
I listened to those tapes, and I was quite disturbed.
Blago, you got your number,
you’ve got to do your time.
Blago, you got your number,
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
They got you, they got you, they got you!
They put your mugshot on the wall!
They got you, they got you, they got you!
You should have never made that call!
Blago, you got your number,
you’ve got to do your time.
Blago, you got your number,
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
Blago, Blago, how long are in for? (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
Someone dropped a dime, you’re crooked to the core.
(4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (fade out)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4
I do feel so bad for those kids. Can you imagine them even applying for college with a last name like that? Deb should divorce him, change their names, and move to a different city.
to those that contributed, not once but twice to this disgrace !! enjoy that your still employed (at the expense of those that have NO SAY), hope your enjoying your financial gain from your lack of political dillegence! may time catch up to ALL of you !!
JustaJoe was right, what about the endemic hiring fraud. Blago’s sidekicks were just all extremely lucky that the Feds got on tape what they needed; otherwise, they would have rounded all of them up and worked their way up the ladder just like they did with the Ryan people. Many of Blago’s people should be right there with him and they know it!
I really hope he wipes the smirk off his face and figures out how prison works asap. As much as I really don’t like the guy, and even though it’s minimum-security, I don’t want to see him get hurt or killed.
- Retired Non-Union Guy - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 9:27 pm:
Speaking of ethics, still remember one of the computerized ethics tests. It was so simple and obvious, I just blew through it in about 3 minutes. Buzz … disqualified for answering too fast even though it was the correct answers. So to make sure we didn’t do it too fast the second time, we answered all but one question, took a long break, then came back to answer the last question. The real irony is the questions all dealt with what was “business as usual” at the highest levels.
Rod taught us several lessons as a state that we should never forget. Humility is something we should look for in our public servants. Always listen to people who work for someone to determine if they are competent. Never trust a politician who thinks they are above the law.
I will treasure (oops, too strong of a word), enjoy each day I don’t read or listen to anything Blago, particularly his own quotes/voice. I’m hoping for the full 14 years but defense attorneys have been known to get worse than Blago off or a greatly reduced sentence.
I think Patti will fade away to most of the general public to be the mother hen to her two girls. Who amongst us doesn’t have a lot of sympathy for those two girls who didn’t ask to be brought into this world, much less to the father they have. BUT, they love their father and I’m sure have complete allegiance to him. Let’s give them that. Let’s all just get off the media train and let Patti raise her girls the best way she can. And for the daughters, I truly hope some day as adults, they can be productive and positive human beings, despite what their father has subjected them to.
The man was a horrible governor but he was the first in 30 years that allowed supervisors such as myself to fill vacancies without having to deal with political referrals. Of-course it is also possible that none of his supporters had sufficient education to qualify for our positions! In any case, I am truly sorry for the man and for the family that has stuck by him. I suspect that many of his old enemies still in the statehouse deserve prison every bit as much or more.
–He will be back in the news. If Obama wins in November Blago will get a pardon.–
Hmmm, I don’t have the clear vision that comes in fever dreams.
But certainly someone in your condition would think it more likely that Obama would ruin his place by in history and pardon Blago if he lost in November and didn’t have to govern for another four years?
Obama will avoid a pardon for Blago just as he has done with Ryan. Who needs the criticism Obama would get from favoring his “home state?” Nah, that’s not gonna happen.
Obama won’t pardon Blago because there’s nothing in it for him. However, someone should cut back the 14 year sentence. It’s far above anything reasonable for the level of his offenses.
Railrat does have a point. I was always amazed that Illinois elected him to a second term. A number of friends threw their votes away on a third party candidate because they “just couldn’t vote for a Republican.” As always, I’m not carrying any banners for JBT, but it was perfectly clear to anyone paying attention what Blago was doing, we had a chance to get rid of him without an impeachment hearing or a trial, and we chose not to do it. The responsibility for this debacle rests with Illinois voters as much as with Blago.
I will remember 3 things about Blago: 1)He not only held the taxpaying citizens of Illinois hostage but also the legislature, Senator Durbin, Mayor Daley, and Speaker Madigan. 2)He destroyed state government, not just by spending, but by costly legislation.3)He truly was the “pay-to-play” guy in everything, the most corrupt politician ever, who was impeached by his own democrat party.
- Boone Logan Square - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 12:58 pm:
Thanks to Dick Mell for making this all possible.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:01 pm:
I hope this is the last GOVERNOR I will see in my lifetime go to jail.
- Coach - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:02 pm:
Tie yourself to the mast, Rod, and resist the siren song!
- PublicServant - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:02 pm:
Close the book already
- Commonsense in Illinois - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:03 pm:
well…let’s get the mess cleaned up and move on!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:04 pm:
Sorry … And, I hope only the best possible for the children. I wish them only the best.
- South of 64 - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:05 pm:
Let’s right this ship called Illinois. D’s and R’s alike need to take this day as a reminder of what all has been, from this episode to the continual budget fights and make an effort to use today as the day Illinois started to turn itself around. There is no joy today.
God Bless the people of Illinois.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:05 pm:
Sullivan has the Yglesias nominee, the Malkin nominee, etc. Perhaps you could suggest a Blagojevich nominee anytime one of our politicians says or does something particularly narcissistic, delusional, shameless, or demonstrates an alarming lack of self-awareness or a dangerous level of hubris.
We should have no problem finding enough nominees, and like the dreaded Century Award, no one will want this nomination. Heck, it could be considered an early intervention, a sign that a politician is on the road to Rod-dom. A warning light. An alarm bell. That sort of thing.
- Wensicia - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:06 pm:
It’s not that he’s finally locked up, but the people of Illinois are now free of his odious presence and delusional behavior.
- Shore - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:16 pm:
I thought the tribune’s taste this morning in the jeff smith oped particularly the last part was highly questionable and somewhat surprising. If it’s in a zorn blog read by an older audience, that’s one thing, but kids read that for current events for school and it was in poor form.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:17 pm:
He could have lived a good, comfortable, secure life in Congress and probably kept out of trouble.
- Wumpus - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:18 pm:
May Madigan meet him soon so they can both be trustees in Federal Prision!
- A.B. - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:19 pm:
Can we please find leaders who believe in and provide honest government….PLEASE!
- Retired Non-Union Guy - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:19 pm:
I second 47th … maybe the ‘Blago’ could be a chromed wing nut?
- soccermom - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:20 pm:
Word — He didn’t want to be one of 435. He wanted to rule the world.
- perplexed & perterbed - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:20 pm:
Silence from Blago is [bleeping] golden!
- JustaJoe - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:21 pm:
Blago says he leaves with a “heavy heart” and a “clear conscience”. Really. And, he says “…this is not over.” Well, let’s hope not. I bet there are many that would like us all to close the book and think it’s all over. But, Blago’s legacy lives on in the daily business of state government. Unfortunately, it’s still “business as usual. Governor Quinn’s empty promise to “fumigate” state government should not be forgotten. Patrick Fitzgerald’s charge of “endemic hiring fraud” should be remembered and yield some action. The recommendations of the Illinois Reform Commission headed by Patrick Collins should not just gather dust. If you want to purge the state of its stench of corruption, it surely can’t be over. Really.
- Enemy of the State - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:21 pm:
Political Science professors, students and historians now will attempt to explain how this guy got elected. Twice.
- dupage dan - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:22 pm:
no
- Anonymous - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:24 pm:
Just close the book already!
- Anonymous - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:24 pm:
I’m looking forward to the day when Rod will just be a vague unpleasant memory. It will come.
Kind of like Orville Hodge, Tom Keane, Mel Reynolds, Bill Stratton, Paul Powell, Bill Scott, John D’Arco, Paul Wigoda, well, I can go on and on.
Or like Baby Richard, and others who received too much press attention and are now almost forgotten.
- zatoichi - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:25 pm:
‘Close the book and move on’ is easy to say. However Blago was not a solo act even though he was in the focus as a major player. His fingerprints / appointments are still around. I just hope the other players remember what occurred and finally figure out a way to work together.
- Irish - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:30 pm:
No, but I will say a prayer for those two little girls. They are going to need it.
- South of I-80 - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:31 pm:
Hopefully by the time he’s out we will have recovered from his tenure as our Governor!
- MrJM - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:33 pm:
Flush twice — it’s a long way to Colorado.
– MrJM
- RMWStanford - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:34 pm:
I want to throw up a little because I have my doubts this will do much to change voters actions.
- jerry 101 - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:35 pm:
man oh man…if the “all the tapes” eventually get played, and he somehow turns out to be innocent, we’ll have a lot of egg on our faces.
Until then, good riddance
- OurMagician - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:37 pm:
We elected him twice as governor-what were we thinking?
- Anon - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:39 pm:
NEXT !!! Whos number is NEXT !! Were looking for # 40902424 !!!
- Carl Nyberg - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:40 pm:
It was a breakdown of the process of screening potential elected officials that allowed someone with severe personality disorders to be governor of a major state.
Some of the blame lies with voters. But the Dick Mell organization, the Democratic Party and the corporate media are the most negligent parties in my mind.
- Dirty Red - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:45 pm:
Dancin’ to the jailhouse rock!
- Plutocrat03 - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:48 pm:
The topic has been beaten to death and then beaten to death again.
Time to move on.
- Edison Parker - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:53 pm:
I feel sorry for his cellmate. I don’t what he did to get there, but he doesn’t deserve THAT. I’d file an 8th Amendment complaint ASAP.
- Baines 4 Prez - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:55 pm:
We were lucky to have such a shining example of narcissism, denial, fanciful thinking, a willingness to go to war with one’s own side, and everything else that I failed to mention…all rolled into one package.
He was a special one, the kind of scum that you only get to see once, maybe twice in a lifetime (even in a state like Illinois). As fitting his fate is, and as good as it is…I am going to miss him for being such a splendidly bizarre aberration of American political life.
See ya in 2026, Rod. I’ll be there with chicken mask on to greet you then (it’s a personal thing between the two of us).
- Pickles!! - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:57 pm:
I’ll miss him, he was a character for sure.
- sadie - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 1:59 pm:
His behavior and comments yesterday made it so clear that he belongs in his new home. The state will be many, many years in such a bad situation and so many will suffer as services are closed because he spent the money - on ball fields, etc. He did not seem to care where he took the money from and who would pay when he did. He could not be bothered to come to work in Chicago or Springield until after his arrest - or unless their was a movie actress in Springfield.
- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:01 pm:
I’m with 47th Ward. How about the Blago Golden Horseshoe Award? Kind of like a political Darwin award.
First nominee for 2012: Derrick Smith, aka Rep. Genius.
- DuPage Moderate - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:02 pm:
I NEVER want to see or hear this bozo’s name mentioned again in my lifetime.
- Hotel Ibiza - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:07 pm:
Finally the circus is over, that was a brutal eight years. Godspeed Illinois!
- wishbone - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:10 pm:
“I NEVER want to see or hear this bozo’s name mentioned again in my lifetime.”
I am old enough to resemble that remark.
- wordonthestreet - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:12 pm:
We will NEVER recover from the damage he did to state government. All recent governors raped the state in many ways, but Blago was the worst, by far. JustaJoe (@1:21pm) has it right.
Blago will never “get” that what he did was wrong… that’s just the way folks with NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) think. They are entirely self-centered, yet they think they are doing good. There is no explaining such behavior rationally. Just hope we don’t keep electing these people (but you know we will).
- fisher - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:15 pm:
In 12 years, when he’s out and back mugging for the cameras, I’ll be saying “ugh, he’s out already?”
- D.P. Gumby - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:18 pm:
Of all the Democratic gubernatorial candidates in all the years of Republican governors why, oh, why, did HE have to be the one elected???
- Esquire - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:18 pm:
It is frightening to contemplate the fact that there were still some neighbors cheering for Blagojevich yesterday.
- Just Observing - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:19 pm:
This saga would be so awesome, from an entertainment perspective, if he broke out of prison and went on the lam.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:26 pm:
The Lucky Numbers:
114-1, 59-0, 1-0-23, 17-1-2
- amalia - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:26 pm:
public service is an honor and a huge responsibility. this is not just a reminder for elected, appointed, and civil service hires to act according to the law. it is also a reminder that when things are going south with someone or something, don’t wait until a wiretap brings things to light. knowing, watching, and waiting for someone else to take care of a problem is not acting with dignity, honor and integrity.
- Robo - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:26 pm:
The Golden Comb award.
- Siriusly - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:27 pm:
No
- Judgment Day - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:31 pm:
“To those who much is given, much is also expected”.
He Failed Us.
Miserably.
- Downstate Commissioner - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:48 pm:
Do you really believe we are done hearing about him?
I wish it were true, but I don’t believe he will ever be completely gone.
- Tommydanger - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:53 pm:
I’m exhausted by it all and thankful I do not have to worry about making new friends at bed time tonight.
- Dan Shields, Springfield, IL - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:54 pm:
Just wonder how much inmate #40892-424 enjoyed his stip search?
- mark walker - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:56 pm:
It makes me sad for his family, and frightened because just closing the book on this chapter, doesn’t change the overall plot.
Rod might have some personality shortcomings which amplified the problem, but the problem is bigger than Rod. That is why he and others often don’t feel they did anything all that bad. The problem is a long-standing subculture of entitlement, reciprocity, and self-aggrandizement, which functions and can be learned in the political world across this state. Some of the public participates in this culture as well, via their own expectations for special services or rewards from their “own” public servants, and their cynical assumption that “they all do it”.
It goes deeper than what is now deemed illegal.
I call it a “subculture” of corruption, because the majority of those in our political world do not participate, and it is mostly hidden. But it does exist with some, they teach it to others, and there are incentives to continue.
There are ways to change culture, but they are complex and long-term. I don’t see the reform groups, like BGA and ICPR, fully comprehending the problems, and I have much still to learn.
- Downstate Illinois - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:57 pm:
Rather than think about Blagojevich, how about we all just thank Pamela Davis.
- The Elderly Man You Used to Love - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 2:59 pm:
Whatever happend with the endemic hiring fraud thing? Did anything ever come out of that?
- Boone's is Back - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 3:07 pm:
IL’s own Shakespearean tragedy.
On a sidenote I firmly believe he is a case in point in why the laws need to be clarified instead of “making examples out of people.”
- Anon - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 3:12 pm:
Whos NEXT ? And Rep. Smith is not on the list, he is already taken !! ha ha ha
- Cheryl44 - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 3:12 pm:
An email I got from my friend G, a native Chicagoan now living in Denver:
He’s here! He’s here! Mr. Blagojevich arrived just a few minutes ago in handcuffs and was immediately tossed into the trunk of an electric hybrid sheriff’s car and carted off to the solar-powered prison….where you can write to him (now known as #40892) in care of the FCI Englewood 9595 Quincy Av, Littleton 80123. I might even go to see him…well not probably ever…never will I.
Anyhoo I woke up this morning to quite a ruckus on my radio station, which was playing Blago’s goodbye from Chicago. It was so loud and obnoxious that I wanted to drive over to Ravenswood Manor and smash his front window with a law book. But then I remembered I’m in Denver.
The disk jockey mentioned to the news lady he had heard that the last 4 governors of Illinois had gone to prison. I felt compelled to call the station and inform them that it wasn’t the last 4, it was 4 of the last 6. Sheesh, get it straight already. They wanted to know if I was from Chicago and I said who wants to know and hung up.
Denver is in a tizzy to have Blago live in a prison with such a great view of the mountains and no windows. It is across from a golf course, but they probably won’t let him play there…partly because everyone here thinks he’s a wee bit of a liar, but mostly because Coloradans don’t much cotton to people who don’t know how to handle tape recorders properly.
Several people here heard Blago on the news (we get Chicago’s very own channel 9, along with its sister station Denver’s very own channel 9). He said he was worried that his going to prison would ruin his daughters’ lives. Denverines expressed genuine concern about the girls, though they did wonder if it mightn’t have been better to not commit a felony in the first place, thus avoiding the whole prison thing outright. Sweet innocent little Coloradans…clearly so unused to putting their politicians in the big house.
Anyhoo, the prison is very nice and even though it is one of those country club prisons, it has murderers—REAL, ACTUAL MURDERERS. I guess they are all drug lords, which should help Mr. B in the vocational training aspect of his rehabilitation. Perhaps they can help finance his gubernatorial comeback campaign?
Did I mention Tom Skilling’s brother (Enron’s very own!) is in the same prison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How nice he will have a friend from back home.
Oh it is exciting times here in Denver. Wish you were here!
XO,
G
- Esteban - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 3:56 pm:
Pray for his children to be shown kindness by all
of us.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 3:57 pm:
Esteban, thanks for posting that.
- Because I say so... - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 4:12 pm:
I’ve been tied up today and just now saw the clip of him walking into prison. I sure hope his family didn’t see that. Despite how you feel about the guy, that was sad.
- 3rd Generation Chicago Native - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 4:33 pm:
Kids can be cruel to one another, hopefully the teachers at his kids school will watch out for this and stop it in it’s tracks.
- It's Just Me - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 4:44 pm:
I was gonna say maybe now the politicians will learn, but then I’m reminded of Rep. Smith….
- Esquire - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 5:03 pm:
@Cheryl44:
Be fair to Illinois! Governors Small and Stratton both beat their cases! Snark!
- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 5:18 pm:
To the tune of 8675309 Jenny.
Blago, Blago, how long are in for?
I’m so glad you’ve gone away.
It took a few years more
To see the writing on the wall.
Blago, you got your number,
you’ve got to do your time.
Blago, you got your number,
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
Blago, Blago, I voted for you once.
But then I came to realize you were just a dunce.
I thought you cared, you’ve really got some nerve.
I listened to those tapes, and I was quite disturbed.
Blago, you got your number,
you’ve got to do your time.
Blago, you got your number,
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
They got you, they got you, they got you!
They put your mugshot on the wall!
They got you, they got you, they got you!
You should have never made that call!
Blago, you got your number,
you’ve got to do your time.
Blago, you got your number,
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
Blago, Blago, how long are in for? (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
Someone dropped a dime, you’re crooked to the core.
(4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4 (fade out)
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4
4-0-8-9-2-4-2-4
- Ratman - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 5:49 pm:
What exactly do you mean ‘close on this guy’?
The media in Illinois will never close on Blago. Just like they never closed on Ryan? We hear about him all the time.
(Except for the time they let him out for Lura Lynn’s funeral. We didn’t hear about that until afterwards)
More Blago is always good for everyone.
- It's Just Me - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 6:20 pm:
I do feel so bad for those kids. Can you imagine them even applying for college with a last name like that? Deb should divorce him, change their names, and move to a different city.
- Smitty Irving - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 6:20 pm:
Esquire -
Many of Len Small’s jurors (or their family members) subsequently got state jobs … .
- Lt Guv - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 6:26 pm:
Freakin’ finally!
- Excessively Rabid - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 6:29 pm:
Never mind the book, just put cover him with the cone of silence and enshroud it with the cloak of invisibility.
- railrat - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 6:50 pm:
to those that contributed, not once but twice to this disgrace !! enjoy that your still employed (at the expense of those that have NO SAY), hope your enjoying your financial gain from your lack of political dillegence! may time catch up to ALL of you !!
- Todd - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 6:55 pm:
Its over.
- DuPage Dave - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 7:10 pm:
Blago made us put his picture up in our offices, along with a poster that said “I’m an ethical employee- are you?”.
Well, ha, ha bleepin’ ha, Rod! Who’s in jail now?
- roadiepig - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 7:56 pm:
He may be gone and (hopefully) out of the spotlight, but the damage he did to our state will be around to haunt us for many years.
Goodbye and good riddance…
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 8:13 pm:
Dupage Dave, at my agency that poster hung right over the toilet in the men’s room.
- Macoupin Observer - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 8:30 pm:
JustaJoe was right, what about the endemic hiring fraud. Blago’s sidekicks were just all extremely lucky that the Feds got on tape what they needed; otherwise, they would have rounded all of them up and worked their way up the ladder just like they did with the Ryan people. Many of Blago’s people should be right there with him and they know it!
- wishbone - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 9:06 pm:
One day down. 4379 to go.
- Scott217 - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 9:22 pm:
I really hope he wipes the smirk off his face and figures out how prison works asap. As much as I really don’t like the guy, and even though it’s minimum-security, I don’t want to see him get hurt or killed.
- Retired Non-Union Guy - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 9:27 pm:
Speaking of ethics, still remember one of the computerized ethics tests. It was so simple and obvious, I just blew through it in about 3 minutes. Buzz … disqualified for answering too fast even though it was the correct answers. So to make sure we didn’t do it too fast the second time, we answered all but one question, took a long break, then came back to answer the last question. The real irony is the questions all dealt with what was “business as usual” at the highest levels.
- AC - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 9:31 pm:
Rod taught us several lessons as a state that we should never forget. Humility is something we should look for in our public servants. Always listen to people who work for someone to determine if they are competent. Never trust a politician who thinks they are above the law.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 9:37 pm:
I will treasure (oops, too strong of a word), enjoy each day I don’t read or listen to anything Blago, particularly his own quotes/voice. I’m hoping for the full 14 years but defense attorneys have been known to get worse than Blago off or a greatly reduced sentence.
I think Patti will fade away to most of the general public to be the mother hen to her two girls. Who amongst us doesn’t have a lot of sympathy for those two girls who didn’t ask to be brought into this world, much less to the father they have. BUT, they love their father and I’m sure have complete allegiance to him. Let’s give them that. Let’s all just get off the media train and let Patti raise her girls the best way she can. And for the daughters, I truly hope some day as adults, they can be productive and positive human beings, despite what their father has subjected them to.
- Skirmisher - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 9:40 pm:
The man was a horrible governor but he was the first in 30 years that allowed supervisors such as myself to fill vacancies without having to deal with political referrals. Of-course it is also possible that none of his supporters had sufficient education to qualify for our positions! In any case, I am truly sorry for the man and for the family that has stuck by him. I suspect that many of his old enemies still in the statehouse deserve prison every bit as much or more.
- RailGuy - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 9:56 pm:
You voted for him. Take responsibility.
- WazUP - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 10:08 pm:
Wonder how he will look with a buzz cut!
- Tim - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 10:22 pm:
He will be back in the news. If Obama wins in November Blago will get a pardon.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 10:33 pm:
–He will be back in the news. If Obama wins in November Blago will get a pardon.–
Hmmm, I don’t have the clear vision that comes in fever dreams.
But certainly someone in your condition would think it more likely that Obama would ruin his place by in history and pardon Blago if he lost in November and didn’t have to govern for another four years?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 10:35 pm:
===He will be back in the news. If Obama wins in November Blago will get a pardon. ===
Yet another person heard from who focuses on how the preznit will do evil things, rather than on what he’s actually done.
You guys really need to get yourselves some lives.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, Mar 15, 12 @ 10:44 pm:
Obama will avoid a pardon for Blago just as he has done with Ryan. Who needs the criticism Obama would get from favoring his “home state?” Nah, that’s not gonna happen.
- Louis Howe - Friday, Mar 16, 12 @ 8:00 am:
Obama won’t pardon Blago because there’s nothing in it for him. However, someone should cut back the 14 year sentence. It’s far above anything reasonable for the level of his offenses.
- Excessively Rabid - Friday, Mar 16, 12 @ 8:09 am:
Railrat does have a point. I was always amazed that Illinois elected him to a second term. A number of friends threw their votes away on a third party candidate because they “just couldn’t vote for a Republican.” As always, I’m not carrying any banners for JBT, but it was perfectly clear to anyone paying attention what Blago was doing, we had a chance to get rid of him without an impeachment hearing or a trial, and we chose not to do it. The responsibility for this debacle rests with Illinois voters as much as with Blago.
- BelleAire - Friday, Mar 16, 12 @ 8:21 am:
I’m a Dem and never voted for him—there was something about the hair that threw me for a loop.
The message:don’t ever cross Madigan or Daley.
- wordslinger - Friday, Mar 16, 12 @ 8:28 am:
–The message:don’t ever cross Madigan or Daley.–
Pat Fitzgerald works for them?
- seebee - Friday, Mar 16, 12 @ 8:28 am:
I will remember 3 things about Blago: 1)He not only held the taxpaying citizens of Illinois hostage but also the legislature, Senator Durbin, Mayor Daley, and Speaker Madigan. 2)He destroyed state government, not just by spending, but by costly legislation.3)He truly was the “pay-to-play” guy in everything, the most corrupt politician ever, who was impeached by his own democrat party.
- McLean Farmboy - Friday, Mar 16, 12 @ 8:52 am:
What’s the over/under on how long it takes MSNBC to have him on Lockup?