Pat Quinn, Please Make Up Your Mind!

I thought I had a small understanding of politics in general. However, but living here in Illinois especially this year, has been a great roller coaster ride; if you like those. Politics around here is quite unusual, taking the now newly appointed Governor Pat Quinn for instance, with each new day he appears to  change his position on Roland Burris. Just this past week Pat Quinn was calling on Rolland Burris to step down for the betterment of the State of Illinois. And now just yesterday, he is interviewed saying that if Rolland Burris will not step down, we will all have to get on with this, and move ahead!

So what is it exactly, if he won’t step down then ok, whatever !  So okay it’s just business as usual. Now Pat Quinn is calling for a special election for this senate seat. Isn’t that what was suggested at the very beginning?  When all who came to the podium to speak in those bleak days after Governor Blgojevich had been arrested, many things were suggested but the idea of special election was deemed way too costly as an alternative. So nothing was pursued by those who needed to pursue that avenue.

One can see that here in the state of Illinois, many things that have happened here have not happened anywhere else, and setting many a precedence.

There is only seven months to go until a regular election will need to take place. At that time the election will be newsworthy. But at this point in time, Pat Quinn and those in the Quinn camp need to just let Burris serve out the rest of the existing time left in the office. Perhaps if Illinois would stop putting themselves out there in the news and concentrate on doing only their own jobs and serving the citizens of Illinois, many of the problems can and most likely will quietly go away. I think that perhaps that is the best way to serve the citizens of  Illinois; serve!

After all, with what is looming on the horizon with the criminal prosecution of the fallen governor Blagojevich, and getting ready to brace ourselves for the release of the book about the inside and the dark side of politics that Blagojevich will pen. This will all be extremely interesting, hurtful, and yet another roller coaster ride! 

Just my thoughts, just my opinions,and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Blagojevich On Tour !

Disgraced Governor Blagojevich is currently “doing a tour” of shows for the expressed interest of swaying the general public on himself and his character and that of his job and finally recusing himself in the face of charges that he enacts “pay to play” schemes. He is accused of trying to sell the vacated  Senate seat of Barack Obama.

He has the right to not appear at the trial of his Senate Impeachment. He claims that it is not fair and that he cannot get a fair trial. His attorney’s did agree with them not showing up to the trial, and to boycott because the attorney’s could not mount a defense. Because they cannot know the identities of some of those who have appeared by way of voice on the tapes.  But only days ago lead attorney Edward  Genson resigned altogether as his attorney. Stating that the reason is that the beleaguered Governor would not listen to him.

Sam Adam, Jr. and his father Sam Adam, Sr. continue to back the Governor and will continue to represent him during the criminal trial when that takes place.

Most pundits believe that Blagojevich should make an appearance before the Senate to tout his case and state his opinions there instead of appearing on TV. But when he started to quote himself with the likes, of Martin Luther King, Jr.,Mandella, and Ghandi, I took a bit umbrage!  I think that is ridiculous!  And finally what is the most ridiculous thing of all, is this PR firm that is setting his plan of action, also represent the likes of Drew Peterson with whom we all know has a problem looking good in the public.

Gosh, I am so happy that I don’t work for a firm that wants me to improve the image of a man who is not worthy of it!

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Blagojevich Lawyers Quit!

Governor Blagojevgich’s lawyers have called the impeachment trial that looms before the Governor, a simple lynching!  His legal team announced on Friday that they will boycott the proceedings, lead by lawyer Edward Genson, and his team Sam Adam Jr. and his father Sam Adam, that will take place on January 26, 2009. The Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) said that the Governor can get another lawyer, if has not got one at the start of trial. He also stated that Blagojevich could even represent himself since he is also a lawyer.

Genson who recently argued that the Senate House rules render them ineffective as lawyers. They have no ability to call witnesses, they cannot know the identities of some of the “pay-to-play” parties involved. this making the lawyers unable to defend him at all! Adam Jr. and his father Sam Adam said that they could not represent without due process of the law and will not take part in a lynching!

Cullerton states that the rules mirror those rules that were used in the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, and therefore he defends them. Cullerton stated that impeachments are rare and a conviction even rarer. The Senate House Impeachment Panel was stunned when they heard of the lawyers dropping out of the proceedings. The panel has a jury then of 59 Senators who will then judge Blagojevich’s fate; lawyer or no!

When, however, the criminal proceedings take place. Genson and the Adams duo will be back on track for the Governor’s solid defense.

From now on, all states in the union of these United States should be taking notes, they may never know when or where the next ”political lynching” will happen. But it will be as it is here lead by one ”surreal Senate”!

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a comnversationalTone

Mary Caliendo

IL House Impeaches Blago!

This morning at about 9 a.m. the debates began to bring forth the possible impeachment of their governor. It did not take long, only three speakers spoke on the floor. The House figured that it was better to have less to say and get down to business.

The House then proceeded to vote. The vote came up not unanimous, however, it was 114-1. One vote went to No, and the other vote went to just “present”.  Just present means that Representative did not vote either way. The end result was impeachment.

The governor’s spokesperson said the governor still has no intention of stepping down. It has been apparent that Blagojevich is not throwing in the towel. He hired esteemed lawyer Gensen and he intends to fight stating that he will fight to the end, that he did nothing wrong.

The House members agreed with the exception of the two, that Blagojevich had betrayed the public trust, and he has betrayed his office, and that of his official oath. The vote today will now prompt the Senate to begin a trial as early as next week. Illinois House Members were hoping that Blagojevich would be encouraged to resign his position, and avoid the lengthy and very public trial.

In my opinion Governor Blagojevich may have gotten temped by sheer greed that may have been tethered on a cord right in front of him! And then my thoughts wander over to many a public official, not just in the state of Illinois, but anywhere USA, where I’d love to be a fly on the wall! I’m sure he isn’t the only and unfortunately, he won’t be the last!

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone

Mary Caliendo

Blagojevich Smarter Than You Think!

Blagojevich called the Democratic parties bluff!  Yes, he appointed Roland Burris. And he told everyone on the onset that he would not appoint the seat.

For his efforts the beleaguered Governor Blagojevich appears to be able to put another tally in his win column! He is smarter than the average bear, and has out-foxed them all!

Roland Burris; it looks like will be seated. Too bad for him, he missed all that fan-fair!  Burris has an outstanding record and is beyond reproach.  And in fairness to Burris alone, the Democrats are coming to the side of the 71 year old’s appointment.  Well being fair to Burris, is this fair to the citizens of Illinois?

We hope so; tough and hard-hitting Lisa Madigan came out and stated that  the Secretary of State does not need to sign off on the seat that this is nothing more than a rule; not law!    We will see what will happen in the nearest of futures as the new session is starting and newly sworn in senators will be present. So a trial can only begin after the fan-fair of the presidential inauguration!  That will be in late January at its soonest!

Impeachment for the governor should be done, before the inauguration! What’s your thoughts??

 

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and only in conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Roland Burris Turned Away

Today, with his lawyers at his side, Roland Burris went to Washington D.C. to attend his swearing in. As was predicted, Roland Burris was turned away. In a scene right out of a movie, paparazzi surrounded Burris, nearly tripping him as the smallish 71 year old pushed through the towering crowd around him.  The photographers and reporters tried to get some snippets of information and pictures. Amid the cold and rain, Roland Burris was then ushered to a podium containing TV/radio microphones.

Mr. Burris then stated that he would not make a scene, but contended to fight the fact that he was turned away and still remains unseated. Burris lawyer spoke briefly and said that he would keep the media “in the loop”, and let them know exactly what will happen in the case as soon as he could.

Mr. Burris says that he believes that he has been handled incorrectly, and that the rights of the Illinois public deserves better, and now goes without benefit of two Senators. A subsequent trial could take the next six months or more. It seems that the Democratic Party in Illinois is fractured.  Illinois the Land of honest Abe; has meant a lot to those who become aquainted with a public office and  now it  means that   public office has been shrowded in a cloud of black, and the memory of some will  live forever on the hearts and minds of those who count; the citizens of ILLinois.

We will watch as this case unfolds. And will blog with updated material when I read it.

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Illinois Senate Being Held Hostage?

In a recent move, accused Governor Rod Blgojevich filled the open Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama. Blogojevich appointed Roland Burris. Roland Burris has a long and great record of public service in Illinois. He has held three full terms as the state’s comptroller. He has served on many boards and committees and his record is beyond reproach.

Burris is 71 years old and has filed a motion to ask law makers in Illinois for a swift result to filling the seat. He has asked law makers to pass him through and he said that he is headed to Washington, and he feels that he currently is the Senate appointee. Secretary of State Jessie White is quoted as saying he will not certify the appointment even if he was his uncle or a bag of cement, he will not pass Burris through!  Rod Blagojevich is acting within the rights and responsibilities of the Governor of Illinois.

What happened to innocent until proven guilty?  Patrick Fitzgerald’s office released transcripts, but it is all talk. After all no deals had been made, no transactions took place.  The Governor could say he was just joking around!  All those on the taped cannot be included in the wrong doing, why? If you are approaching the Governor with the idea of corruption aren’t you as guilty as he? Was it just the deal with the hospital, or the roads?  Or are they just embarrassed because of the scandalous hospital board? Edward Hospital and officials turned the state upside down when arrest of Levgine, and ties to Rezcko. Who by the way, is laying very low. Wow could not implicate the governor in that one, just keep plugging on!  Set some stuff up?? Possible.

All I know is that the greed, the money, and the power are ever showing its head here in Illinois as well as other states.

In the meantime, the senate seat in Illinois is kind of sort of filled! Impeachment proceedings can start as soon as next week!  I think if Burris fights the opposition to the seat, court proceedings could drag on for one year!

Illinois Supreme Court who is holding the Senate seat hostage? Who is playing games now?

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Illinois Governorship In Question

Yesterday in the early morning hours of the morning, US Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald and the FBI took custody of the Governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich. The governor asked , Is this a joke? With the warrant in hand, he left and went before the judge and was charged with putting a price on the newly vacated Senate seat of Barack Obama.

Ever tarnished whether found guilty or not is this office.  Today Lt. Governor, Pat Quinn, who has distanced himself from Blago for a while now, stated to the effect of  the best thing that this governor can do is just step aside. It is best for our state, and that of the public interests.

He is also been accused of trying to get an editor or two fired at the Chicago Tribune Newspaper. It appears that the governor was using strong -arm tactics to force the hand of The Trib. to get rid of the editors because he did not like the stories that were being run about him. While listening to a spokesperson, Bruce Dold from the Editorial Board of the Trib. he simply stated that there are a lot of people that ask to have stories not run about them. This is not particularly unusual.

What however is unusual is, is the fact that the strong-arm tactics were being nudged by the governor himself! In what has continued to be over three years investigation the  only evidence appears that of taped conversations by way of the FBI started in early November of this year. The governor is still the governor of Illinois and still has the right and the power to choose this seat. It is unclear exactly what will take place regarding the open seat. It should, however, be filled by inauguration of Barack Obama in January. The best interests of the state need to be represented.

Is this just politics as usual or is this out of the ordinary? No, remember the state of Illinois already has an ex-governor in jail as we speak. George Ryan knew about Secretary of State giving  unlicensed drivers the right to drive in our state as well as the scam of kick backs and campaign money filtering. He knew so, now he is asking for clemency because his wife is frail. He has only served 19 months of his sentence. The answer should be a resounding NO!

Illinois wants a clean state. Illinois wants the bad guys to think twice if they want to run for office in this state! You better be on the straight and narrow if you think you will have an office here. No criminals or criminal thoughts allowed. Find another state.

Just my thoughts, just my opinions and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo