I happened to be in Chicago the day after the election and riding in a taxi, overheard a caller to a talk show talking about how wonderful it would be to have both Congress and the Presidency controlled by the Democrats. The host asked if the caller was uneasy about the lack of competition and the caller said, of course not, look at Illinois! I found it to be a strange bit of empirical evidence–to use a state noted for its corruption and jailed politicians. Now this:
FBI agents this morning arrested Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich (D)
and his chief of staff on conspiracy and bribery charges, including
allegations that the governor was seeking to benefit financially from
his appointment of a successor to the U.S. Senate seat that was vacated
by President-elect Barack Obama.
Competition is healthy for the electorate and other living things.
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But Obama is different.
Give it a minute. I'm sure they're going to blame it on a "Vast Right Wing Conspiracy" any minute now.
competition is exactly why I always vote for gridlock.
Illinois Governor: stepping stone to the big house
But Blago is "always lawful". Politicians never lie. Has anyone read the transcript of the complaint yet? I don't think anything can get him out of this one: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/1209081rod1.html
This is nothing new for Illinois. I believe this would be the 4th Illinois governor since 1970 to be sent to prison.
And per the 'vast right wing conspiracy' comment, I know the last two were both Republicans (George Ryan the most recent)…perhaps all three were.
Agreed. Competition makes for an excellent check and balance.
I have commented elsewhere that Obama's administration may become the most corrupt of modern times. My reasoning is that looting the national treasury for bailouts, grandiose "green" and "education" programs, and "reparations" will become endemic.
There are other factors: the champions of victimology enjoy more power than ever, and the American elite is more amoral than in all American history. The problem is further compounded by the fact that America's wealthy now favor the Democrats, and big business has figured out that they can make huge bucks for themeselves without free markets, and thus generate campaign revenue for Democrats.
the American elite is more amoral than in all American history
I doubt that. What has shifted is the context. Much more is possible now.
Don't forget the eagerness and machinations of FDR to involve the U.S. in the "great" war.
Markets in everything!
muirgeo phoning a Chicago radio station, imagine that!
A friend of mine had a novel idea. Amend the Constitution so that if you are entitled to some transfer benefits from the government (money or benefits that you did not give to get), you should be given a choice. Choose to receive benefits and forfeit your political power, i.e. your vote in Federal elections, or choose to retain your vote and not receive the benefits. That would remove some power from the champions of victimology.