Happy days are here again
Blago's impeached by the IL House
Soon he'll be the ex-governor
Happy days are here again!
By a vote of 114-1 (with 1 person voting Present -- probably in honor of President-elect Barack H. Obama), the Illinois House approved the impeachment of Gov. Rod. Blagojevich (D-IL). The one person who voted "No" said he didn't have any first-hand knowledge of the evidence.
That probably means he failed to get his "pay" for play. Bummer!
The Democrats effectively control the IL General Assembly and have for over 6 years enabled Blago to practice the venerable political art of "pay for play." If anyone thinks for a moment that this art form is particular to Illinois, let me assure you nothing is further from the truth. Just look at the current examples from NY and NM which hit the news.
Pay for play in politics is everywhere. Usually, it's not uncovered, not discussed, and not prosecuted. Because that's how politics works in America. And how it works in IL.
So what makes this case so different? Gov. Blago violated the cardinal rule of pay for play: When you pay for play in IL (or any state for that matter), it STAYS in the state.
You don't go trying to expand your little fiefdom outside the borders of the state, especially not at the federal level. That was Rod's big mistake -- he got too greedy. He thought he could score the "Big One" -- the pay for play of all time: a Senate seat.
Greed got him caught. And now he's going to pay. Finally.
Sadly, those who've enabled him and participated in other pay for play schemes are -- so far -- untouched. It remains to be seen what Blago will say in the coming months to save his sorry posterior. So far he's kept quiet, but now the heat is being turned up. Blago may be greedy, but it is also a cunning politician.
On January 14th, Blago will perform one more duty as governor of IL: he will convene the IL State Senate into session -- the same session that will conduct his impeachment trial.
There is speculation that Rod might run that day, just like he did this morning as the IL House voted to impeach him. By refusing to convene the IL Senate, he might hope to delay his inevitable trial and removal from office.
Democrat leaders in IL are prepared to order the IL State Police to arrest Blago and bring him, under arrest, to the state senate chambers if necessary.
If you think this scenario is not probable, you probably don't live in Illinois. I am not sure what the over/under is on this scenario, but I'd be willing to wager that he will pull something next Wednesday.
The trial is expected to last 3 weeks. Yes, it will run through Jan. 20th and sadly will cast a shadow over that momentous day. Sadly that cannot be helped.
Hopefully, however, IL will be rid of Blago as governor before February 12, Lincoln's 200th birthday.
If that happens, I imagine old Abe would smile.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Silent Night, Barry's Quiet
Silent night, Barry's quiet,
Rockets roar at Hamas' doors,
Israel invades the Gaza Strip
Hamas lobs more rockets quick,
Why is Barry so silent
On this issue of import(ance).
Seriously, folks, it seems odd to me that few in the MSM are asking why President-elect Barack H. Obama is willing to stomp all over domestic/economic policy but is incredibly deferential and oddly silent on foreign policy. Obama's answer:
"We can't have two administrations running foreign policy at the same time. Until I take office, it would be imprudent of me to start sending out signals that somehow we are running foreign policy when I am not legally authorized to do so."
So let me get this straight: it's imprudent to talk about foreign policy as president-elect, but it is perfectly fine to address domestic policy. On domestic issues, it's acceptable to have 2 administrations running at the same time. On foreign issues, not so much. Huh?
Chuck Todd from NBC, asked, "The situation in Gaza is getting worse out there, fighting's resumed this morning. When are you gonna talk about? What are you going to do about it?" That's when he got Obama's two administrations at the same time answer.
Odd that Obama feels legally authorized to not just send signals, but practically make demands about a $1 trillion+ stimulus package, especially when the country is facing a $1 trillion deficit. He is all over Washington twisting arms and pumping hands to get his domestic agenda going. Supposedly, the logic is the country's financial woes cannot wait until 12:01 p.m. January 20, 2009. His work -- his mighty mission -- must start now. Money must be allocated and printed and prepared to be spent. Money talks. Money greases the wheels of the economy. Gotta act today.
However, Palestinian and Israeli men, women and worse still, children are being killed every hour since 12/27/08 and Obama has not uttered so much as a peep about it.
Obama can utter a lot of statements about whether or not Roland Burris should be keeping his old Senate seat warm. Obama was against Burris before he was for Burris -- but what's a little waffling among friends.
It's OK to have 2 presidents on domestic issues, especially when it concerns money and Senate seats. But not when it involves human life.
Chuck Todd, NBC: "Are you worried that the Palestinians, though, are interpreting your silence in --" (here the president-elect cuts him off mid-thought)
Obama: "Chuck, as a -- you know, there are -- I can't control how people interpret, uh, what I'm saying, other than to repeat what I've said, and hope that they hear what I'm say, uh -- hear my message."
What message is that? You have not said anything, so what is the world supposed to hear from the sounds of silence. The only logical interpretation anyone can come to is that you support Israel's actions. Which it not a bad thing in my mind, except that Obama seems so terribly reluctant to actually say it aloud.
To be fair, Obama did continue his non-answer answer: "The silence is not as a consequence of a lack of concern. In fact, it's not silence. I've explained very clearly exactly what institutional constraints I'm under when it comes to this issue."
Gotcha! Silence is not silence when you speak to give a non-answer answer.
More change we can believe in, folks, straight from the president-elect's own mouth.
At least we now have a clear understanding of his priorities.
#1 priority: MONEY
Lowest, least, last priority: HUMAN LIFE
Rockets roar at Hamas' doors,
Israel invades the Gaza Strip
Hamas lobs more rockets quick,
Why is Barry so silent
On this issue of import(ance).
Seriously, folks, it seems odd to me that few in the MSM are asking why President-elect Barack H. Obama is willing to stomp all over domestic/economic policy but is incredibly deferential and oddly silent on foreign policy. Obama's answer:
"We can't have two administrations running foreign policy at the same time. Until I take office, it would be imprudent of me to start sending out signals that somehow we are running foreign policy when I am not legally authorized to do so."
So let me get this straight: it's imprudent to talk about foreign policy as president-elect, but it is perfectly fine to address domestic policy. On domestic issues, it's acceptable to have 2 administrations running at the same time. On foreign issues, not so much. Huh?
Chuck Todd from NBC, asked, "The situation in Gaza is getting worse out there, fighting's resumed this morning. When are you gonna talk about? What are you going to do about it?" That's when he got Obama's two administrations at the same time answer.
Odd that Obama feels legally authorized to not just send signals, but practically make demands about a $1 trillion+ stimulus package, especially when the country is facing a $1 trillion deficit. He is all over Washington twisting arms and pumping hands to get his domestic agenda going. Supposedly, the logic is the country's financial woes cannot wait until 12:01 p.m. January 20, 2009. His work -- his mighty mission -- must start now. Money must be allocated and printed and prepared to be spent. Money talks. Money greases the wheels of the economy. Gotta act today.
However, Palestinian and Israeli men, women and worse still, children are being killed every hour since 12/27/08 and Obama has not uttered so much as a peep about it.
Obama can utter a lot of statements about whether or not Roland Burris should be keeping his old Senate seat warm. Obama was against Burris before he was for Burris -- but what's a little waffling among friends.
It's OK to have 2 presidents on domestic issues, especially when it concerns money and Senate seats. But not when it involves human life.
Chuck Todd, NBC: "Are you worried that the Palestinians, though, are interpreting your silence in --" (here the president-elect cuts him off mid-thought)
Obama: "Chuck, as a -- you know, there are -- I can't control how people interpret, uh, what I'm saying, other than to repeat what I've said, and hope that they hear what I'm say, uh -- hear my message."
What message is that? You have not said anything, so what is the world supposed to hear from the sounds of silence. The only logical interpretation anyone can come to is that you support Israel's actions. Which it not a bad thing in my mind, except that Obama seems so terribly reluctant to actually say it aloud.
To be fair, Obama did continue his non-answer answer: "The silence is not as a consequence of a lack of concern. In fact, it's not silence. I've explained very clearly exactly what institutional constraints I'm under when it comes to this issue."
Gotcha! Silence is not silence when you speak to give a non-answer answer.
More change we can believe in, folks, straight from the president-elect's own mouth.
At least we now have a clear understanding of his priorities.
#1 priority: MONEY
Lowest, least, last priority: HUMAN LIFE
More Democrat Backpedaling
Yesterday, I referenced Lester Maddox, a late former governor of Georgia, who was well known for a somewhat unique skill: he was able to ride a bicycle backwards somewhat easily. What that had to do with politics I don't know, but it provides a nice backdrop for what the Senate Democrats and the president-elect are now doing.
It's called back-pedaling and they could take some lessons from old Lester.
The entire Roland (I'm the magic man) Burris fiasco could have been avoided easily. Eight days ago, Obama and Senate Democrat leaders saw Gov. Blagojevich (D-IL) as so politically damaged that they announced they would reject anyone he appointed to finish Obama's term. Every Democrat senator signed a letter to the same effect.
Bad move. Now, in private, many are admitting the same. Let the backpedaling begin!
The Senate underestimated Blago's cunning. He may be wounded, but he is also cornered. It's never a good idea to mess with a wounded and cornered politician. Those who have little or nothing left to lose can leave some nasty marks on their opponents.
The Democrats attempted to use a play from the 2008 Republican political playbook: guilt by association. Blago is accused of trying to sell Obama's seat to the highest bidder, therefore, Burris -- appointed by Blago -- is guilty by association or "tainted."
They already figured that Burris would be a weak candidate in 2010 for election, thus making this seat available for a Republican to pick up. Reid and company wanted a stronger candidate, giving them a better chance at the highly desired supermajority.
They didn't count on Rep. Bobby Rush coming in as a wild card to throw down the race card. They also didn't expect Burris to assume the role of the martyr in this drama. Both wild cards made Burris a sympathetic figure in the national media.
Immediately the question was raised: how can the Senate Democrats refuse to seat another Democrat who is black and is replacing the only black Senator?
Further, no one has been able to dig up any dirt or sleaze on Burris -- not even so much as a parking ticket. The man is so politically clean he probably squeaks. In the media he comes across as likable and non-confrontational.
Quite unlike Reid and friends.
Quickly the Democrats resolve began to crumble as their plans fell apart. Seeing the writing on the wall, Reid hastily arranged a meeting with Burris probably to patch things up. Seeking to turn the spotlight off his own missteps, Reid tossed the ball back to the IL Supreme Court to wait on their decision on whether Sec. of State Jesse White's signature was needed.
Reid and friends don't want to take responsibility for waiving their own rules.
How many more hurdles will Burris need to overcome to be seated? For some odd reason, Reid seems insistent that the entire Senate vote to seat Burris. It will be interesting to see if the same standard is applied to Al Franken or to whomever is appointed from CO, NY and DE. If not, I wonder if anyone will dare question Reid as to why a vote on Burris but no one else?
In assessing his behavior in all this, Reid seemed a bit petulant. "How are we supposed to react? We've acted in a very reasonable way."
Right. I suppose the same could be said for every child's (or childish) temper tantrum.
Update on yesterday's prediction: Burris is unlikely to be seated by the end of this week, although signs point to Blago being impeached by week's end. I now believe Burris will be sworn in and seated by the end of January. Ideally, by Jan. 19th, but only if Obama puts some pressure on Reid. Blago will be removed from office before Lincoln's birthday.
It's called back-pedaling and they could take some lessons from old Lester.
The entire Roland (I'm the magic man) Burris fiasco could have been avoided easily. Eight days ago, Obama and Senate Democrat leaders saw Gov. Blagojevich (D-IL) as so politically damaged that they announced they would reject anyone he appointed to finish Obama's term. Every Democrat senator signed a letter to the same effect.
Bad move. Now, in private, many are admitting the same. Let the backpedaling begin!
The Senate underestimated Blago's cunning. He may be wounded, but he is also cornered. It's never a good idea to mess with a wounded and cornered politician. Those who have little or nothing left to lose can leave some nasty marks on their opponents.
The Democrats attempted to use a play from the 2008 Republican political playbook: guilt by association. Blago is accused of trying to sell Obama's seat to the highest bidder, therefore, Burris -- appointed by Blago -- is guilty by association or "tainted."
They already figured that Burris would be a weak candidate in 2010 for election, thus making this seat available for a Republican to pick up. Reid and company wanted a stronger candidate, giving them a better chance at the highly desired supermajority.
They didn't count on Rep. Bobby Rush coming in as a wild card to throw down the race card. They also didn't expect Burris to assume the role of the martyr in this drama. Both wild cards made Burris a sympathetic figure in the national media.
Immediately the question was raised: how can the Senate Democrats refuse to seat another Democrat who is black and is replacing the only black Senator?
Further, no one has been able to dig up any dirt or sleaze on Burris -- not even so much as a parking ticket. The man is so politically clean he probably squeaks. In the media he comes across as likable and non-confrontational.
Quite unlike Reid and friends.
Quickly the Democrats resolve began to crumble as their plans fell apart. Seeing the writing on the wall, Reid hastily arranged a meeting with Burris probably to patch things up. Seeking to turn the spotlight off his own missteps, Reid tossed the ball back to the IL Supreme Court to wait on their decision on whether Sec. of State Jesse White's signature was needed.
Reid and friends don't want to take responsibility for waiving their own rules.
How many more hurdles will Burris need to overcome to be seated? For some odd reason, Reid seems insistent that the entire Senate vote to seat Burris. It will be interesting to see if the same standard is applied to Al Franken or to whomever is appointed from CO, NY and DE. If not, I wonder if anyone will dare question Reid as to why a vote on Burris but no one else?
In assessing his behavior in all this, Reid seemed a bit petulant. "How are we supposed to react? We've acted in a very reasonable way."
Right. I suppose the same could be said for every child's (or childish) temper tantrum.
Update on yesterday's prediction: Burris is unlikely to be seated by the end of this week, although signs point to Blago being impeached by week's end. I now believe Burris will be sworn in and seated by the end of January. Ideally, by Jan. 19th, but only if Obama puts some pressure on Reid. Blago will be removed from office before Lincoln's birthday.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Political Hypocrisy On All Sides
It's not red, blue or purple. Political hypocrisy comes in all colors and flavors served up regularly for our country and world to see. Sometimes one has to laugh about it to keep from crying. A few noteworthy items of late...
Item 1: The Great Unasked Question
A politician proposes new spending plans, tax cuts, government hiring programs. What is the reaction of the main stream media and those who populate Washington?
If the politician in question has the letter "R" beside their name, as in Republican, the hue and cry rises from shore to shore: How are we going to pay for this?
If the politician in question has the letter "D" beside their name, as in Democrat, the reaction is the sound of silence.
President-elect Obama has proposed nearly $1 trillion more in spending, nearly 600,000 new government jobs and $300 billion in tax cuts. Amazingly not a single politician, pundit, journalist, or talking head has asked the How are we going to pay for this question.
Why not?
Item 2: Practice what you preach
A politician appears to win a tight election by a narrow victory and in the acceptance speech calls on the opponent to "do the right thing" and step aside. Unfortunately, the narrow victory requires a recount, which appears to overturn the original outcome. The original winner, instead of accepting defeat and stepping aside, now threatens to file lawsuits.
Thank you, Sen. Norm Coleman, for providing a fine "red" example of hypocrisy. When you were winning it was all well and good to expect Al Franken to just step aside and forgo filing any lawsuits over the election.
Now the tables are turned and instead of graciously accepting the will (and abject stupidity) of the people of MN, you are going to file a lawsuit over the recount. A margin of victory of 200+ votes is small, but if certified by the state, it is final. Do the right thing, Sen. Coleman, and be gracious in defeat. In six years you can try again.
Item 3: Lester Maddox Redux (sans the Axe Handle)
If you are too young, you will need to Google "Lester Maddox" to understand this item. (Go ahead -- the blog will be here when you get back.)
Sen. (Dingy) Harry Reid pulled a "Lester Maddox" in slamming the door in Senator-designate Roland Burris' face yesterday. The only thing missing was the infamous axe handle, but given Reid's and the Democrat Party's record of hypocrisy an axe handle is superfluous. Reid and the Dems are very pro-minority -- well, at least as long as the minorities in question keep their place, if you know what I mean.
It appears that Senator-wannabe Burris was getting a bit too uppidy for Sen. Reid, so Reid had to put Burris in his place. At least on behalf of the current all lily-white Senate, that is.
Of course, there are "Rules" to uphold and the lack of a signature on some paperwork is an overwhelming affront to the dignity and decorum of such an august body.
Nevermind the fact that Reid made it abundantly clear to the IL governor that replacing a black male senator with another black male was unacceptable. He might be able to tolerate a woman, but a black man would simply not do.
Once again Democrat hyprocrisy on display in all its glory.
My prediction: Burris will be sworn in and seated before the end of this week. Reid's iron grip is already crumbling with Sen. Feinstein leaving the fold. A couple of meetings today and I expect an announcement in time for the evening news.
The Senate Dems really should look for a new majority leader. Reid is nothing but an embarrassment.
Hyprocrisy... we're all guilty at one time or another. It's just that some displays are so blatant.
UPDATE: CBS reports: "Senate Democrats plan to accept Roland Burris for President-elect Barack Obama's vacant seat.Burris was scheduled to meet Wednesday with the Senate's top two Democrats -- Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and assistant leader Dick Durbin of Illinois -- on Wednesday, a day after his paperwork was rejected at the opening of the 111th Congress. Senate officials in both parties, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly for Senate members, said there is a growing expectation on Capitol Hill that the saga will end with Burris being seated. "
Item 1: The Great Unasked Question
A politician proposes new spending plans, tax cuts, government hiring programs. What is the reaction of the main stream media and those who populate Washington?
If the politician in question has the letter "R" beside their name, as in Republican, the hue and cry rises from shore to shore: How are we going to pay for this?
If the politician in question has the letter "D" beside their name, as in Democrat, the reaction is the sound of silence.
President-elect Obama has proposed nearly $1 trillion more in spending, nearly 600,000 new government jobs and $300 billion in tax cuts. Amazingly not a single politician, pundit, journalist, or talking head has asked the How are we going to pay for this question.
Why not?
Item 2: Practice what you preach
A politician appears to win a tight election by a narrow victory and in the acceptance speech calls on the opponent to "do the right thing" and step aside. Unfortunately, the narrow victory requires a recount, which appears to overturn the original outcome. The original winner, instead of accepting defeat and stepping aside, now threatens to file lawsuits.
Thank you, Sen. Norm Coleman, for providing a fine "red" example of hypocrisy. When you were winning it was all well and good to expect Al Franken to just step aside and forgo filing any lawsuits over the election.
Now the tables are turned and instead of graciously accepting the will (and abject stupidity) of the people of MN, you are going to file a lawsuit over the recount. A margin of victory of 200+ votes is small, but if certified by the state, it is final. Do the right thing, Sen. Coleman, and be gracious in defeat. In six years you can try again.
Item 3: Lester Maddox Redux (sans the Axe Handle)
If you are too young, you will need to Google "Lester Maddox" to understand this item. (Go ahead -- the blog will be here when you get back.)
Sen. (Dingy) Harry Reid pulled a "Lester Maddox" in slamming the door in Senator-designate Roland Burris' face yesterday. The only thing missing was the infamous axe handle, but given Reid's and the Democrat Party's record of hypocrisy an axe handle is superfluous. Reid and the Dems are very pro-minority -- well, at least as long as the minorities in question keep their place, if you know what I mean.
It appears that Senator-wannabe Burris was getting a bit too uppidy for Sen. Reid, so Reid had to put Burris in his place. At least on behalf of the current all lily-white Senate, that is.
Of course, there are "Rules" to uphold and the lack of a signature on some paperwork is an overwhelming affront to the dignity and decorum of such an august body.
Nevermind the fact that Reid made it abundantly clear to the IL governor that replacing a black male senator with another black male was unacceptable. He might be able to tolerate a woman, but a black man would simply not do.
Once again Democrat hyprocrisy on display in all its glory.
My prediction: Burris will be sworn in and seated before the end of this week. Reid's iron grip is already crumbling with Sen. Feinstein leaving the fold. A couple of meetings today and I expect an announcement in time for the evening news.
The Senate Dems really should look for a new majority leader. Reid is nothing but an embarrassment.
Hyprocrisy... we're all guilty at one time or another. It's just that some displays are so blatant.
UPDATE: CBS reports: "Senate Democrats plan to accept Roland Burris for President-elect Barack Obama's vacant seat.Burris was scheduled to meet Wednesday with the Senate's top two Democrats -- Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and assistant leader Dick Durbin of Illinois -- on Wednesday, a day after his paperwork was rejected at the opening of the 111th Congress. Senate officials in both parties, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly for Senate members, said there is a growing expectation on Capitol Hill that the saga will end with Burris being seated. "
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
With Apologies to Frank Capra, et. al.
It's the headline du jour: "Mr. Burris Goes To Washington", referring obviously to Senator-hopeful Roland Burris (D-IL), appointee and political foil/sacrificial lamb/human shield of Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D-IL). Sadly enough, Burris is no Jimmy Stewart/Mr. Smith and mores the pity. The Senate could use a few dozen Mr. Smith's right now.
This political circus plays out at a time when America is finally throwing out the old race-baiting political playbooks of the past. For the first time in our history, the country anticipates the inauguration of our first black president. Illinois has led the country in sending minority politicans to Washington, including the last two black Senators.
Yet to the dismay of most of us, Blago has dug deep into the political trash to pull out chapter 1 of race-baiting politics in appointing Burris to fill Obama's unfinished term. In a sad, perverse way he tweaks the nose of the now all-white Senate by daring them not to seat its only black member. Caught between a rock and a hard place, the Senate is now scrambling to find (or negotiate) a way out of this impasse.
A simple solution to end this carnival side show is for IL Secretary of State Jesse White to simply certify the legal appointment of Burris. Certainly White will have to hold his nose while signing the certification paperwork. No one wants to send a politically tainted appointee to the Senate and Burris is just that.
Nonetheless, Gov. Blagojevich, although under investigation, having been arrested, soon to be impeached and most likely indicted by April, remains the governor of IL. Per the state's constitution he has the authority to make this appointment, distasteful as it may be. Anyone with a modicum of morality knows Blago's actions in trying to sell the seat to the highest bidder was wrong.
However, the IL Democrats sat on their hands for years while Blago wildly exercised and abused his powers as governor. The IL Sen. Majority Leader, Mike Madigan, even chaired Blago's reelection committee, helping him to a 2nd term and basically approving his "pay-to-play" political games.
So all their bluster and condemnation today of Blago's activities is beyond hypocritical. Even after he was arrested, the Democrats sat on their hands and did nothing to strip him of his appointment powers or call for a special election. They are complicit in this circus of madness.
It was for all intents and purposes a legal appointment and should be recognized, as disgusting as that may be. Burris is all too anxious to add "U.S. Senator" to his political tombstone, so why should anyone stand in his way. Once seated, there are no Constitutional requirements that he be given any committee appointments or responsibilities. Any legislation he writes can easily be bottled up or killed in committee. He can serve until 2010, when the people of IL will gladly return him to his political exile.
Sadly, Roland Burris is a 20-watt bulb in a 100-watt world. His own pronouncements over the past few days amply demonstrate this:
"We are the junior senator from Illinois."
"No one is more qualified for this job than me."
"I am the magic man."
"This is all politics and theater, but I am the junior senator according to every law book in the nation."
"I am a United States senator. They can't stop me from doing my senatorial duties."
"We are hoping and praying that they will not be able to deny what the Lord has ordained."
What more can be said? MN appears poised to send Al Franken to the Senate and IL is trying its darndest to send Burris.
Now more than ever the Senate truly is looking more and more like a carnival side show.
This political circus plays out at a time when America is finally throwing out the old race-baiting political playbooks of the past. For the first time in our history, the country anticipates the inauguration of our first black president. Illinois has led the country in sending minority politicans to Washington, including the last two black Senators.
Yet to the dismay of most of us, Blago has dug deep into the political trash to pull out chapter 1 of race-baiting politics in appointing Burris to fill Obama's unfinished term. In a sad, perverse way he tweaks the nose of the now all-white Senate by daring them not to seat its only black member. Caught between a rock and a hard place, the Senate is now scrambling to find (or negotiate) a way out of this impasse.
A simple solution to end this carnival side show is for IL Secretary of State Jesse White to simply certify the legal appointment of Burris. Certainly White will have to hold his nose while signing the certification paperwork. No one wants to send a politically tainted appointee to the Senate and Burris is just that.
Nonetheless, Gov. Blagojevich, although under investigation, having been arrested, soon to be impeached and most likely indicted by April, remains the governor of IL. Per the state's constitution he has the authority to make this appointment, distasteful as it may be. Anyone with a modicum of morality knows Blago's actions in trying to sell the seat to the highest bidder was wrong.
However, the IL Democrats sat on their hands for years while Blago wildly exercised and abused his powers as governor. The IL Sen. Majority Leader, Mike Madigan, even chaired Blago's reelection committee, helping him to a 2nd term and basically approving his "pay-to-play" political games.
So all their bluster and condemnation today of Blago's activities is beyond hypocritical. Even after he was arrested, the Democrats sat on their hands and did nothing to strip him of his appointment powers or call for a special election. They are complicit in this circus of madness.
It was for all intents and purposes a legal appointment and should be recognized, as disgusting as that may be. Burris is all too anxious to add "U.S. Senator" to his political tombstone, so why should anyone stand in his way. Once seated, there are no Constitutional requirements that he be given any committee appointments or responsibilities. Any legislation he writes can easily be bottled up or killed in committee. He can serve until 2010, when the people of IL will gladly return him to his political exile.
Sadly, Roland Burris is a 20-watt bulb in a 100-watt world. His own pronouncements over the past few days amply demonstrate this:
"We are the junior senator from Illinois."
"No one is more qualified for this job than me."
"I am the magic man."
"This is all politics and theater, but I am the junior senator according to every law book in the nation."
"I am a United States senator. They can't stop me from doing my senatorial duties."
"We are hoping and praying that they will not be able to deny what the Lord has ordained."
What more can be said? MN appears poised to send Al Franken to the Senate and IL is trying its darndest to send Burris.
Now more than ever the Senate truly is looking more and more like a carnival side show.
Monday, January 5, 2009
2009: A Good Year To Be Red
2009 is already starting out to be a good year to be "red." In IL, Gov. Blago continues to make a spectacle of himself and the Democrats by trying (in vain) to be the head of state. The impeachment proceedings roll on with the Lt. Governor, Pat Quinn, openly hoping that Blago will be removed by Feb. 12th -- honest Abe's 200th birthday.
We can only hope.
In NM, Bill Richardson is facing his own "pay to play" scandal and did the appropriate thing: he withdrew his name for Secretary of Commerce and handed the incoming administration its first embarrassing moment. A federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson's political activities won a lucrative New Mexico state contract. Seems that Republicans are not the only ones who can goof up vetting.
Then there's the ongoing saga of Charlie ("Ethics are for schmucks") Rangel. The latest ethical lapse he's accused of swirls around how he sought a donation for a public service center built in his honor from a firm with business before his committee. The House ethics committee continues to struggle with Charlie's ideas of what is and is not proper behavior for a Congressperson.
The Clinton's are back in the news, too. The NY Times reports: "An upstate New York developer donated $100,000 to former President Bill Clinton’s foundation in November 2004, around the same time that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton helped secure millions of dollars in federal assistance for the businessman’s mall project. Mrs. Clinton helped enact legislation allowing the developer, Robert J. Congel, to use tax-exempt bonds to help finance the construction of the Destiny USA entertainment and shopping complex, an expansion of the Carousel Center in Syracuse. Mrs. Clinton also helped secure a provision in a highway bill that set aside $5 million for Destiny USA roadway construction. The bill with the tax-free bonds provision became law in October 2004, weeks before the donation, and the highway bill with the set-aside became law in August 2005, about nine months after the donation."
Incredibly coincidental timing as always with the Clintons.
Meanwhile, Fox News is reporting that Sen. Harry Reid was active in attempting to influence Gov. Blagojevich's Senate seat selection. It is reported that Reid made it clear he did NOT want Jesse Jackson, Jr. in the vacant seat. The phone call (one and only one) took place on Dec. 3 -- six days before Blago was arrested. As usual, Reid is at a loss to explain his actions or why he was so concerned about keeping Jackson, Jr. out of the Senate.
NY's governor is juggling the difficult decision of which caretaker to appoint to Hillary's soon-to-be-open Senate seat: her husband or Caroline ("I'm entitled by birth") Kennedy. Either way, NY loses.
Roland ("I'm not electable to any office") Burris is heading to Washington to claim his Senate seat. Rather than drag this out for months with Senate inquiries and lawsuits, Reid and the Senate Democrats should just seat him. Roland ("We are the junior Senator from IL") Burris (his quote, not mine BTW) is an empty suit and quite capable of fulfilling the only task for which he is imminently qualified: keeping a seat warm for a couple of years. Yes, he will go down in defeat in 2010, but the people of IL have suffered with a part-time junior Senator for most of the last 4 years. At least Burris has the desire to show up for work on a regular basis.
Finally, but not laughably, it appears Al Franken is headed to the Senate. As if that institution were not already enough of a joke, the good people of MN saw fit to share Franken with the entire country. Maybe Reid can find a committee position worthy of Mr. Franken's immeasurable talents -- something along the lines of chairman of the sub-committee on waste disposal. Franken has outstanding qualifications in that area.
It's going to be a very good year to be "red."
We can only hope.
In NM, Bill Richardson is facing his own "pay to play" scandal and did the appropriate thing: he withdrew his name for Secretary of Commerce and handed the incoming administration its first embarrassing moment. A federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson's political activities won a lucrative New Mexico state contract. Seems that Republicans are not the only ones who can goof up vetting.
Then there's the ongoing saga of Charlie ("Ethics are for schmucks") Rangel. The latest ethical lapse he's accused of swirls around how he sought a donation for a public service center built in his honor from a firm with business before his committee. The House ethics committee continues to struggle with Charlie's ideas of what is and is not proper behavior for a Congressperson.
The Clinton's are back in the news, too. The NY Times reports: "An upstate New York developer donated $100,000 to former President Bill Clinton’s foundation in November 2004, around the same time that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton helped secure millions of dollars in federal assistance for the businessman’s mall project. Mrs. Clinton helped enact legislation allowing the developer, Robert J. Congel, to use tax-exempt bonds to help finance the construction of the Destiny USA entertainment and shopping complex, an expansion of the Carousel Center in Syracuse. Mrs. Clinton also helped secure a provision in a highway bill that set aside $5 million for Destiny USA roadway construction. The bill with the tax-free bonds provision became law in October 2004, weeks before the donation, and the highway bill with the set-aside became law in August 2005, about nine months after the donation."
Incredibly coincidental timing as always with the Clintons.
Meanwhile, Fox News is reporting that Sen. Harry Reid was active in attempting to influence Gov. Blagojevich's Senate seat selection. It is reported that Reid made it clear he did NOT want Jesse Jackson, Jr. in the vacant seat. The phone call (one and only one) took place on Dec. 3 -- six days before Blago was arrested. As usual, Reid is at a loss to explain his actions or why he was so concerned about keeping Jackson, Jr. out of the Senate.
NY's governor is juggling the difficult decision of which caretaker to appoint to Hillary's soon-to-be-open Senate seat: her husband or Caroline ("I'm entitled by birth") Kennedy. Either way, NY loses.
Roland ("I'm not electable to any office") Burris is heading to Washington to claim his Senate seat. Rather than drag this out for months with Senate inquiries and lawsuits, Reid and the Senate Democrats should just seat him. Roland ("We are the junior Senator from IL") Burris (his quote, not mine BTW) is an empty suit and quite capable of fulfilling the only task for which he is imminently qualified: keeping a seat warm for a couple of years. Yes, he will go down in defeat in 2010, but the people of IL have suffered with a part-time junior Senator for most of the last 4 years. At least Burris has the desire to show up for work on a regular basis.
Finally, but not laughably, it appears Al Franken is headed to the Senate. As if that institution were not already enough of a joke, the good people of MN saw fit to share Franken with the entire country. Maybe Reid can find a committee position worthy of Mr. Franken's immeasurable talents -- something along the lines of chairman of the sub-committee on waste disposal. Franken has outstanding qualifications in that area.
It's going to be a very good year to be "red."
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