by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director
Never let it be said that I cannot occasionally be misled, fooled or outright wrong about the subjects on which I write. Indeed, my batting average might be more akin to baseball when it comes to politics. A good hitter can fail seven out of ten times he comes to the plate and still be considered a decent player. Everything must be put into perspective.
On Dec. 31, 2008 I wrote a column (* link below) in which I said Roland Burris, the former Illinois Comptroller and Attorney General was basically a man of integrity. Burris was chosen by then-Governor Rod Blagojevich to fill the U.S. Senate vacated by Barack Obama. I received some criticism for my assessment of Burris' character and I'm sure there are some out there who are boldly saying, "I told you so." But my assessment of Burris was not based on partisan politics. Even though I am a social conservative and strongly disagree with many positions held by Democrats, including Burris, on issues like abortion, the right to bear arms, smaller government and lower taxes, my gut reaction to the man was positive.
Since I wrote the Dec. 31st commentary, we have learned some troubling things about Roland Burris that would give even his strongest supporters pause. It has come to light the newly appointed Illinois junior senator may have lied regarding Blagojevich's alleged bidding war for the Senate seat Burris now holds and, no matter how you cut it, if true, the allegations paint a very different picture of the man.
The call for Burris to vacate his Senate seat has been wide and bi-partisan. In fact, there are many who questioned whether Blagojevich had the legal and, most important, moral authority to appoint Burris to the U.S. Senate in the first place. Those who were against Burris' selection lost the legal battle, but it seems they may have been vindicated on the integrity issue because of the revelations which have recently been made public.
Probably the greatest indictment of Burris was issued from his own mouth and pointed out by state Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington). "What is clear that Roland Burris sidestepped his way through his testimony at the House impeachment committee last month." said Brady in a press release issued on February 18, 2009. "What is clear that his story has changed not once, not twice, but three times - going from having had no contact with any associates of disgraced ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich to having multiple conversations with the former governor's fundraiser and brother and others close to Blagojevich."
Brady, who many believe will make a gubernatorial run on the Republican ticket in Illinois in 2010, addressed Burris' dilemma very succinctly. But the criticism of Burris has been far and wide and not only from Brady or Republicans for that matter. To say the least, it does not look good for Burris' political prospects and the charges of illegality--including perjury--which may await Burris in the future.
But asking Burris to step down for political reasons alone would not cure the disease that permeates Illinois politics. It would be akin to putting a Band-Aid on a gun shot wound. Therefore, calls for Burris to resign his Senate seat are not the sole answer to the problem in any way.
However, what can cause an apparently good man to go bad? As in the case of Rod Blagojevich and former Illinois Governor George Ryan (who now sits in a federal prison), what is wrong with the political system in Illinois which is churning corruption out like Grade A butter.
If you will notice, I did not mention Ryan's political affiliation. For the record, he was a Republican and, supposedly, stood for all the fiscal and social issues members of the GOP are supposed to stand for. But something went wrong, drastically wrong and things keep going afoul with Illinois politicians from both of the two major political parties.
As I once wrote about Blagojevich, the impeached Governor didn't come up with the schemes that would match the acumen of notorious figures like Al Capone or John Gotti overnight. Like Pavlov's dogs, these men learned this behavior. It was something endemic from the political culture which they sprang forth.
Many believe Blagojevich--who is a product of the Chicago political machine, as is newly elected President Barack Obama--got on the wrong side of the wrong people, thereby losing the cover the embattled former governor may have had for such behavior in the past. One state Senator--who requested anonymity--told me as much. "This is how they learned to play the game in Illinois and until we change the system--which usually rewards this type of behavior--it will happen again and again."
Therefore, I agree with Brady and the call by many others for Burris to resign his Senate seat and at least give the impression to the American people our state is not a haven for a den of thieves. However, what is crystal clear is the fact Illinois politics is in need of deep, penetrating and complete reform. I'm not talking about political rhetoric, because reform is a word that has become a laughable cliché. The system is broken. In contrast, the saying goes, one bad apple can spoil the entire bunch. But in Illinois the reverse seems to be the rule of thumb. The political tree is bearing rotten fruit which is having the potential to destroy the best of men.
Am I saying Roland Burris was an innocent victim? Unequivocally "no" because the test of character is to withstand pressure others may put upon you to deviate from the good. The test of character is to try to heal that infected tree so it will bear good fruit in the future.
Obviously, that deceased political tree's roots run far and deep in Illinois. Some might say Illinois' political system has to be torn asunder from the roots, along with those whose mission is--and has been--to perpetuate its issuance of the foulest of fruit.
Do I believe Illinois is the most corrupt state in the nation, as an FBI agent implied to the affirmative at the press conference where allegations were levied against Rod Blagojevich by Patrick Fitzgerald, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois? No, I don't. My answer to that question would have been American politics is in need of a skillful physician. Indeed, these feelings are shared by a majority of United States citizens who believe elected officials rank right down there with some who have given bad reputations to honorable professions, including unscrupulous used car salesmen, lawyers and, once upon a time, the infamous TV repair man.
Sadly, Illinois seems to be only the tip of a political iceberg that has the potential to sink our nation, like the ill-fated Titanic who many believed was indestructible. Let's hope the call for reform is heard before the once Biblical "shining city on a hill" is turned into a worthless wasteland.
* Is Blagojevich Victim Of Witch Hunt? 12/31/08 by Dan Zanoza
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/12/is-blagojevich-victim-of-witch-hunt-illinois-conservative-leader-thinks-so-and-so-do-i.html
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It was once said, "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely." I truely believe Burris believes he has done nothing wrong, because he just played the game by Chicago rules. I do hope Burris and Blago have enough courage to bring others down with them.
Posted by: Charlie | February 23, 2009 at 09:53 PM