Corruption: Nothing New to the State of Illinois
Although Illinois is known for the city of Chicago and all of its attractions, it now seems to be known for something a little less appealing -- corrupt politics. Although recent news of Governor Rod Blagojevich has caused a great deal of discussion about the current corruption taking place in Illinois' government, many are unaware that Illinois has had a long history of corruption by both elected and appointed officials in the state. The corruption in the state of Illinois' politics began in the late 1800s.
At this time, a man by the name of Michael Cassius McDonald held great political power in the state of Illinois. McDonald began his career as a gambler and used his winnings to open his own gaming parlors and saloons around Chicago. As his wealth grew so did his political power. McDonald eventually became leader of the Chicago Democratic Organization, where he exchanged jobs for political support. It is said that McDonald had become so powerful that on his endorsement alone he could get men elected to high political office. In 1873, McDonald built "The Store" a large four-story saloon, boarding house, and gaming hall. The Store was known as "the unofficial City Hall" because much of the city's business was conducted on it's upper floors. A famous phrase, which was believed to have first been said by banker David Hannum, was allegedly attributed to McDonald. When an employee asked McDonald how they would ever keep The Store filled to turn a profit, McDonald allegedly responded "Don't worry about that. There's a sucker born every minute". Apparently Blagojevich believed McDonald's words in thinking that the United States government was a sucker and believing he could pull off these illegal acts.
According to the Sun-Times, 79 current or former Illinois, Chicago or Cook county elected officials had been found guilty of a crime since the year 1972. Although, just about five years ago, Illinois Governor George Ryan brought the debate of capital punishment to the table, his image was soon taken over by scandal. After great speculation of Ryan's administration, the government began to investigate into widespread corruption during his administration and this led to his retirement from politics in 2003 and eventual federal corruption convictions in 2006. Ryan entered federal prison on November 7, 2007, to begin serving a sentence of six years and six months for his wrongdoings. As of June 13, 2008, he is housed at the satellite prison camp in Indiana, serving the remainder of his sentence.
Clearly, corruption in politics is nothing new to the state of Illinois. After watching Governor George Ryan go to jail for his corrupt ways, it is unfortunate to think that the citizens of Illinois still could not manage to elect someone qualified to fit the job. With Illinois being known as "The Land of Lincoln", I think it can be assumed that President Lincoln would currently be embarrassed to have his name associated with the corruption of this state government. As a resident of Illinois for the twenty years of my life, I find it disheartening to see this corruption take place. I hope that the issue of such corruption in the Illinois government will get resolved and the citizens of my home state will join me in electing someone who can make change in a state that deserves much better.
At this time, a man by the name of Michael Cassius McDonald held great political power in the state of Illinois. McDonald began his career as a gambler and used his winnings to open his own gaming parlors and saloons around Chicago. As his wealth grew so did his political power. McDonald eventually became leader of the Chicago Democratic Organization, where he exchanged jobs for political support. It is said that McDonald had become so powerful that on his endorsement alone he could get men elected to high political office. In 1873, McDonald built "The Store" a large four-story saloon, boarding house, and gaming hall. The Store was known as "the unofficial City Hall" because much of the city's business was conducted on it's upper floors. A famous phrase, which was believed to have first been said by banker David Hannum, was allegedly attributed to McDonald. When an employee asked McDonald how they would ever keep The Store filled to turn a profit, McDonald allegedly responded "Don't worry about that. There's a sucker born every minute". Apparently Blagojevich believed McDonald's words in thinking that the United States government was a sucker and believing he could pull off these illegal acts.
According to the Sun-Times, 79 current or former Illinois, Chicago or Cook county elected officials had been found guilty of a crime since the year 1972. Although, just about five years ago, Illinois Governor George Ryan brought the debate of capital punishment to the table, his image was soon taken over by scandal. After great speculation of Ryan's administration, the government began to investigate into widespread corruption during his administration and this led to his retirement from politics in 2003 and eventual federal corruption convictions in 2006. Ryan entered federal prison on November 7, 2007, to begin serving a sentence of six years and six months for his wrongdoings. As of June 13, 2008, he is housed at the satellite prison camp in Indiana, serving the remainder of his sentence.
Clearly, corruption in politics is nothing new to the state of Illinois. After watching Governor George Ryan go to jail for his corrupt ways, it is unfortunate to think that the citizens of Illinois still could not manage to elect someone qualified to fit the job. With Illinois being known as "The Land of Lincoln", I think it can be assumed that President Lincoln would currently be embarrassed to have his name associated with the corruption of this state government. As a resident of Illinois for the twenty years of my life, I find it disheartening to see this corruption take place. I hope that the issue of such corruption in the Illinois government will get resolved and the citizens of my home state will join me in electing someone who can make change in a state that deserves much better.
posted by moira dillon | 10:24 AM
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