Your humble Colonel had thought he was quite close to being at a loss for words. The levels to which the occupant of the Oval Office has sunk, as he seems to head, with breakneck speed toward ... what? Even my nemesis, FDR, for all his warped vision of what this country should become, had limits.
But this ... this parody of a President ... this twenty-first century Nero ...
If he is nothing more then a fool who is well and truly above their station in life, perhaps there would be some sort of recourse. Even a fool, at some point must listen to reason, admit they are out of their league, turn the reigns of power over to others.
Sadly, I am of the opinion, though he may be foolish, he is not a fool. Rather, Obama is what he is, evil. No, not the kind of evil found in horror stories, monsters attacking unsuspecting villagers. Or the despots along the lines of Mao, or Pol Pot, whose evil was clear, plain to see by even the most casual observer of the world stage.
Obama's evil is the most insidious, and vile. For not only does he not consider himself to be evil, neither does he feel what he is doing (or proposes to do) is wrong in the least. And wither it is a willful ignorance on his part or that which comes from having to believe in the lie which is modern day liberalism, matters not.
I imagine most of the people he asked to accept positions with in his cabinet, or to become heads of various agencies, that declined the offers, did so not only to cover their own backsides. Some of them had to be aware of what Obama, his administration, and both the Senate and House, were going to do with this country. If not the specifics, at least the overall gist of what was to come. And what little conscience, soul, or love of country, cried out. And they listened to it.
At least what little optimist still resides in me, would like to believe that's true.
So, dear reader, you wonder why I have been away for these past few weeks? Why there have been no comments on what seems to be the ever increasing tide of what can only be described as insanity, by our elected officials of every stripe?
Maybe it's the way in which Obama treats our allies when they come to visit
Then there is the actions of our newly minted Secretary of State, as she trapes across the mid-east, and the former Soviet Socialist Republic
And there is always the diversion tactic. Attacking those who would speak candidly about your policies, procedures, and goals. Especially when your sycophantic press corp is always ready to follow your lead in matters such as this.
Then there are my personal top three favorites (subject to change):
* Government Bailout of Major Banks, Insurance Corps, and Lending Institutions.
* Proposal to have Veterans pay for treatment of injuries.
* House Bill HR875 - Controlling all aspects of production/processing of foodstuffs - Effectively killing off the independent farmer/farmer's markets/organic farming.
Individually, non of these would have been mind numbing enough to stop me from commenting. My mistake, was in waiting to see how this "President" and his administration would fare in their first 100 days. Sadly, and perhaps all too predictably, he has shown the people of this great nation, along with friends and enemies, world wide, he is nothing more then a poser. A cardboard cutout, of a man, a leader, a president. And we are far worse then being poorer for it. Our civilization, our American way of life, is heading full steam toward oblivion, self induced extinction.
Individually, non of the above examples would be enough to accomplish this. (Cripple, yes, but we as a people are resilient enough to make it through any one of the above calamities.) But collectively, repairing the damages caused by these actions is a task even Sisyphus would have shied away from. And thus my pen was stilled. My anger, outrage, and pain, raw and open to close to the heart. Words failed.
And so I stare with disbelief at the arrogance, hubris, and ignorance being openly displayed on almost a daily basis from our elected officials and their agents. Numbed to the very core of my spectral being. And at long last, find a sense of urgency strong enough to breach any and all emotions which had held my pen at bay.
For at the executive level, Nero fiddles anew! And as for (a curse on!!!) both your Houses ... We need not fear the barbarians outside, for the legislative barbarians from within are keen to open the gates for them.
I remain, ever spinning,
The Colonel
Crossposted at Big Dick's Place because a lot of folks over there remember my old paper back when it actually had "stones".
1/22/09
Freedom of Speech
Taking a brief respite from politics here at home. Never fear, I have faith in our national (and local) leaders in that they will be causing me to spin at an ever higher rate soon enough. And thus find their latest bit of stupidity opined about here.
Now to the matter at hand.
We, in this country, have a very high regard toward our bill of rights. Enough so even the politically correct crowd has to use incramentalism in their attempts to whittle them down.
Our first amendment, which holds in part, our right to speak freely against our government and other institutions without fear of reprisal, is perhaps the one held most dearly to our collective bosom. For all sides of the political spectrum have used it as their shield in advancing their thoughts, platforms, and or points of view. It is well woven into the national fabric.
Other nations have also felt they are privy to this "inalienable right". Alas, many are finding out their governments, specifically the judicial "branches", do not feel the same. And only in the case of either massive public outcry or massive amounts of time and money, are there ever positive outcomes (the recent actions in Canada come to mind).
Sadly, the Dutch seem to have fallen pray to those who would seek to have their "freedom to speak their minds" snuffed out under the blanket of censorship. All under the guise of that politically correct generated farce known as 'hate speech".
Why, you may ask, does this bother me? It is because of a number of things.
Firstly, in my time on earth, I took great pride and pleasure in publishing "The Worlds Greatest Newspaper"; The Chicago Tribune. My personal views manifested themselves quite readily in what the paper presented to the public, and on the editorial pages. I was often at odds with the FDR administration, the Democratic Party, Communism, and any number of other persons, places, and things. However, at no time did I need worry about being censured or about finding myself in chains. carried off to some darkened cell, to await what may come. This is not to say we were not above self censorship. Indeed, when asked (that being the key) to hold back on printing such information as would be detrimental to our winning the war, we did so. But being "forced" ... never, sir, never!
Secondly, since the years have past, while I watched the ways of man continue on after my passing, I began to see the most hideous of beasts find form and substance upon the land. It goes under the guise of "we are all really equal and this being true, are deserving of equal respect". The name of this beast, and that of it's equally despicable cousins; "Political Correctness" and "Diversity/Multiculturalism".
It is in the willful adherence to and following of these three, we may very well see the downfall of not only our great nation, but what is left of western civilization as well. These demons (and demons Screwtape and his ilk are well fond of to be sure) are what lay the groundwork for "hate crimes" legislation. (Double Jeopardy any one?) They ultimately demand "respect" be given to individuals, causes, and groups which are, by our standards, not worthy of same.
Islam, seeks to find its way into the mainstream of western culture. Once it archives this (and it all but nearly has) it will move into it's second phase. That would be the "molding" of our culture, our rules, our laws to conform to the accepted and proscribed Islamic way of doing things. Political Correctness, Diversity, and Multiculturalism, are the main weapons which Islam and its followers are using to achieve this end. Based on what is occurring even now in Europe, and quite possibly will be happening soon here in America, they are well into the second phase.
The third and final phase, ironically enough, is the abandoning of these demonic pests. For there is no place in Islam for anything which falls outside of its form and function. You must either convert or die (or pay a "tax", assume second hand citizenship status, and slowly die that way). There are no other options. In fact, getting back to "Freedom of Speech", no worries there ... as long as it conforms to "the will of Allah" as sanctioned by the local Iman, you can say anything you want... assuming you are a man ... of Islamic faith ...
Now to the matter at hand.
We, in this country, have a very high regard toward our bill of rights. Enough so even the politically correct crowd has to use incramentalism in their attempts to whittle them down.
Our first amendment, which holds in part, our right to speak freely against our government and other institutions without fear of reprisal, is perhaps the one held most dearly to our collective bosom. For all sides of the political spectrum have used it as their shield in advancing their thoughts, platforms, and or points of view. It is well woven into the national fabric.
Other nations have also felt they are privy to this "inalienable right". Alas, many are finding out their governments, specifically the judicial "branches", do not feel the same. And only in the case of either massive public outcry or massive amounts of time and money, are there ever positive outcomes (the recent actions in Canada come to mind).
Sadly, the Dutch seem to have fallen pray to those who would seek to have their "freedom to speak their minds" snuffed out under the blanket of censorship. All under the guise of that politically correct generated farce known as 'hate speech".
A Dutch court has ordered prosecutors to put a right-wing politician on trial for making anti-Islamic statements.
Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders made a controversial film last year equating Islam with violence and has likened the Koran to Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf.
"In a democratic system, hate speech is considered so serious that it is in the general interest to... draw a clear line," the court in Amsterdam said.
Mr Wilders said the judgement was an "attack on the freedom of expression".
"Participation in the public debate has become a dangerous activity. If you give your opinion, you risk being prosecuted," he said.
Not only he, but all Dutch citizens opposed to the "Islamisation" of their country would be on trial, Mr Wilders warned.
"Who will stand up for our culture if I am silenced?" he added.
'Incitement'
The three judges said that they had weighed Mr Wilders's "one-sided generalisations" against his right to free speech, and ruled that he had gone beyond the normal leeway granted to politicians.
"The Amsterdam appeals court has ordered the prosecution of member of parliament Geert Wilders for inciting hatred and discrimination, based on comments by him in various media on Muslims and their beliefs," the court said in a statement.
"The court also considers appropriate criminal prosecution for insulting Muslim worshippers because of comparisons between Islam and Nazism made by Wilders," it added.
The court's ruling reverses a decision last year by the public prosecutor's office, which said Mr Wilders's comments had been made outside parliament as a contribution to the debate on Islam in Dutch society and that no criminal offence had been committed.
Prosecutors said on Wednesday that they could not appeal against the judgement and would open an investigation immediately.
Gerard Spong, a prominent lawyer who pushed for Mr Wilders's prosecution, welcomed the court's decision."This is a happy day for all followers of Islam who do not want to be tossed on the garbage dump of Nazism," he told reporters.
Source:BBC News
Why, you may ask, does this bother me? It is because of a number of things.
Firstly, in my time on earth, I took great pride and pleasure in publishing "The Worlds Greatest Newspaper"; The Chicago Tribune. My personal views manifested themselves quite readily in what the paper presented to the public, and on the editorial pages. I was often at odds with the FDR administration, the Democratic Party, Communism, and any number of other persons, places, and things. However, at no time did I need worry about being censured or about finding myself in chains. carried off to some darkened cell, to await what may come. This is not to say we were not above self censorship. Indeed, when asked (that being the key) to hold back on printing such information as would be detrimental to our winning the war, we did so. But being "forced" ... never, sir, never!
Secondly, since the years have past, while I watched the ways of man continue on after my passing, I began to see the most hideous of beasts find form and substance upon the land. It goes under the guise of "we are all really equal and this being true, are deserving of equal respect". The name of this beast, and that of it's equally despicable cousins; "Political Correctness" and "Diversity/Multiculturalism".
It is in the willful adherence to and following of these three, we may very well see the downfall of not only our great nation, but what is left of western civilization as well. These demons (and demons Screwtape and his ilk are well fond of to be sure) are what lay the groundwork for "hate crimes" legislation. (Double Jeopardy any one?) They ultimately demand "respect" be given to individuals, causes, and groups which are, by our standards, not worthy of same.
Islam, seeks to find its way into the mainstream of western culture. Once it archives this (and it all but nearly has) it will move into it's second phase. That would be the "molding" of our culture, our rules, our laws to conform to the accepted and proscribed Islamic way of doing things. Political Correctness, Diversity, and Multiculturalism, are the main weapons which Islam and its followers are using to achieve this end. Based on what is occurring even now in Europe, and quite possibly will be happening soon here in America, they are well into the second phase.
The third and final phase, ironically enough, is the abandoning of these demonic pests. For there is no place in Islam for anything which falls outside of its form and function. You must either convert or die (or pay a "tax", assume second hand citizenship status, and slowly die that way). There are no other options. In fact, getting back to "Freedom of Speech", no worries there ... as long as it conforms to "the will of Allah" as sanctioned by the local Iman, you can say anything you want... assuming you are a man ... of Islamic faith ...
1/19/09
Tomorrow: The beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning?
Tomorrow the 44th President of the United States is sworn in. And although the media, various other pundits, PACs, celebrities, academia, and of course fellow travelers on the progressive highway (that's politicians to the left of center, for those taking notes), will be doing everything but laying palm fronds down on at HIS feet while singing Hosannas ... it should be noted he is after all is said and done, nothing more (or less) then "just a man".
No one really knows what is in his heart of hearts. No one knows where he will lead (In fact, if he will be capable of "leading" at all.) the great nation over the course of the next four years. To be sure, there has been speculation from all sides of the political spectrum. Your (not so) humble spirit has made more then a few noises along these lines himself. The truth is, we just don't know.
He has, from the onset of his political career, failed to make a major impression period. This is as true at the State level (as a junior Illinois State Senator), as it was at the US Senate. During his rise to the nomination as the Democratic Presidential candidate, up to his formal swearing-in tomorrow, his stance on any given issue has been as clear as fog. You can make a case for almost any side of any major issue by "cutting and pasting" from his speeches/interviews.
There has been (as noted here and any number of other outlets on the net) no major investigation into the man's past. Or in depth coverage of his friendships/associations/business dealings. Or if there has been, they have not been made public in their entirety.
This country, for what ever reason(s), has seen fit to elect to the highest office of the most powerful nation on God's green earth, an unknown! We suspect, by the individuals he has brought to the fore as part of his cabinet, he will be , at best, just to the left of center (much like the Clintons). This shade of publishing past, fears he will be far, far more to the left of that.
His agenda will bring about the end of this "Representative Republic", ushering in not "An American Empire" as some suggest, the deconstruction of the "American Dream". In other words, the end of the sovereign nation, and the attempted beginning of Globalization (most likely via the UN and or the World Court).
Realizing the world is inhabited by many who care not a wit, for Western Civilization, or the rule of law as proscribed by said civilization, I strongly suspect we are on the brink of a conflict such as the world has never witnessed. And may never witness again.
Come tomorrow, even while the barbarians are at the gate, we will have given the keys to the kingdom not to one who seeks to meet the challenges before him (and us) pitting the best of human nature, the combined knowledge of the greatest civilization to have graced this earth, and his own honor and dedication to uphold the oath his is about to swear ... as did Washington ... as did Lincoln ... as did Regan. Noble and honorable men all.
No we have before us ... a fool. Who would do well to remember, as he seems intent on becoming Caesar ... the words of one who is not a pretender to the throne ... "for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
I remain, ever spinning,
The Col.
Cross posted here
No one really knows what is in his heart of hearts. No one knows where he will lead (In fact, if he will be capable of "leading" at all.) the great nation over the course of the next four years. To be sure, there has been speculation from all sides of the political spectrum. Your (not so) humble spirit has made more then a few noises along these lines himself. The truth is, we just don't know.
He has, from the onset of his political career, failed to make a major impression period. This is as true at the State level (as a junior Illinois State Senator), as it was at the US Senate. During his rise to the nomination as the Democratic Presidential candidate, up to his formal swearing-in tomorrow, his stance on any given issue has been as clear as fog. You can make a case for almost any side of any major issue by "cutting and pasting" from his speeches/interviews.
There has been (as noted here and any number of other outlets on the net) no major investigation into the man's past. Or in depth coverage of his friendships/associations/business dealings. Or if there has been, they have not been made public in their entirety.
This country, for what ever reason(s), has seen fit to elect to the highest office of the most powerful nation on God's green earth, an unknown! We suspect, by the individuals he has brought to the fore as part of his cabinet, he will be , at best, just to the left of center (much like the Clintons). This shade of publishing past, fears he will be far, far more to the left of that.
His agenda will bring about the end of this "Representative Republic", ushering in not "An American Empire" as some suggest, the deconstruction of the "American Dream". In other words, the end of the sovereign nation, and the attempted beginning of Globalization (most likely via the UN and or the World Court).
Realizing the world is inhabited by many who care not a wit, for Western Civilization, or the rule of law as proscribed by said civilization, I strongly suspect we are on the brink of a conflict such as the world has never witnessed. And may never witness again.
Come tomorrow, even while the barbarians are at the gate, we will have given the keys to the kingdom not to one who seeks to meet the challenges before him (and us) pitting the best of human nature, the combined knowledge of the greatest civilization to have graced this earth, and his own honor and dedication to uphold the oath his is about to swear ... as did Washington ... as did Lincoln ... as did Regan. Noble and honorable men all.
No we have before us ... a fool. Who would do well to remember, as he seems intent on becoming Caesar ... the words of one who is not a pretender to the throne ... "for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
I remain, ever spinning,
The Col.
Cross posted here
1/9/09
Senator Durbin; Living Proof Brainless Humanoids Exist!!!
What IS a spirit to do??? Here I was trying to fine tune part two of my commentary about our State's slip sliding away from "rule of law" (Not that the politicos in this State were ever all that fond of it to begin with.) and heading ever closer toward mass confusion. I would ended the last sentence with "anarchy", but that would be much to kind a word for what passes for parliamentary procedure and polite political process/discourse ... great God Almighty! Is this really the state which gave our great nation Lincoln and Reagan???
Even now, my high rate of rpm aside, my hands are shaking ... were I still alive, my blood pressure would be high enough to bring about my demise. This was brought about while reading this. Specifically, when I reached the following ...
It is my opinion, one that is confirmed time after time this cretin (and I know, this is grossly unfair to cretins everywhere), otherwise known as the senior Senator from Illinois Richard "but I prefer to be just a Dick" Durbin (D), opens his mouth. You bloated, sanctimonious, self-serving, political parasite! It IS the Illinois Supreme Courts right to reach any conclusion (with in the law) it desires. And no, you poor pandering creature masquerading as a sentient being, IT is EXACTLY the question of Illinois law and statutes being met!!! And the states constitution has been served.
And as long as these have been met, according to the very US Constitution you are sworn to uphold and protect, Burris (or anyone else for that matter) is entitled to the Senate seat in question. AND THERE ISN'T A DAMNED THING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!!
Yes, I am steamed, boiling mad.
Do us all , living or dead, a very big favor Senator Durbin ... Sit DOWN sir, and shut the HELL UP!!
I remain, spinning at hyper-sonic speed,
The Col.
Even now, my high rate of rpm aside, my hands are shaking ... were I still alive, my blood pressure would be high enough to bring about my demise. This was brought about while reading this. Specifically, when I reached the following ...
"That is of course the Illinois Court's right and responsibility to reach that conclusion," Durbin said. "However, there is more to the story. It isn't just a question of whether Illinois law is met. It isn't a question of whether the Illinois Constitution has been served but whether the actions taken are sufficient for the person to be appointed to fill the vacancy under the rules of the United States Senate where I serve."Source: Chicagobreakingnews.com
It is my opinion, one that is confirmed time after time this cretin (and I know, this is grossly unfair to cretins everywhere), otherwise known as the senior Senator from Illinois Richard "but I prefer to be just a Dick" Durbin (D), opens his mouth. You bloated, sanctimonious, self-serving, political parasite! It IS the Illinois Supreme Courts right to reach any conclusion (with in the law) it desires. And no, you poor pandering creature masquerading as a sentient being, IT is EXACTLY the question of Illinois law and statutes being met!!! And the states constitution has been served.
And as long as these have been met, according to the very US Constitution you are sworn to uphold and protect, Burris (or anyone else for that matter) is entitled to the Senate seat in question. AND THERE ISN'T A DAMNED THING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!!
Yes, I am steamed, boiling mad.
Do us all , living or dead, a very big favor Senator Durbin ... Sit DOWN sir, and shut the HELL UP!!
I remain, spinning at hyper-sonic speed,
The Col.
1/6/09
The Unraveling of a State: Rule of Law vs Anarchy (part 1)
The holidays having "officially" passed, tis time to return to such mundane activities, as a spirit (or more corporal being) is want to do. And so, in order to assuage my rapid rotations, we return to the cesspool which is politics in Illinois.
By now, you are all well aware of Governor Blagojevich's tenuous hold on the Governorship of this State. And I assume you are also up to speed on who he has selected as the new "junior Senator", Mr. Roland Burris.
However, before we expound on all this, first a bit of "legalese":
And
And finally this.
Now that little bit of housekeeping is settled, let us continue.
We have a State whose chief executive is sinking ever deeper into what appears to be a legal pit of no return. Destined for (barring a "rigged jury") a not so pleasant stay at the nearest Federal Penitentiary. Said Governor is also under increasing pressure from those within his political party, what is left of the states Republican party, the media (More so because of the scent of blood then for any noble calling ... their nay-saying to the contrary.), and the current heir-apparent(s) to the media (the internet denizens-fellow travelers all), to either resign and or face impeachment. Odds are resignation will not happen, but the impeachment process is another thing altogether. The groundwork is already being done, and it is only a matter of "when" and not "if" it will occur.
This being said, Blagojevich is STILL the residing Governor of the (once) Great State of Illinois. And as such, has the legal authority to select and or appoint anyone of his choosing to fill the vacant Senate seat. Like it or not, this is "what is". It is the law of the land and he is not outside of his authority in any way shape or form to do so.
It should be noted on the 9th of December, very shortly after Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges, US Senate majority leader Harry Reid, in light of the Governors attempted "selling to the highest bidder" the vacated US Senate seat; "that Senate Democrats would not seat any appointment he made. Reid's warning was contained in a letter signed by all 50 sitting Democratic senators."
So using this authority, on the 30th of December, the Governor holds a press conference. Blagojevich does not (so it appears) pick one of the candidates who has been on the radar of the federal prosecutor. He picks,instead, Roland Burris.
Mr. Burris served as Comptroller of Illinois from 1979 to 1991 and as Attorney General of Illinois from 1991 to 1995. Though his politics sharply differ from mine, there is nothing at this point precluding him from being selected for the vacant Senate seat. At least as far as criminal charges go. And that is all this or any other Governor need worry about ... or so it would seem ...
This last bit brings us to an even bigger den of thieves, lairs, scoundrels, and ne're-do-wells, residing in that most corruptible of cesspools, this side of the United Nations, the United States Senate.
As stated above, we have according to Constitutional and Illinois statutes a legally selected and appointed Senator. Yet those infected with the most vile strain of Hubris ever to be seen since the fall of the Roman Empire, would not have the common courtesy of reviewing the mans "bona fides", then let him assume his rightfully appointed position.
We are either a nation which abides by "rule of law" or we are not. We are either a nation which affords equal protection, representation, adherence, of existing law and status, regardless of ones "station" or status, or we are not.
Burris deserves to be seated. He came to his present status by right and proper means, regardless who may have set the process in motion. To do less does nothing more then further unravel this Republics constitutional fabric. For if the highest legislative body of the land would willfully ignore "rule of law" in order to satisfy some manner of political posturing or one upmanship, only draws us closer to every man feeling they are rightfully entitled to become "a law unto themselves". And Anarchy, the idealistic bastard cousin to Communism, is not where in my most harrowing of nightmares, I would ever wish this great nation to fall pray to.
By now, you are all well aware of Governor Blagojevich's tenuous hold on the Governorship of this State. And I assume you are also up to speed on who he has selected as the new "junior Senator", Mr. Roland Burris.
However, before we expound on all this, first a bit of "legalese":
Prevailing practice is for state governors to fill Senate vacancies by appointment, with the appointee serving until a special election has been held, at which time the appointment expires immediately. In the event a seat becomes vacant between the time of a general election and the expiration of the term, however, the appointee usually serves the balance of the term, until the next regularly scheduled general election. This practice originated with the constitutional provision that applied prior to the popular election of senators, under which governors were directed to make temporary appointments when state legislatures were in recess. It was intended to ensure continuity in a state’s Senate representation during the lengthy intervals between state legislative sessions.
Source: House and Senate Vacancies: How Are They Filled?
And
Procedures governing vacancies in the Senate were initially established by Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution, as later amended by paragraph 2 of the 17th Amendment.
When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided that the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.
Source: "United States Constitution"
And finally this.
Sec. 25-8. When a vacancy shall occur in the office of United States Senator from this state, the Governor shall make temporary appointment to fill such vacancy until the next election of representatives in Congress, at which time such vacancy shall be filled by election, and the senator so elected shall take office as soon thereafter as he shall receive his certificate of election.
Source: ARTICLE 25. RESIGNATIONS AND VACANCIES
(10 ILCS 5/25-8) (from Ch. 46, par. 25-8)
Now that little bit of housekeeping is settled, let us continue.
We have a State whose chief executive is sinking ever deeper into what appears to be a legal pit of no return. Destined for (barring a "rigged jury") a not so pleasant stay at the nearest Federal Penitentiary. Said Governor is also under increasing pressure from those within his political party, what is left of the states Republican party, the media (More so because of the scent of blood then for any noble calling ... their nay-saying to the contrary.), and the current heir-apparent(s) to the media (the internet denizens-fellow travelers all), to either resign and or face impeachment. Odds are resignation will not happen, but the impeachment process is another thing altogether. The groundwork is already being done, and it is only a matter of "when" and not "if" it will occur.
This being said, Blagojevich is STILL the residing Governor of the (once) Great State of Illinois. And as such, has the legal authority to select and or appoint anyone of his choosing to fill the vacant Senate seat. Like it or not, this is "what is". It is the law of the land and he is not outside of his authority in any way shape or form to do so.
It should be noted on the 9th of December, very shortly after Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges, US Senate majority leader Harry Reid, in light of the Governors attempted "selling to the highest bidder" the vacated US Senate seat; "that Senate Democrats would not seat any appointment he made. Reid's warning was contained in a letter signed by all 50 sitting Democratic senators."
So using this authority, on the 30th of December, the Governor holds a press conference. Blagojevich does not (so it appears) pick one of the candidates who has been on the radar of the federal prosecutor. He picks,instead, Roland Burris.
Mr. Burris served as Comptroller of Illinois from 1979 to 1991 and as Attorney General of Illinois from 1991 to 1995. Though his politics sharply differ from mine, there is nothing at this point precluding him from being selected for the vacant Senate seat. At least as far as criminal charges go. And that is all this or any other Governor need worry about ... or so it would seem ...
The governor's announcement came less than an hour after U.S. Senate Democratic leadership issued a statement saying the Senate will not seat anyone Blagojevich chooses to fill Illinois' vacant Senate post.
... "This is not about Mr. Burris; it is about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to sell this United States Senate seat," the statement read. "Anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus."
The decision was made during a 10-minute conference call that included Reid, Durbin and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), as well as representatives of Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). There was little discussion and no dissent in reaching the position, a Senate aide said.Source: chicagobreakingnews.com
This last bit brings us to an even bigger den of thieves, lairs, scoundrels, and ne're-do-wells, residing in that most corruptible of cesspools, this side of the United Nations, the United States Senate.
As stated above, we have according to Constitutional and Illinois statutes a legally selected and appointed Senator. Yet those infected with the most vile strain of Hubris ever to be seen since the fall of the Roman Empire, would not have the common courtesy of reviewing the mans "bona fides", then let him assume his rightfully appointed position.
We are either a nation which abides by "rule of law" or we are not. We are either a nation which affords equal protection, representation, adherence, of existing law and status, regardless of ones "station" or status, or we are not.
Burris deserves to be seated. He came to his present status by right and proper means, regardless who may have set the process in motion. To do less does nothing more then further unravel this Republics constitutional fabric. For if the highest legislative body of the land would willfully ignore "rule of law" in order to satisfy some manner of political posturing or one upmanship, only draws us closer to every man feeling they are rightfully entitled to become "a law unto themselves". And Anarchy, the idealistic bastard cousin to Communism, is not where in my most harrowing of nightmares, I would ever wish this great nation to fall pray to.
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