Per administration officials, BLAGO - another person with an Apprentice connection - has been pushed for a pardon by Trump's son-in-law, Kushner. Aides got Trump to agree to a commutation instead.
There was a time when I believed that Blagojevich’s severe sentence might act as a warning to other public officials about the incarceratory dangers of official corruption.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration has served as a striking counter-example to crooked pols — and his commutation of Rod would wipe away any lingering deterrent effect.
To be honest, I should have known better than to think any good might from harsh incarceration.
Luckily for the ILGOP and Eastern Bloc,Trump appears to have pulled back. Their narrative of corrupt Chicago Democrats would have imploded, if Trump released the most corrupt Democrat from prison. He did share martyrdom with Blago, saying he was treated very unfairly.
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 9:09 am:
Whatever your opinion as the fairness to length of his sentence, what Trump is doing by repeatedly dangling possible freedom out there is outright cruelty to Blago and his family.
I hope and pray that his commutation, which I believe is imminent, comes with a requirement that he admit his guilt, in exact and specific terms, re: the crimes he committed.
I must say that my first thought on reading about Cullerton was “Rich picked a heckuva time to go on vacation”. And then I saw this story [banned punctuation].
Rod is everything bad with corruption in governing
Rod had a harsher sentence by first following GHR and a lesson needing reinforcing, and Rod’s own unhelpful antics before, during, and after the trial, and his words before sentencing.
Rod should be given the chance to be released, and I still believe all the awful that Rod was convicted of will be measured in the 7 years served.
My sincere preference is that Rod is conditionally released in an agreement that includes no contact with media, no social media voice, no book or film for Rod for a duration of 5 additional years.
I try not to react strongly to what Trump might do. I have enough problems with what he actually does.
Early release should require Blago to accept a lifetime ban on being in radio or television. Violation puts him back in prison.
I remember listening to Blago on WLS spewing hate and lies. He claimed Governor Quinn was lazy and still sleeping. During the Gold Star Mother’s Ceremony, which started a few minutes later, a priest mentioned how Quinn had been to early mass. So much for sleeping in.
Blago was Trump lite. Keep him caged or let him free, but keep him silent.
Would someone please remind the President that James Comey didn’t work for the FBI during this time. He didn’t even work for the federal government at the time.
- @misterjayem - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 8:06 am:
There was a time when I believed that Blagojevich’s severe sentence might act as a warning to other public officials about the incarceratory dangers of official corruption.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration has served as a striking counter-example to crooked pols — and his commutation of Rod would wipe away any lingering deterrent effect.
To be honest, I should have known better than to think any good might from harsh incarceration.
– MrJM
- OneMan - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 8:35 am:
Rod,
Tan, rested and ready.
With what appears to be the ILGOP plan to run towards Trump, this isn’t going to be helpful.
I look forward to Rod’s appearances a local video poker establishments.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 8:58 am:
Luckily for the ILGOP and Eastern Bloc,Trump appears to have pulled back. Their narrative of corrupt Chicago Democrats would have imploded, if Trump released the most corrupt Democrat from prison. He did share martyrdom with Blago, saying he was treated very unfairly.
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 9:09 am:
Whatever your opinion as the fairness to length of his sentence, what Trump is doing by repeatedly dangling possible freedom out there is outright cruelty to Blago and his family.
- Colin O'Scopy - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 9:18 am:
I hope and pray that his commutation, which I believe is imminent, comes with a requirement that he admit his guilt, in exact and specific terms, re: the crimes he committed.
But I am not holding my breath.
- JoanP - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 9:24 am:
=Such a lovely vacation I’m having…=
I must say that my first thought on reading about Cullerton was “Rich picked a heckuva time to go on vacation”. And then I saw this story [banned punctuation].
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 9:34 am:
Rod is everything bad with corruption in governing
Rod had a harsher sentence by first following GHR and a lesson needing reinforcing, and Rod’s own unhelpful antics before, during, and after the trial, and his words before sentencing.
Rod should be given the chance to be released, and I still believe all the awful that Rod was convicted of will be measured in the 7 years served.
My sincere preference is that Rod is conditionally released in an agreement that includes no contact with media, no social media voice, no book or film for Rod for a duration of 5 additional years.
Think how that will keep Rod’s ego down…
- Last Bull Moose - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 9:35 am:
I try not to react strongly to what Trump might do. I have enough problems with what he actually does.
Early release should require Blago to accept a lifetime ban on being in radio or television. Violation puts him back in prison.
I remember listening to Blago on WLS spewing hate and lies. He claimed Governor Quinn was lazy and still sleeping. During the Gold Star Mother’s Ceremony, which started a few minutes later, a priest mentioned how Quinn had been to early mass. So much for sleeping in.
Blago was Trump lite. Keep him caged or let him free, but keep him silent.
- Demoralized - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 11:05 am:
Would someone please remind the President that James Comey didn’t work for the FBI during this time. He didn’t even work for the federal government at the time.
- Blue Dog Dem - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 11:09 am:
I would like to see Blago released for two reasons. 1. I thought his sentence was excessive. 2. I wonder what bombshell he may unleash.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 11:43 am:
===I wonder what bombshell he may unleash===
lol
You think that blabbermouth wouldn’t have talked already? He wrote a book, for crying out loud. He went on countless talk shows. Lose the tinfoil hat.
- Blue Dog Dem - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 11:48 am:
I guess time will tell.
- Dotnonymous - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 12:22 pm:
- Rich Miller - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 11:43 am:
===I wonder what bombshell he may unleash===
The final bombshells loosed by Blagojevich were in the latrine…he’s got nothing left… but time.
Will he?…won’t he?…let me go..is torture for Blagojevich…for sure.
- Demoralized - Monday, Aug 12, 19 @ 3:09 pm:
==I guess time will tell.==
*facepalm*