Illinois Politics

I think all politicians are potentially dangerous, but Illinois seems to have far more than its share of the seriously dangerous ones. First: Blagojevich may or may not be guilty of sins; the quotes released so far by Fitzgerald don't mention money, only favors and trades and other quid pro quos that politicians deal in all the time, usually without objection. And prosecutorial zeal often isn't supported by hard evidence. So I think it's a little early to judge the Gov guilty, and I thought we had a rule in this country about presumption of innocence. Time will tell, and I don't see any reason here to be rushing to judgment.

But let's assume that Blagojevich is absolutely guilty as charged. Why does that give the lieutenant governor the right to force his ouster? Talk about self interest! And why does the Illinois attorney general have the right to ask the state supreme court to oust a public official elected by the people? What happened to separation of powers? That doctrine is especially important in situations precisely like this one. Finally, if the legislature can change the rules of the game after an official is elected - calling a special election just because they don't like the occupant of the office - we have all the elements of tyranny. Looks to me like there are multiple star chambers in Illinois.

So my concern isn't Blagojevich. If he's guilty, he'll eventually get his just desserts. My concern is all those other greedy Illinois politicians who are just leaping at the chance to move up the ladder by changing or ignoring the basic rules, rules that were designed to prevent arbitrary and hasty action exactly when the temptation is greatest to do so.

If people who really care about these things - I'd call them the true patriots - don't speak up when ill advised (or worse) jerks are threatening to change fundamental protections, there's no telling what evil will transpire. Speak up!!