Illinois Govenor Who Suspends State Business With B of A Taken Into Federal Custody

So many things to say regarding this. So many questions, comments, etc.

I have zero faith in the whole election process. I believe whoever TPTB are, will put people in office they want no matter what. This is even more evident when I read about this Governor and that he was "elected" into office twice. Either those that voted for him are idiots or dont care....or the voters did not vote him him.

So many corrupt politicans in Illinois. And the Senator doesnt know about any of it? And if he did, has done NOTHING?? Or does he know and has turned a blind eye, because he is one of them?

How the heck can a state be SO messed up (crime, murders, in debt, crooked politicans, etc) and the Senator for it come out clean and get elected as President?? He had NO clue of the crap going on in his own state? I dont believe it!

I will admit, maybe I dont understand the position of Senator. Maybe if I did, I wouldnt think the things I think.

Also, I have talked to people I know in real life that live there....and even before the whole BoA debaucle....they were complaining and wanting this guy out. So, I too dont think that "this" is the conspiracy.

[edit on 12/9/2008 by greeneyedleo]

Just to clarify...Blag was waiting on a first payment of $500,000 with a Million to follow. He had made his choice for the appointment...some wealthy IL local yet to be named.

The feds heard that the appointment would be made in the next couple of days when the first payment cleared.

Why move now instead of waiting for Blag to make the appointment?

Because removing a Senator from office once they are appointed is HARD. Think of Senator Stephens from Alaska who was recently convicted on corruption charges, yet WAS STILL ABLE to run for re-election.

The Senate would need to impeach whoever was appointed and it would be a lot of craziness that the Feds avoided by shutting this down before the appointment.

They have Blag and the Senate Seat bidder (unidentified thus far) on tape and have plenty of evidence. They can prosecute without having to send the guy to the US Senate where he could remain...voting on laws and such...until the Senate got around to Impeachment proceedings.

Does this not make sense to anyone?

And yes...if they had let it happen...Fitz and others in the FBI would have lost their jobs.

reply to post by maybereal11

He had made his choice for the appointment...some wealthy IL local yet to be named.

Is this how Obama got into office then? Makes me wonder.
Hope this isnt off topic...but the red flags are just flying away for me.

*shrug*

Originally posted by greeneyedleo
So many things to say regarding this. So many questions, comments, etc.

I have zero faith in the whole election process. I believe whoever TPTB are, will put people in office they want no matter what. This is even more evident when I read about this Governor and that he was "elected" into office twice. Either those that voted for him are idiots or dont care....or the voters did not vote him him.

So many corrupt politicans in Illinois. And the Senator doesnt know about any of it? And if he did, has done NOTHING?? Or does he know and has turned a blind eye, because he is one of them?

How the heck can a state be SO messed up (crime, murders, in debt, crooked politicans, etc) and the Senator for it come out clean and get elected as President?? He had NO clue of the crap going on in his own state? I dont believe it!

I will admit, maybe I dont understand the position of Senator. Maybe if I did, I wouldnt think the things I think.

Also, I have talked to people I know in real life that live there....and even before the whole BoA debaucle....they were complaining and wanting this guy out. So, I too dont think that "this" is the conspiracy.

[edit on 12/9/2008 by greeneyedleo]

I believe, and the reason I didn't vote for him, was that Barack was a central figure in some of the corruption. I believe that there is a link between Barack and tony Rezko. So, I agree with you, keep in mind even though he was a US senator, he was apart of the Illinois State Senate first. As far as us in Illinois voting for him, I personally did not, however, I understand if people did. You have a choice: crook A, you know and has been your governor, or crook B, you don't know anything about. Who are you going to pick? That is what our options are in Illinois. The grandmaster of it all, IMO, Richard M. Daley, who IMO is affiliated with the Mafia. So maybe I should say the grandmaster of it all is the mafia.

Originally posted by greeneyedleo
So many things to say regarding this. So many questions, comments, etc.

I have zero faith in the whole election process. I believe whoever TPTB are, will put people in office they want no matter what. This is even more evident when I read about this Governor and that he was "elected" into office twice. Either those that voted for him are idiots or dont care....or the voters did not vote him him.

So many corrupt politicans in Illinois. And the Senator doesnt know about any of it? And if he did, has done NOTHING?? Or does he know and has turned a blind eye, because he is one of them?

How the heck can a state be SO messed up (crime, murders, in debt, crooked politicans, etc) and the Senator for it come out clean and get elected as President?? He had NO clue of the crap going on in his own state? I dont believe it!

I will admit, maybe I dont understand the position of Senator. Maybe if I did, I wouldnt think the things I think.

Also, I have talked to people I know in real life that live there....and even before the whole BoA debaucle....they were complaining and wanting this guy out. So, I too dont think that "this" is the conspiracy.

[edit on 12/9/2008 by greeneyedleo]

Not unfair questions and honestly I have given the Obama questions some thought. All I can say is that there are many honest people in IL. and some of them are in office. Chicago and its envrons are the hotbed for many of the bad apples. As I said earlier I think Daley sold his soul to the Devil or knows the Jedi mind trick because he has pulled some heavy handed stuff that you would not believe (Closing of Meigs field for one). So it's not impossible that Obama manage to get through the ranks of IL. politics somewhat clean (well as clean as any politican can get).

Lets wait and see what shakes out of Uncle Blago.

Dick Durban is now rallying for a special election because no appointment by this Governor can be thought of as legitimate.

Guys. I understand the differences in opinions on this subject. And I do "Get it" more than most. The BoA icident, in my own opinion, was grandstanding for public view. There IS a "way" that Illinois politics works and it's obscene and corrupt...and has been for quite a while.

Daley runs Chicago. He runs the Aldermen and Ward officers. He does this in the way his father taught him to. His father said to him "Rich, this is how it works..." and young Rich Daley did what Dad told him and lo and behold, he's been Mayor of Chicago for quite a while now.

The Cook County Board President John Stroger Jr listened to his father on how County politics is performed. John Stroger Sr said to him "John, this is how it works..." John Jr listened to his Pops and took his fathers seat as C.C Board President. (Look into that NOW folk, it will emerge down the road).

The Governor Blago was taken under the wing of his Father-in-Law, who said to him "Rod, this is how it works..." and Lo and behold....

Illinois politics is a different flavor, I can't stress that enough. You will be able to point to a LOT of corruption that this arrest will bring out as it spiderwebs across Illinois. I, for one, will not be suprised at any of it. I am expecting this to effect my suburban neighborhood and it will. People I know will be involved, I'm 100% sure.

So, please understand. I do "get it". I do see a bigger picture. But this thread needs to focus on what he was actually charged with, not what meandering paths YOU can see leading from it.

He was charged with conspiracy to take bribes and committing wire and mail fraud. Those charges stem from wiretapped conversations that he made regarding taking a lot of money for the seat in the Senate vacated by the President-elect, Barack Obama. Not money to go to the State of Illinois and benefit it's people, but, to set up his and his wife's (Daughter to Rep. Dick Mell, remember) positions after leaving office. Positions within the Union for him, Not-for-Profit corp. positions for his wife.

That's fact, not supposition.
Cuhail

Originally posted by Cuhail
reply to post by ugie1028

 

All of the sudden and Out of the blue is your view only. Those of us that LIVE HERE in Illinois and are affected by his running of the State see it and HAVE seen it for years now. This isn't new, it's about time.

They HAVE backed him into a corner. A very treacherous corner. ANYBODY he appoints is going to have a very close look taken at them. This may just open up the sinkhole and expose a lot more than what- you who don't live in this Illinois jungle- may even believe.

State contracts are going to be investigated (Blago). County contracts are going to be scrutinized (John Stroger Jr.). City contracts are going to be scrutinized (Daley and the Ward bosses).

You all are going to get a glimpse of what we deal with everyday here in Illinois. This is three + years into the investigations and it's still just the surface being swept. You will all be amazed at how it "works" here, trust me.

Cuhail

Hi I am home, yes just the beginning, this is why I was so afraid of an Obama presidency.

OH the information coming out is amazing, get back with it later,.

reply to post by Cuhail


I hope your right. I hope they take down the whole crime network. Trust me Im routing for you guys up there. We just have a difference of opinion on what set it all off. The end game we pretty much agree on.

reply to post by Ryanp5555


Well, "they" are calling Illinois the most corrupt state in the America

Really? The most corrupt? I mean, I have heard a zillion complaints from those I know who live there....but obviousy didnt know how bad it really was until - this broke. And those very people screamed so loudly that Obama comes from the same plate, etc.

So, why didnt the Senator start cracking down on all these corrupte people? He HAD to have known about it all. Right?

Again, I will admit, I may not know enough about the position. And my mind could be just running in a zillion different conpsiracy circles right now so, I could be way out in left field.

Just the thoughts im having while this all unfolds.

Originally posted by mybigunit
reply to post by Cuhail

 

I hope your right. I hope they take down the whole crime network. Trust me Im routing for you guys up there. We just have a difference of opinion on what set it all off. The end game we pretty much agree on.

Yup. I agree with Helmkat too, it IS possible to make your way through Chicago politics clean. It very well may be that Obama et al aren't as involved as some people would think.

Either way, regardless of what set this off, regardless of timing, I hope that they wipe the board and get rid of anyone even remotely involved. If that includes our president-elect and the man I voted for ... so be it.

Then again ... we will just get new crooks in to replace the old ones anyways

Ah the good ol' Chicago political machine.

Originally posted by greeneyedleo

So many corrupt politicans in Illinois. And the Senator doesnt know about any of it? And if he did, has done NOTHING?? Or does he know and has turned a blind eye, because he is one of them?

[edit on 12/9/2008 by greeneyedleo]

Fair question.

My honest opinion. Obama "survived" Chicago Politics. He didn't involve himself in the "machinery" here because frankly he had ambitions to move further along and didn't want the baggage. Was he "aware" of the corruption in Chicago politics? Most certainly...Everyone down to to Janitors at city hall is "aware" of the corruption, but he avoided it like the plague, his only failing was Tony Rezko convincing him that he could help him buy his home. Obama has already said he thinks that was very poor judgement on his part. Beyond that Obama did not "pay-to-play" but rather advanced on the outskirts of the machinery as best he could.

It should be noted again that Blag is qouted in the wire-taps calling Obama a "mother(bleeper)" and saying "(Bleep) him" when it became clear that Obama wasn't willing to offer anything beyond "his appreciation" if Blag appointed his recommendation.

Originally posted by greeneyedleo
reply to post by Ryanp5555

 

Well, "they" are calling Illinois the most corrupt state in the America

Really? The most corrupt? I mean, I have heard a zillion complaints from those I know who live there....but obviousy didnt know how bad it really was until - this broke. And those very people screamed so loudly that Obama comes from the same plate, etc.

So, why didnt the Senator start cracking down on all these corrupte people? He HAD to have known about it all. Right?

Again, I will admit, I may not know enough about the position. And my mind could be just running in a zillion different conpsiracy circles right now

so, I could be way out in left field.

Just the thoughts im having while this all unfolds.

exactly. What I am baffled at is if he is going to "change" america, why didn't he change the state of illinois, at ALL?

Fair question.

My honest opinion. Obama "survived" Chicago Politics. He didn't involve himself in the "machinery" here because frankly he had ambitions to move further along and didn't want the baggage. Was he "aware" of the corruption in Chicago politics? Most certainly...Everyone down to to Janitors at city hall is "aware" of the corruption, but he avoided it like the plague, his only failing was Tony Rezko convincing him that he could help him buy his home. Obama has already said he thinks that was very poor judgement on his part. Beyond that Obama did not "pay-to-play" but rather advanced on the outskirts of the machinery as best he could.

It should be noted again that Blag is qouted in the wire-taps calling Obama a "mother(bleeper)" and saying "(Bleep) him" when it became clear that Obama wasn't willing to offer anything beyond "his appreciation" if Blag appointed his recommendation.

Thanks for your honest answer. It helps me sort out all of my thoughts on all of this

[edit on 12/9/2008 by greeneyedleo]

reply to post by maybereal11


Awesome post and duly noted!


Especially the part where the gov is recorded being upset that Obama WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY KICKBACKS for the office.

Originally posted by Fiverz


Then again ... we will just get new crooks in to replace the old ones anyways

Ah the good ol' Chicago political machine.

See? This is the reaction of the typical Illinoisan.

"Yeah, whatever, who's the next crook gonna be, eh?"

Illinoisans know that the odds are stacked against them and do hope there are widespread arrests and indictments just so we can put some faith in our state government. We don't choose the crooks we are left to vote for and there's a possibilty that the next guy is NOT a crook, but, current politics in Illinois almost makes the elected official HAVE to go crooked just to get stuff done. THAT'S the problem. Blago did so, but, got greedy and spooked by his own family's money issues and attempted to solidify his place in Illinois Politics after his leaving office.

...It's almost as if the political scene in Illinois makes crooks as much as supports them. THAT'S why this clean up has to happen. I for one, applaud it as a good start.

But just a start.

Cuhail

Ho Ho Ho - pass the ammo - it appears King GEORGE needs another ass whooping...

reply to post by maybereal11

My honest opinion. Obama "survived" Chicago Politics. He didn't involve himself in the "machinery" here because frankly he had ambitions to move further along and didn't want the baggage.

Your opinion seems logical and very reasonable and probably even correct. However, I wonder if anybody has dirt on Obama when he was green behind the ears. Just wondering. And now that this governor is being charged, Is he capable of bringing down a lot of people with him? I am just about certain this guy has connections and could take down many people if he chose to do so. Just curious question to your admirable opinion.

Originally posted by Ryanp5555
exactly. What I am baffled at is if he is going to "change" america, why didn't he change the state of illinois, at ALL?

The only thing I can think of is if he is clean (which is something that I do somewhat doubt now, and I did vote for him) ... that he didn't get involved at all so as to avoid having any ties whatsoever. You know the machine, if he had presidential ambitions and tried to clean up Chicago there is a very good chance he'd have to get his hands dirty and appoint a judge to his cabinet in order to put away a governor or help out the police in some way to take down an alderman. It seems like his entire campaign the only ghost in his closet politically is Rezko (and it's a tenuous link at best). I wouldn't doubt that he purposely focused on community projects that were under the radar from the majority of the corruption.

We'll just have to see how it all plays out.

One thing I've already thought out. What happens if Blago leaks something that Obama did ... right before is to be sworn in ... that would certainly throw this country for a loop ...

reply to post by maybereal11



Ummmm...

Look into who actually sold Barack his house and how much under market value he paid.

Recognizable names and it isn't Resko.

I'll look for a link.

Cuhail

(EDIT to add)

www.washingtonpost.com...

It's less in-depth that I had hoped, but, Michelle Obama used her influence deftly, finding the house and buying it. It's quite off-topic, but, I offer it so people can see that politics is a process in Illinois. It comes with perks and pitfalls. (depending, of course, how you "roll")

C


[edit on 12/9/2008 by Cuhail]

Originally posted by Cuhail
See? This is the reaction of the typical Illinoisan.

"Yeah, whatever, who's the next crook gonna be, eh?"

Illinoisans know that the odds are stacked against them and do hope there are widespread arrests and indictments just so we can put some faith in our state government. We don't choose the crooks we are left to vote for and there's a possibilty that the next guy is NOT a crook, but, current politics in Illinois almost makes the elected official HAVE to go crooked just to get stuff done. THAT'S the problem. Blago did so, but, got greedy and spooked by his own family's money issues and attempted to solidify his place in Illinois Politics after his leaving office.

...It's almost as if the political scene in Illinois makes crooks as much as supports them. THAT'S why this clean up has to happen. I for one, applaud it as a good start.

But just a start.

Cuhail

Yup, star for you. Our state government is so bad that people (like me) can't even take an arrest at face value ... we have to think there is something corrupt about the very act itself!

I love the city and would never leave it (unless a job forced me elsewhere). The politics here are just like a wart ... they bug the crap out of you, but it's not worth the enormous amount of time and pain to get it removed. Best just to ignore it and move on.

EDIT: Wow upon re-reading my post that is a sad thing to say.

And even sadder that I see no reason to edit it out. Because it's the truth.

[edit on 12/9/2008 by Fiverz]