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Question of the day

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* The setup…

Spokesmen for Gov. Rod Blagojevich say it’s not decided yet whether he’ll show up for the twilight parade in downtown Springfield or what his other plans for the fair will be.

The governor has made the fair a staple of his first five years in office. He usually walks the parade route, stopping regularly to talk with onlookers. In 2003, his first year in office, he even decided to run the parade path, winding up near the Grandstand soaked with sweat on a muggy evening.

But that changed last year. Tied up in an ugly budget mess with state lawmakers, Blagojevich skipped the parade and made only a brief appearance at the ribbon-cutting the following day.

He could have good reason to do the same this time.

Blagojevich’s popularity is low, and his feuding with lawmakers continues. Plus, this time he has to face employees and Springfield residents upset with him for trying to move the Department of Transportation’s traffic safety division to southern Illinois.

* The question: If you were Gov. Blagojevich, would you march in this week’s Twilight Parade through Springfield?

Be honest with yourself and with us. Explain fully and do your best to stay on topic. Thanks.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:01 am

Comments

Yes, if I were the Governor I would reinstate this gubernatorial tradition by walking up Peoria Road into the Main Gate. However, I would not be accompanied by my wife and children. The foul langauage and taunting will be excessive. The parade route will be no place for someone not fortified with testicular virility.

Comment by Bird Man Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:12 am
Hard to answer as this governor has done many things I would not have not. But being I am suppose to be him here for this question, yes I would attend the parade and be in my booth. It would be a hard thing to do knowing I had really angered Springfield citizens but if I really thought what I have done and what I think I might do next was really for the people and the good of the people, then I would have no choice but to face ‘my people’. Now, do I think ROd will show? Not a chance.

Comment by Princeville Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:15 am
I would not march in the parade.

I would also be looking for a good way to get out
of the ribbon cutting. Perhaps the urgency of
preparing for a special session would be a good excuse.

In both cases, I would be primarily concerned for my personal safety.

Comment by piper Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:16 am
If I were the this Governor, I would march in the parade. Any insults flung at me along the route would further strengthen my resolve to politically punish the Capital for its antagonism toward me. I would consider Springfield to be enemy territory, and I would taunt my enemies with my very presence. If on the other hand, I found no demonstrations against me or my policies, I would use the apparent lack of ill-will as an opportunity to further publicize my agenda on capital projects and the vision I have for the hard-working people of Illinois.

Comment by Captain Flume Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:16 am
piper’s strategy is more than likely the way it will play out…no show! He’ll be re-writing to do right…

Comment by Anonymous45 Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:19 am
Absolutely, Blagojevich should show up. When I was in business, one of the annual dilemmas that I always had to deal with was whether I wanted my company to go to our annual national trade show. It was expensive for our company to buy a space for our company’s booth at the trade show each year, I had to pay the airfare to fly a staff of a dozen salesmen out of state and put them up in hotels, pay for their meals, etc.

However, I always spent the money because of my fear of the industry gossip grapevine. It was never about “Who was at each year’s national trade show”, but rather the negative publicity if your firm’s name was mentioned as “Who was NOT at this year’s annual trade show.” That was when the industry’s “wagging-tongues” took over and the gossip could negatively impact you with your customer base. Blagojevich would be wise to attend.

Comment by Honest Harry Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:19 am
The question asks “If I was Blago …”

The answer is “Of course, because The People love me!” The man remains delusional. He probably expects to greeted with flowers and hugs.

Not to digress: In the past I’ve complained about an incident in which I pulled over to allow a vehicle with flashing lights to go by, only to be extremely annoyed that I just made way for Blago. These are his roads, if traffic is bad he should be forced to sit. His time is no more valuable than mine.

Yesterday, I noticed that a “convoy” with police escort carried the Barcelona FC from my area apparently to the airport. The irony is that I don’t have a problem with that. If we can get Barcelona to play in Chicago, it is a reasonable part of the deal to move the team through traffic.

In thinking about it, I realized that I have much more respect for a soccer team that I am not a fan of and have seen play only once than the Gov of our state. Their comfort matters more to me that his, which seems to reflect poorly on the Gov.

Comment by Skeeter Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:28 am
I usually try to keep my own opinion out of QOTDs, but here it goes…

I’ve been to Iraq and Kosovo. I’ve been evacuated from areas because of firefights a few feet away. I’ve been in areas that have come under direct fire. Heard and felt bombs go off relatively close by. Been threatened by hostile “natives.” Did a midnight “tour” of Baghdad on Sept. 11th with the MPs. Etc.

But I would not march in that parade if I was the governor. No way. There’s just too much irrational hostility out there.

No way.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:28 am
If I was Blago, I would not show up. I realize the majority of Springfield does not like me and I would only be subjecting myself to ridicule and possibly questions from the press. Personally, I think the ridicule and any jabs are justified by the citizens. If my own PR team thought I should attend, I would show up surrounded by the 30 or 40 kids that AllKids actually helped. Under no uncertain terms would I walk by myself.

Comment by Shallow Pharnyx Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:34 am
If I were Governor, I would not only not walk in the parade, but I would resign immediately.

I would be ashamed that my best efforts have led the State into two years of back-to-back budget stalemates while my party held clear majorities in both houses.

Scams such as the “Rewrite to do Right” will do nothing to end the stalemate between the legislative bodies and are guaranteed to increase the rancor.

A true patriot would step aside for the good of the people.

Comment by Plutocrat03 Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:35 am
Whether he walks or not, I still think the most interesting part will be to see who shows up to walk with him. It will be funny to see how many folks have to “work” that night.
I would walk if I were Rod, just because he can. It aint personal Springfield-its just business.
My bet: he walks.

Comment by Woa Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:36 am
==There’s just too much irrational hostility out there.==

I agree. If he did walk, and he won’t, the odds of an actual physical assault (thrown object or otherwise) are near 100%. The only way he could go would be to use a popemobile…and that’s not a good image for any sitting governor in the state capital.
I suggest the governor start a new program called “Reroute to Do Bout”, where he goes from the staging area directly to the capitol building to fight for the hardworking people of Illinois.

Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:39 am
If I were the governor, I would walk. I would make it quick, without my family, and I would ignore any catcalls, smiling all the while. It’s an obligation, one the governor should fulfill.

Comment by Fan of the Game Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:40 am
If I were Blago, I would use modern technology by having my pilot do a couple of low level flyovers along the parade route on my way out of town.

Comment by Enemy of the State Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:45 am
If I were Blagojevich?

Well then!

I would wear a get the biggest float I could find and decorate it as a giant castle. I would install portable fountains so that I could have a moat and a draw bridge. The castle would look like the one in Disneyland, but covered in rhinestones, rubies and emeralds. I would have Miss Illinois from ever year since 1990 wearing long flowing gowns, tiaras, and fresh cut flowers.

I would be wearing a gold lame suit with an ermine collar. I would have a giant golden crown on my head with stars at each apex, lit in neon strobe lights. I would have a diamond-encrusted gold grille covering my teeth and giant platinum sun glasses. Each finger would sparkle with jewels, I would be covered in gold necklasses, one of which would have the Hope Diamond on it.

I would be perched at the very top of the very highest tower on the Disneyland castle, my red velvet cape would flow from my shoulders down the tower, onto the float, and drag 20 feet behind it in the street where it would be held aloft by it’s ermine and leopard trim by virginal Elle models.

One hundred muscle men wearing purple posing thongs would be lined up with a heavy rope over their shoulders, laboring as they pull my float down Peoria Street. At each corner of the float would be hooded executioners standing next to chopping blocks.

Along the sides of my float would appear a flashing script, reading “For the Working People of Illinois!”, and “Bow Down Before Me For I Have Come To Springfield!” Music composed for the parade would blast from speakers and sound like a combination of Elvis, Mozart, and a flushing toilet.

There will be fog machines, children dressed in white carrying white rose petals, strewing them before my float.

And bullet-proof glass surrounding everything, even a roof. Inside it would be air-conditioned.

If I was Blagojevich!

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:47 am
I don’t think the Executive Detail will allow him to, they cannot protect him. This Traffic Safety move has caused quite a fury and there is just not enough troopers to ensure his safety.

Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:48 am
Looks like VMan and I finally found an issue where we completely agree.

Comment by Skeeter Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:50 am
If I were Blago, I’d walk because as you know, he loves a good fight and booing, hostile crowds energize him.
In real life, however, I’m just an ordinary resident of Springfield, and I’d just as soon he stay away and let us enjoy ourselves in peace.
I am put in mind of a line from “Fiddler on the Roof” in which the village rabbi, asked if there is a proper blessing for the Tsar, replies “God bless and keep the Tsar… far away from us!”

Comment by Secret Square Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:51 am
No, I’m not going to walk the route so that the few disatisfied unloyal Madigan followers spoil my day. I just don’t understand why these people are so unloyal to me when I work so hard for them.

Maybe I can get Patty and the girls to do the honor, yeah that’s the solution. I’ll have them walk the route and then blame Mike if anyone who insults my family.

Hey Patty, I need you to do something for me….

Comment by presto Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:57 am
If God forbid I found myself in Blagoof’s shoes, I would put out mutiple press release’s stating that I am showing up, then show up late delaying the start of the parade. Once the parade is finally started I would participate in the parade smileing and help people, hiding behind my kids if any questions or comments come my way.

Comment by Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 10:59 am
WALK THE TALK Blago!

If you want to represent the people, you need to be among the people. Stop hiding from them. Yes, it could be ugly, but as Honest Harry said above, not showing is worse than being there.

WALK THE TALK!

Comment by anon sequitor Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:07 am
If he walks, the press corps will be corralled far from Rod.
He certainly doesn’t want to answer any corruption, Rezko, Kelly, etc. questions.
The mess he’s in is everyone else’s fault.

Comment by We'll go round in circles Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:07 am
The opportunity to eviscerate MJM at a high-profile event may be too tempting to pass up. Perhaps coupled with the trumpeting of a freshly signed piece of feel-good legislation. Hubris trumps self-preservation in this particular instance.

Comment by The Doc Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:08 am
Why not march?

I mean, he cares little for the people he claims to care about. So is he going to care if expletives go flying?

His stellar comic timing — and ability to weave tales that leave the audience in stitches — will surely turn the rage into love.

Comment by Macbeth Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:12 am
I would “march” in the Parade, but it would be in my own personal “pope mobile” type apparatus.

Comment by Speaking At Will Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:13 am
If I were the Gov I would march in the parade to show I am not afraid of my detractors and have the testicular virility to face dissidents.

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:17 am
I would like to answer this “as if I were Blago”. However, it is more appropriate to answer it as we all know him to be.

He will not walk in the parade. It’s a no brainer that Patty and the girls will not be here either. I’m sure using one of his children as a shield did not go over well with Momma (if Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy). Blago has been continually increasing his presence at his own home and staying away from public appearances because even though he may be delusional, he realizes he is probably the most unpopular governor we have ever had. A few years ago at the Twilight Parade, he was booed pretty good by groups of people; however, the booing was spotty. When that occurred, he would yell out “Healthcare for kids, healthcare for kids”, just laugh and keep on walking. He even did a fair amount of shaking of hands because there will always be a certain portion of our population that no matter how unpopular a “celebrity” is, they want to extend their hand to be shaken just so they can say they did.

It isn’t gonna happen this year. It won’t happen again as long as Blago is in office. I agree that the security detail will probably have a say in this and that will be a relief to him to give him an excuse. However, I don’t think Blago will admit that he is a security risk, rather he will give some other excuse like preparing for a special session or even some really wild, left field excuse we haven’t thought of.

Now the DuQuoin State Fair is another question. Will he show up for the ribbon cutting there? You bet he will. And that will probably be either a closed event or the people who attend will be selectively and carefully chosen. He and the family love staying in one of the Hayes’ mansions (it’s their Southern Illinois Executive Mansion), which they probably know better than the one in Springfield.

Comment by Little Egypt Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:27 am
Maybe a drive by ribbon cutting…window down scissors ready…and a BIG smile & wave….

Comment by Siyotanka Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:33 am
Rather than heckling or hurling insults/rotten eggs,I think the best way to let the Governot know what his fellow Democrats really think about his miserable job performance would be total silence in the room before/after he speaks at the Democratic County Chairman’s Breakfast. It would really be cool if the entire room would turn their backs on him. I knows it’s wishful thinking on my part.

Comment by Captain America Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:42 am
Its not just the Harrisburg jobs. Its several thousand jobs eliminated or moved to Chicago over his entire term. Its every state worker seeing their department mismanaged by people who rarely leave their Chicago office. Its every state worker who sees their pension under-funded and repeatedly disrespected by this Governor. If Rod marches in the parade he should take precaution. He only won 20% of the vote in Sangamon County and he isn’t as popular as he was two years ago.

Comment by Sango Dem Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:49 am
Nothing would make better entertainment than watching Blago try to walk that parade route. But….Although many an Illinois politician has been the butt of jokes and the object of scorn in Springfield, Blago is the first in memory who is really and truly an object of hatred as well as contempt. I would not be daft enough to expose myself to that kind of anger if I were him.

Comment by Skirmisher Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:49 am
Rich, its unfair to call it irrational hate. There are some very good, rational reasons the Governor is so disliked in Springfield. Anyone who works for the state or knows people in Springfield who do have heard nothing but horror stories for the last six years.

Comment by Sango Dem Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:57 am
===There are some very good, rational reasons the Governor is so disliked in Springfield. ===

Of course.

But there is still a lot of irrational hate out there. Don’t be blind.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 11:58 am
I wouldn’t walk, but I would probably ride in one of those plexiglass enclosed vehicles. If I wear earplugs, I won’t hear the jeers and boos. If I squint, I won’t see all the hand gestures. If I suspend disbelief, I will still be as popular as when I was first elected.

Comment by Jake from Elwood Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:05 pm
+++
But there is still a lot of irrational hate out there. Don’t be blind.
+++

Politics is all about the irrational. Witness the ongoing battle — different arena — between business and politicians to come to some sort of understanding in the arena of intellectual property. You want irrational hate? There it is — on all sides — clear as day.

To request “rationality” in a fundamentally irrational field of discourse — is a little absurd, and quite above and beyond.

The only “rational” thing about politics is money. Money steamrolls so-called “irrational politics” and leaves a path of (equally detestable — and equally divisive) “rationality” in its wake.

Comment by Macbeth Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:35 pm
If I were Blago …
I’d simply move the parade to my neighborhood and then march in it, twice. It’d bring much needed economic development and family activities.
Problem solved. Mission accomplished.

Comment by Frank Booth Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:37 pm
PS — THe idea of “irrational hate” in politics is pretty much like taking sides in a war: your main preference is to be on the winning side. Everything else is beside the point — although the newspapers and blogs and media would like you to believe otherwise.

Comment by Macbeth Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:39 pm
PPS — Moreover, “rational hate” is itself absurd.

Show me some “rational hate” and then we’ll talk.

Comment by Macbeth Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:40 pm
If I am really him, I will change my mind about it six times that day, do a lot of swearing, say this isn’t as cool as the Billiken parade, then decide to go at the last second, but be really late so the parade can’t start on time, further cheesing off everyone, and blame it on the state plane. I’ll ask the local PD to close the farmer’s market to cut down on ammunition. I will ask to have my group be placed right next to marching state troopers and little children. At the last minute, I’ll make it be just Patty, and stay at the hotel with the kids, claiming I’m busy in budget negotiations with mike Madigan…

Since AFSCME is not going to march, I expect they may do something along the roadside in protest.

Same for the opening day ribbon cut: There remains just enough civility towards women that Patty without Rod will get an understated applause and not the open jeering. It will be a speech that has little to do with the fair or agriculture, probably a knock on the legislature and speaker, then cut, cut, and before the balloons are a hundred feet in the air, and before the clown band has finished one stanza, ducking into a waiting getaway escalade.

On the way back to the airport, a little black girl will mistake me for Paul McCartney.

The ribbon cut is actually pretty safe: it is usually sparsely attended, with more reporters than citizens there at ten on a Friday morning. People with jobs won’t be attending. Just current state workers sent by their bosses, fair workers and vendors, and those with time to kill, who are out of work and dependent on state services to get by.

….on second thought….

Comment by Gregor Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:40 pm
I would walk it; or jog it. But the parade scene from the end of the film Animal House keeps coming to mind. If I am Governor but due to my actions, have become afraid to walk in front of the people, I failed & would resign…. but I would like to watch an Animal House-type parade in Springfield.

Comment by North of I-80 Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:40 pm
Macbeth, what I’m referring to is the way over the freaking top reaction to the governor in this town. Some of it is downright dangerous.

Enough with the semantics crud. Get back to the topic at hand.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:41 pm
Vanilla Man wins

Comment by The Republicrat Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:44 pm
Governors have marched or ridden cars/floats in this parade since the thirties at least. I think Nixon was even here once. What does it say about Rod that we are even having this conversation?

Comment by Clown Band Groupie Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:45 pm
+++
Enough with the semantics crud
+++

Yes. Evil semantics.

Onward …

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:47 pm
Semantics aren’t evil, but they are too often used to undermine arguments with petty and/or ridiculous criticisms. Yours are a case in point.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:48 pm
I think he’s weighing the PR fallout of not going and being called a coward, etc. for a couple news cycles, versus going, and perhaps having something embarrassing happen, or generating photo ops with protestors.

Everything with Rod boils down to campaigning and PR, and he will do whatever he thinks is more positive to spin or least damaging. Maybe he’ll ride in the car with Miss Illinois as a way to deflect verbal attacks. Seems his style.

If I were him, I’d be even more reticent about DuQuoin only because he’s created a lot more enemies in Southern Illinois since re-election. The IDOT transfer won’t help.

Whatever he decides, best for everyone to keep the kids home I think. They shouldn’t have to see this.

Comment by More seriously Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:54 pm
I would be man enough to make the walk and take the abuse I so richly deserve. The problem is, neither I or anyone else with a bit of sense would be in the position he is in. I can’t imagine facing the reality that I have one of the lowest ratings of any gov. in the USA. Maybe he should do us all a favor and resign.

Comment by ex state employee Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:55 pm
There is a great deal of rational dislike for this governor, and I think the boos and heckles would be warranted. But Rich is right, there is a very real threat of danger here with some over-the-top hostility. If I were in the position of offering advice, I would strongly urge Blago to skip the parade. The reception is going to be horrific at best…dangerous at worst.

Comment by S. Illinois Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 12:58 pm
Sango Dem–if what you say is true about the old Chicago vs. Springfield argument–how come I still see so many Republicans in high level positions in Springfield–my “boss” for instance?

The insularity and hatred towards me amongst the state employees in Springpatch when I am there (only rarely) is palpable and downright scary…

These are tough times for State governments across the US–I am grateful I have a job–the economy isn’t Blagos fault, and some of his ideas for streamlining state goverbment ops are actually saving the taxpayers money…

Rich is on target here…it’s business/politics. not personal…

Comment by Anonymous45 Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 1:01 pm
==If I were him, I’d be even more reticent about DuQuoin only because he’s created a lot more enemies in Southern Illinois since re-election. The IDOT transfer won’t help.==

The lack of knowledge about IL geography in this age of maps.google.com amazes me….

Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 1:03 pm
If I had to be honest…I would not march in the parade if I were the Governor. I think that, even with the toughest of skin, the hatred that would be prevalent would be too much to bear. And…I don’t believe he cares what anyone thinks of him. Being portrayed as cowardly doesn’t really have any impact on him.

Comment by CLH Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 1:13 pm
And to clarify…the Executive Security doesn’t get to make those types of decisions for the Governor.

Comment by CLH Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 1:17 pm
Somewhere in the past we let go of the idea of respect for the office. We now allow politics to enter into every aspect so that if you don’t like Gov. B’s performace, its ok to disrespect the office of Governor, too. Same with the Office of President of the United States. In a better world, the Governor would be free to walk the parade in his role as the sitting Governor of the state, free from the political attacks that are directed to him personally. But that is not the world many of us live in so with that realization he should stay away.

Comment by Downstate weed chewing hick Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 1:21 pm
yes I would you need to show you are willing to stand up to springfield

Comment by oneman Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 1:22 pm
===the hatred that would be prevalent would be too much to bear.===

I don’t think a decision will be based on whether his little feelings get hurt. The most pumped up I ever saw him was after a truly disgusting display of hate at a Quincy event. He loves that stuff. Obviously, he has no love for Spfld. Marching in the parade would allow him to stick it in their face, so to speak.

To me, this is about security, not goofy screamers.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 1:24 pm
===I don’t think a decision will be based on whether his little feelings get hurt. The most pumped up I ever saw him was after a truly disgusting display of hate at a Quincy event. He loves that stuff.===

Which is why I think he will (and should) attend both events. He is the governor of the 5th most populous state and one of the largest and oldest state fairs in the nation. Yes, he’ll be subject to cat-calling and perhaps a confrontation, but that’s exactly why this governor as governors before him have a security detail.

Nope…he’s marching.

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 1:39 pm
If I were governor I would march in the parade to take advantage of the opportunity to answer questions from the press and clear up this “pay to play” controversy which has been unfairly attributed to my administration. Wait a minute…… I think I misread the question. You asked “if I were governor Blagojevich”. Never mind.

Comment by One of the 35 Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 1:46 pm
You know those National Guard troops Rod offered Mayor Daley? Since they won’t be busy in Chicago, a few ranks of them around the Gov might make him feel comfy. And if there’s any booing, well, that would be a fine time to fire off a few 21 gun salutes!

Comment by Anonynick Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 2:04 pm
No, he should not march in the twilight parade. If he has an urge to do so, first give him a big stick and have him beat on a large hornets nest with it. If he likes the results, then he should feel free to march in the parade. Either way, the results for him will be the same. This man has created a hate filled atmosphere by deception through lack of honesty and integrity. He should do everyone a favor and stay home.

Comment by Justice Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 2:12 pm
Blago should not walk. Very little upside for him and walking in the parade would not change the dynamics he presently faces in any positive way. The media would follow him to get footage of hostile reaction to him. Some confrontation with a voter or “man of the street” would make the news and would not help him. Blago’s powerbase is Chicago (and they dont care about a parade in Springfield), and hard core Democrats. No chance he expands his base by walking in the parade. Very good chance something happens there to embarrass him. No brainer, stay away. Maybe schedule a positive photo-op somewhere far away from Springfield that would indirectly explain why he was’nt at the parade.

Comment by Ted Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 2:14 pm
If I were the Governor, I would finesse the issue by signing up and running in the 2 mile run on the parade route that starts a few minutes before the actual parade. By doing the run nobody could say that he has ducked the evening. He would surrounded by other runners who will just want to race the 2 miles and will be too busy racing to taunt him. He also wouldn’t be as noticable to the crowd on the parade route if he stays within a pack of other runners.

He ran the River-to-River relay two or three years ago and was pretty much left alone by the other runners. He was treated politely, or ignored, by the other runners during and after the relay.

Comment by Just the Facts Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 2:22 pm
I do wish he would come and walk the parade route….there are just a few questions that I need to ask him. Like when will my dentist get paid for the work he did on my teeth in 2007? My dentist will not see me or take any Quality care (state of IL dental insurance) until he gets paid for his services in 2007! so…I really hope he comes because I have been on hold with his office for the last 3 weeks seeking this answer. Gov Blago when will you pay for my denist visit? I paid my dental premiums and my copay, when will you pay my dentist? I need a filling BADDDDD!!!!!!

Comment by old enought to know better... Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 2:22 pm
Just the Facts - Excellent idea. I wonder if anyone on the 2nd floor will see it?

Comment by S. Illinois Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 2:34 pm
I doubt there is anyone on the 2nd Floor.

lol

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 2:37 pm
If I were the “GOV”, I would not appear at the fair in any capacity. I would instead send the rather popular Lt. Gov. in my place, citing previous commitments as a way of begging off. The security factor would be enough of a concern that my wife Patty would privately put the skids to any appearance in Springfield. If did insist on appearing, I would employ the Sadam Hussein approach - I would surround myself with bussed in women and children from other parts of the state - all of whom would be touting the All Kids/All Families insurance programs. Nothing takes the edge off a volatile situation like a bunch of human shields.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 2:58 pm
Dear Illinoisans:
His majesty, Governor A-Rod Blegojevich, regrets to inform you that he simply cannot march in this year’s Twilight Parade in Springfield due to a prior commitment. There’s an all-day Hannah Montana fest on the Disney Channel that day.

Comment by The Mad Hatter Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 2:58 pm
Anon45, Republicans still in management positions is a separate issue from how many jobs have been moved out of Springfield. But that’s another reason why so many Springfield Democrats don’t like the Governor. There are Democrats both inside and outside state government who have been building up resentment over that for the last six years.

Comment by Sango Dem Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 2:59 pm
On second thought, maybe I would appear and walk, but with Davlin, Timoney, Renfrow et al as my posse.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 2:59 pm
I think the Mad Hatter may have hit upon the best reason yet for the gov to duck the parade!

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 3:04 pm
Unlike CapFax, I’m not worried about the Gov’s safety.

Although I do wonder whatever happened to the kid who put the pie in George Ryan’s face.

The Gov should skip it because if he’s a no-show, its one line in an SJR story, and Sangamon County aint voting for him any way. If he does show and its even half as bad as anyone expects, thestory will spread like wildfire.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 3:07 pm
I’m more or less with you, Rich.

I see Blago bailing out, maybe at the last minute, “on the advice of his security detail.”

Message:Testicular virility remains intact, but these lowlife Springfield creeps even freaked out the State Police.

If he does show, every Troop between I-64 and I-80 will be on that parade route.

PS: thanks to the poster who wrote about Animal House. I can’t get this vision of Irv Smith and Larry Bomke (D-Day and Bluto) driving the “Deathmobile” up Sangamon Avenue while Tony Libri (Flounder in his Guard uniform) stands watch, jumping up and down, yelling “Oh Boy, this is gonna be great!”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 3:08 pm
Remember the good old days, when he could just send Quinn.

Comment by anon Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 3:18 pm
In order to be respected, one has to respect. You give it, you get it, period. This guy can’t continue to pull the stunts he has and expect a receptive crowd along a parade route. I wish I had thought of moving the parade to his neighborhood though. He’s certainly made other decision that made about as much sense.

Comment by Little Egypt Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 3:47 pm
If I were Blago, I would do the parade. However, I would change the “Twilight Parade” to the “2am Parade” and march with five guys who looked like me.

Comment by Ding Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 4:16 pm
vanilla man, that was good work pal. LOL and I mean that. Reminded me of the final scene of Patton; Patton’s soliloquy on the triumphal returns of the Roman legions; sic transit gloria and all that. Another mental image I conjured was Sen. Blutarski. Face it, Blago is an inept clown that no fiction writer could invent. Sic transit gloria indeed.

Comment by anon2 Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 4:18 pm
anon45 wrote
==some of his ideas for streamlining state goverbment ops are actually saving the taxpayers money…==

Name one, for example. Ideally one where someone other than GOMB has calculated the “savings.”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Aug 5, 08 @ 5:08 pm
[…] Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s relations with so many Illinoisans are so horrible that some wondered recently whether somebody might physically assault him had he decided to attend the Thursday parade marking the start of the Illinois State Fair. He didn’t show at the parade, but the point stands: His unpopularity among Illinoisans, particularly those outside of Chicago, is extraordinary. […]

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