Chars Life and Times

I have lived in Illinois most all of my life. I used to be proud to live in Illinois, but not so much anymore. Our governor, Rod Blagojevich, was arrested early the morning of December 9, 2008 at his home on charges of corruption. He evidently was trying to “sell” the Illinois senate seat that was vacated when President-elect Barack Obama was elected, among other things. He was doing this to gain monetary benefit for himself and his wife. It is the job of the governor of the state to replace the vacancy left midterm. Governor Blagojevich is currently out on bond after paying a $4,500 bond. 

The FBI utilized court-authorized wiretaps on Blagojevich’s office and home phones for the last two months and was able to obtain some very derogatory statements made by the Illinois governor. The governor was evidently needing additional money for his family. 

Federal prosecutors have inquired into the governor’s administration for at least the past three years. Governor Blagojevich has repetitively said that he has not done anything wrong. 

There are a lot of Illinois political figures that are requesting that the governor resign. I feel he should have done this a long time ago. 

Illinois has had problems with governors in the past. Our last governor, George Ryan, is currently serving time in prison for corruption. Dan Walker, Illinois governor from 1973 to 1977 served time for pleading guilty to bank fraud, perjury and misapplication of funds. This was not in connection with him being the governor. Otto Kerner, Illinois governor from 1961 to 1968, served time for tax evasion, bribery and other counts. 

I haven’t liked Governor Blagojevich since he took office. He was even reelected for a second term, for which I don’t understand how. I sure didn’t vote for him. Needless to say, Illinois is in a sad state right now. The only good thing we’ve got going for us right now is that President-elect Barack Obama appears to have had no knowledge of Governor Blagojevich’s actions. 

Trackback URI | Comments RSS