Blagojevich Scandal
By Fallon Hogerty
As the editors of the Chicago Tribune sent the December 10 newspaper to print, I imagine that they couldn’t help but smirking. “Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Arrested on Federal Charges,” read the morning’s headline in big, black, bold typewrite.
You can almost sense a bit of spite or mockery in the headline’s accompanying article by the journalist describe the governor as “well-coifed” while en route to jail. The article is universally unflattering, portraying both Rod Blagojevich and his wife, Patricia, to be money-hungry outlaws
(http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/la-na-blagojevich10-2008dec10,0,4641479.story).
Gov. Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell “state jobs, state contracts and regulatory favors.” The governor reportedly tried to get Chicago Tribune reporters who wrote articles criticizing him in exchange for a promise to help fund the Tribune Company purchase Wrigley Field. Most shocking of all, he is accused of attempting to sell the senate seat in exchange for a cabinet post, a $300,000 dollar job for himself and/or his wife, or an ambassadorship. The Chicago Tribune said Blagojevich was recorded via wiretap saying, “"I've got this thing and it's [expletive] golden and uh, uh, I'm not just giving it up for [expletive] nothing," he said two days later, according to the affidavit.” Illinois’ first lady even joined in on some of the fun. "Hold up that [expletive] Cubs [expletive]," she is quoted as saying in the background as her husband talked on the phone, authorities alleged. "[Expletive] them," reports the Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/illinois/chi-patti-blagojevich-081210-ht,0,5336225.story).
Illinois residents are outraged. The state is tired of corrupt politicians. Blagojevich’s arrest comes at the heels of the scandal of Illinois’ previous governor, George Ryan, who was accused of racketeering and fraud. Blagojevich’s administration had been clouded in scandal since he took office. A friend’s status on facebook seems to sum up the overall feeling: “Claire Orfanos Hated Blagojevich Way Before it Was Cool.”
In a time where modern newspapers are failing, one should still not underestimate the power of the media. Those who fail to heed this warning will wind up being ripped apart just like Blagovich when the media comes out on top (and they always do), like (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped1217goldbergdec17,0,2726311.story) when a Tribune reporter says, “…The Chicago Tribune [is] Christmas Pony Happy because Blago tried to strong-arm Trib ownership to fire members of the editorial board. Instead, Trib editors will get to have a big tailgate party outside Blago's cell window,” and my favorite personal insult, “Blago's hair not only appears bulletproof but seems to confirm reports that he is the human model for Playmobil action figures.”
You know, we learned in class that politicians must have thick skin in order to survive the rough-and-tumble world of politics. Additionally, they must be competitive and believe themselves to be superior leaders. As a result, the politician may lack some other “softer” personality traits, like sensitivity. It seems like this is the case with Blagojevich.
What’s next for the indicted Illinois Governor and his wife (whom the Tribune referred to as “Lady MacBeth,” all in good fun, of course)? Certainly not a cushy salary or a cabinet post. Despite the heinous, clearly corrupt conversations caught on wire-tap, Governor Blagojevich has yet to resign. I find this guy’s ego and judgment to be unbelievable. Hopefully, he will be the last corrupt politician in Illinois.
As the editors of the Chicago Tribune sent the December 10 newspaper to print, I imagine that they couldn’t help but smirking. “Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Arrested on Federal Charges,” read the morning’s headline in big, black, bold typewrite.
You can almost sense a bit of spite or mockery in the headline’s accompanying article by the journalist describe the governor as “well-coifed” while en route to jail. The article is universally unflattering, portraying both Rod Blagojevich and his wife, Patricia, to be money-hungry outlaws
(http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/la-na-blagojevich10-2008dec10,0,4641479.story).
Gov. Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell “state jobs, state contracts and regulatory favors.” The governor reportedly tried to get Chicago Tribune reporters who wrote articles criticizing him in exchange for a promise to help fund the Tribune Company purchase Wrigley Field. Most shocking of all, he is accused of attempting to sell the senate seat in exchange for a cabinet post, a $300,000 dollar job for himself and/or his wife, or an ambassadorship. The Chicago Tribune said Blagojevich was recorded via wiretap saying, “"I've got this thing and it's [expletive] golden and uh, uh, I'm not just giving it up for [expletive] nothing," he said two days later, according to the affidavit.” Illinois’ first lady even joined in on some of the fun. "Hold up that [expletive] Cubs [expletive]," she is quoted as saying in the background as her husband talked on the phone, authorities alleged. "[Expletive] them," reports the Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/illinois/chi-patti-blagojevich-081210-ht,0,5336225.story).
Illinois residents are outraged. The state is tired of corrupt politicians. Blagojevich’s arrest comes at the heels of the scandal of Illinois’ previous governor, George Ryan, who was accused of racketeering and fraud. Blagojevich’s administration had been clouded in scandal since he took office. A friend’s status on facebook seems to sum up the overall feeling: “Claire Orfanos Hated Blagojevich Way Before it Was Cool.”
In a time where modern newspapers are failing, one should still not underestimate the power of the media. Those who fail to heed this warning will wind up being ripped apart just like Blagovich when the media comes out on top (and they always do), like (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped1217goldbergdec17,0,2726311.story) when a Tribune reporter says, “…The Chicago Tribune [is] Christmas Pony Happy because Blago tried to strong-arm Trib ownership to fire members of the editorial board. Instead, Trib editors will get to have a big tailgate party outside Blago's cell window,” and my favorite personal insult, “Blago's hair not only appears bulletproof but seems to confirm reports that he is the human model for Playmobil action figures.”
You know, we learned in class that politicians must have thick skin in order to survive the rough-and-tumble world of politics. Additionally, they must be competitive and believe themselves to be superior leaders. As a result, the politician may lack some other “softer” personality traits, like sensitivity. It seems like this is the case with Blagojevich.
What’s next for the indicted Illinois Governor and his wife (whom the Tribune referred to as “Lady MacBeth,” all in good fun, of course)? Certainly not a cushy salary or a cabinet post. Despite the heinous, clearly corrupt conversations caught on wire-tap, Governor Blagojevich has yet to resign. I find this guy’s ego and judgment to be unbelievable. Hopefully, he will be the last corrupt politician in Illinois.
posted by Michael R. Kramer | 10:04 AM
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