Well, in yet another great political move, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been indicted for conspiracy, bribery, and fraud. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, he is being indicted for what politicians do best.
Gov. Blagojevich has the honor of appointing a new senator to fill the seat vacated by President-Elect Barack Obama. Rather than garnering political favors or making shrewd deals for his Party, Gov. Blagojevich instead coined the phrase made popular by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the early 90's: "Show me the money!" He was holding out for cash options, a corporate appointment for his wife, campaign funds, or an ambassadorship. He essentially put the Senate seat up for sale to the highest bidder. Whoever was willing to put up the most cash or benefits was the next appointee to our illustrious Senate.
Gov. Blagojevich and Obama had always seemed to get along. However, in a recently released wiretapped conversation transcript we find out what Blagojevich really thinks: "They (Obama and his staff) are not willing to give me anything except appreciation. F_____ them!" Wow, what a pithy statement. I can see now why he was elected Governor.
So... Gov. Blagojevich and members of his staff are now being indicted for numerous counts of fraud, extortion, and conspiracy. But, let's be honest... isn't Blagojevich just doing what every politician does naturally?
Think about it this way. Every bill that comes up before the House or the Senate must garner a 2/3 majority to pass. No party has EVER held a 2/3 majority, so the authors of a bill must begin to put political pressure on their co-legislators. Each legislator holds out for something better for his own state or district. Thus, EVERY SINGLE BILL comes equipped with millions of dollars in pork spending simply because our legislators want to play hardball. What's in it for me or my constituents? "If we don't get anything out of it (except lower taxes, tighter punishments against those committing violent crimes with weapons, health benefits for children) then it simply isn't worth it. You aren't getting my vote!" Aren't we simply indicting Gov. Blagojevich for what every single politician in American already does?!?!?
Granted, his actions are criminal and he has demeaned his public office. But I find every Congressman or Senator who holds out for useless pork projects for his/her own constituency just as demeaning, yet we accept their actions as part of the system.
Isn't it time for Washington to grow up and start acting like everybody else?
2 comments:
Actually, passage of a bill in the House or Senate only requires a simple majority (50% + 1). A supermajority (2/3) is only required in the case of veto overrides, constitutional amendments, and other special cases.
Also, from 1977-79 the Democrats held a supermajority in the Senate (61%) and the House (67%).
Sorry to get my facts incorrect. I stand corrected.
However, how does this come to pass in the bills concerning the bailout. I know they needed a supermajority...
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