Current Article

Harry Reid: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

By Pat Racimora on January 2, 2009 at 4:30 PM in Barack Obama, Current Affairs, Harry Reid, Racism, Rod Blagojevich

(Susan’s Note: Stay tuned tonight! Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy is taking a weed-whacker to the undergrowth of the tangled Caroline Kennedy/Gov. David Paterson/New York State mess. Then you’re in for an earful of Uppity Woman’s antipathy towards the Illinois State mess that the Democrats have gotten themselves into. )

………………………………………………..

Rod Blagojevich may be a little crazy alright—crazy as a pissed-off fox. The still-legally-sitting Governor’s appointment of Roland W. Burris to take over Barack Obama’s vacated senate seat has set off a firestorm among African American lawmakers and legal scholars, and should be of great concern to all of us for reasons noted below.

No matter what we think of the guy, Blagojevich is legally permitted to make such an appointment, despite being charged (but not yet indicted) for conspiring to commit fraud and soliciting bribery. No constitutional provision exists to defy his action.

But Senate Democrats have vowed to refuse to seat anyone appointed by the besieged Governor of Illinois. Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid has stated in no uncertain terms that Burris, specifically, will never be seated.

Here’s the looming problem for Senate Democrats. Burris is an African American. He wants the job. His credentials and other requirements (i.e., age, residency, citizenship) to be a U. S. Senator are satisfactory, which is all the Constitution demands. And, with Obama gone, there would be no other AA senators.

Burris is standing strong against Reid’s threat. He has already taken Illinois’ Secretary of State Jessie White to court to force him to certify the appointment. Burris may well prevail because the SoS, it turns out, has no real veto power. And if Burris prevails there, what will Harry Reid do if he shows up on the Senate stairs later this month? Ask Capitol Police to whisk him away? How is that going to play out on the 6 o’clock news?

Black members in the House have given fair warning. As stated in the New York Times, “Several black lawmakers said the Senate’s efforts to block the appointment of Mr. Burris by Mr. Blagojevich would be viewed by many black voters as a signal that systemic roadblocks continue to prevent qualified, respected African-Americans from climbing the political ladder. They said Mr. Obama’s opposition to the appointment would do little to ease such concerns among their black constituents, who remain concerned that the Senate has no black members.”

Rejecting an African American who was legally appointed and qualified for the job adds up to a PR nightmare and puts our new President in an even more precarious position. President-elect Obama’s response is,

Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy.

So now the Senate, with the concurrence of the newly elected President, wants to expand its powers. Legal analyst Peter Johnson points out, as have many other legal scholars, that the law favors Blagojevich and Burris. He notes that the Consitution allows Congress to make a decision based only on constitutional parameters, not, whether they like who appointed him.

So, this is the change we’ve been waiting for? Increased Washington powers in state affairs?

As for Harry, he should have kept his mouth shut. Chicago plays much rougher, tougher and smarter than he can.

Just_Saying

Roland Burris must be seated as a U.S. Senator — any refusal to seat him is illegal.
.

destardi

Wait.

Blago is under investigation for pay for play schemes.

Blago appoints a guy who “just happens to be black (YEAAAA, RIGHHHTTTT).

How do we know Blago doesn’t have pay to play schemes in play with this up to his knees in chicago style politics Burris?

The whole country, not just Illinois, needs to demand to have Blago removed from office, and open a special election. He’s tainted the whole fucking thing.

And what’s more, to see the press openly report that “the replacement must be black, no exceptions” and not have people up in arms is DISGUSTING. How would people feel if down south a bubba is promoted, and then leaders say “the replacement must be a white redneck, no exceptions”.

I am NOT racist…to even have to state such a thing gives me the creeps, but I am SICK of this sensitive, walking-on-eggs track associated with speaking about black people in relation to politics.

Fuck it. And uhbama.
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibsP6XN2dIo&eurl trixta

Any refusal to seat Burris will be considered by this PUMA to be racist.

skinny malinky

The objection to seating him has nothing to do with his race, it has to do with the circumstances behind his appointment. Do you think a white person would be welcomed by Reid, et al? Of course not. You’re just looking for reasons to be antagonistic.

imustprotest

hahahaha! I’m lovin’ this I tell ya! Poetic justice!

basil

Me too!

I nominate ‘As the Rod Turns’ for best comedy of the year.

Blago has given an Oscar-award-winning performance!

Now if we could only get him to do a John Travolta-ish Saturday Night Fever
disco dance complete with crotch-pointing diagonals!

Pat Racimora

It is correct that Reid and company made the blanket “rejection of Blago’s choice” statement before Burris was appointed–then followed up with disavowing Burris specifically.

But here was my point–rejecting Burris will be PERCEIVED as racist, and that is how Harry got himself squished between a rock and a hard place. Blago may be no saint, but he knows how to play rough political soap opera.

skinny malinky

I agree that it may be perceived as racially based by some people. I think most people will see through this, but it certainly will make Reid, et al, have to walk on eggshells. But for trixta to say she’ll consider an refusal to not seat Burris to be racist is just spiteful antagonism. As you point out, there’s nothing racial about not wanting to seat Burris; it’s due to the circumstances surrounding his appointment, not the color of his skin, and any intelligent person knows that.
Angel

Liken it to how a great number of 0-supporters called anyone who didn’t support or vote for him a racist.

Was that a fair and accurate assessment? No matter how insanely ridiculous, the O-Borg Collective believe(d) it to be true beyond human reason.

Is it a fair and accurate assessment to believe that Reid is a racist because he opposes Burris, who is black? Those who regularly exercise their critical thinking skills understand that of course that’s not true.

However, the Collective doesn’t appear capable of utilizing those skills. So by employing their logic that’s been deemed so “enlightened and righteous”, of course racism is a factor as to why Reid doesn’t support Burris.

Didn’t support 0bama = Racist
Don’t support Burris = Racist

It’s been made abundantly clear that a person’s ethics, past history and ability does not factor one bit into the Collective’s decision about who should be put into office.

So why is the Collective whining about how this isn’t a racial issue?

TeakwoodKite

Riddle me this skinny, Why was Dede Myers a consultant on the show?

There is NO constitutional basis for Ried to reject Burris, even if does not like the man or know of the resignations in the Illinois AG’s office during Burris’s tenure over the prosecution of a innocent man based on DNA eveidence.

It doesn’t matter. In this episode of “When the Hotrod Turns” the thematic element (thanks Grumpy) of pay to play is in high gear. And Ried, the antagonist is a former boxer on the ropes.

The part I love about this episode the most is how on one hand BO payed to play and they love him adoringly for it and on the other they are so willing to impune the reputation of a person who is an experienced tactical pawn and they are choking on it. Badwolf.

Snickers

Any refusal to seat Burris will also be seen, by this PUMA, as a power grab by the US Senate to force states to “toe the line or else.” I think Reid should be ousted and the Senate should refuse to seat him.

TexasMirth

I think Reid should be ousted and the Senate should refuse to seat him.

I second that motion!

kiomat

What afro-americans are doing is racism. If you reject racism then DO IT!
Mystic

This has nothing to do with RACISM – stop the racism nonsense. Look at the bigger picture and whether the governor who is under indictment can or should be making this appointment.

Obama is looking at the facts and is against this appointment for various reasons.

WildChild

The presumption of innocence is the standard until a guilty verdict changes it. I can see the progressive wave of hysteria has learned nothing from the folly of the conservative wave of hysteria back in the nineties. The accusation does not constitute guilt.

HC

The Senate Rules Committee has jurisdiction over the results of Senate elections. They didn’t seat Louis Wyman back in 74. Of course, Mr. Wyman was not packing the race card.

elise

HC, this isn’t an election. It is an appointment. Would they have refused to seat Valerie Jarret if Blago had appointed her a few weeks ago? Don’t think so.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Three-Basic-Parenting-Styles&id=744499 Northwest rain

Well I can’t stand Reid — and if this is what it takes to get rid of HIM — that would be a good thing.

Meanwhile we can watch the dems make fools of themselves.

“As the Hot Rod Turns” — such are the days of the Dem party.
JohnnyB

Another great cartoon, Pat.

Yes, I agree, Reid should have kept his mouth shut.
We are a nation of laws. That is what set us apart from many other countries until W. came into office.

The law is the law. The Governor appoints the Senator, that’s it. Done. Now Reid has opened a can of worms to go with his being between a rock and a hard place, he will pay dearly for his big mouth being opened.

Blag is TOAST. Not only from the wiretaps, but from 5 years of being investigated by Fitz and having Rezko’s trial bring out Blag’s complicity. Fitz has so many counts to file, his only problem is to try to eliminate some of them so the jury can find a verdict within two weeks. I bet there are over 50 counts against Blag. He is the Governor and has made an appointment. It’s over. Much political fallout over this, and more racist claims to come.

JS Ruby

JohnnyB I agree, Harry Reid will look like a bigger fool than normal if he fights the installation of Burris. The law is on the side of Burris. Blago has not been convicted of anything at this point.
elise

Why didn’t Fitzgerald wait until the deal was made before bringing the charges, then the case would be made against the buyer and seller? Instead, he has to request an extension and all the snakes have crawled back under their rock. We have a right to listen to those tapes in their entirety, not just the small part released in the transcript.

BTW, does anyone know what happened to Blago’s lawyer and why he withdrew?

Peggy Sue

I heard that Dick Durbin may accompany Burris to the Senate on Tuesday and that Reid et al have arranged for an armed guard at the door. Right now it’s all tough talk: Burris will be barred from entering.

Showdown in the MiddleEast and now a showdown in DC.

The world’s going absolutely nuts! And on the DC side, the Dems are leading the parade. I cannot believe that this is the same party I’ve supported for so many years. Clowns, all of them.

bert

Clowns to the left of me; jokers to the right…and the citizens caught in the middle just trying to get by and put food on the table. Reid and D.C. fiddle while Rome burns.

oowawa

Gee Bert, this might make a good song. However, nobody “fiddles” while “Rome burns” anymore. That’s so yesterday. Nowadays, they golf.
TeakwoodKite

Kinda like when they burned the set for “Gaza with the Wind”.

Fiddley Dee.

jjran

Wait a minute… I thought the AA community believes that Obama is black….. How come Obama is not standing with the issue that matters to black people? …..appointing a qualified black US senator..?

So, unqualified half black president = OK
But a qualified black senator = Not Ok

We have really reached the end of time… Please wake me up when this show is over…..

http://firefox AnnieCollier

Yes, but if BO continues to oppose the seating of Burris, that will be his “white side” talking.

skinny malinky

The opposition to seating Burris has nothing to do with race, as everyone knows. It was a sly move on Blago’s part because he knows Reid & the media run a risk of looking racially insensitive, but again, the objection to Burris is that Blago appointed him, not that Burris is black.

TeakwoodKite

Burris is black.
Duh!
Next.
It is about the money and who brung ya. Always was and always will be.
Got to love “change”. So here is a albiet somewhat late toast to the Senate!
“The greatest deliberative body in the world.” according to Ried.

bert

Oh how I love a good political soap-opera. And this one is quite a doozie!!! No matter what the Race-Baiter President-Elect does it will make him look bad. I am laughing so hard I am sheding a few crocodile tears. What a wonderful way for O’s adminstration to begin. Serves you right for calling the Clintons racists!!!!!!

HARP

I am going to but stock in popcorn.

Zeke

I’m going with beverage stocks myself…
better to take advantage by appealing to both sides needs at once.
One group will be celebrating and the other trying to deaden the pain. Its nice to be on the non-whining side for a change.
basil

but-stocking popcorn?

Hmmmmmmmm…….

Velly intelesting.

juan

I totally agree they are all CLOWNS.

Betcha Burris will be seated without incident.

THE RACIST DEMS know all eyes are on them and they are in a Big Box.

Can’t get any funnier.

Obama is also in a jam since he hales from the Chicago Thug Machine.

oowawa

Chicago Thug Machine

Now there’s a good name for a rock group . . .

ritamary

Yes, Pat, you said it. Governor Blago is crazy like a fox. The Blago-Burris-Obama Reality Show gets better and better.
Ben Cardozo

To date, The allegations against Blagojevich have yet to be formalized and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence until such allegations are proven by competent evidence. Thus, until such time should facts be proven that lead to his lawful removal from office, all actions taken by Blagojevich within the powers and duties of his office are legal and enforceable.

Obama has already said that he views the Constitution as a fundamentally flawed document that impedes his ability to bring about the change he envisions. Perhaps, the presumption of innocence is the first to go.

/www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibsP6XN2dIo&eurl trixta

“… he is entitled to the presumption of innocence until such allegations are proven…”

‘Nuff said.
faro

What constitution? You mean we have a constitution? I thought Bush got rid of that old relic. Besides if Obama acknowledges “A” or “THE CONSTITUTION” he would have to admit he is not a legit prez.

faro

Anyone who would not approve of Burris is a racist. What goes round comes around. Big wheels were made to be pissed on. Where is the Speaker on this–anyone know? Besides Burris is a natural born American citizen, even if he is in favor of “REPARATION”. Helluva mess–LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Obama disapproves of a black man? I’m shocked–stunned–overwhelmed–and laughing my ass off.;).

Trudy

BO, doesn’t want him in there because, Burris will do a better job than BO did when was in the Senate.

http://firefox AnnieCollier

Good picture, Pat. I’d like to say your cartoons are just getting better and better, but in truth they’ve all been right on.

Can you imagine the backlash coming when they bar the door to the Senate chamber? And, one of the black spokespersons said this morning that he’s one of our respected black Senior Citizens. Oh, I see. White Senior Citizen, dotty, barely able to walk, just a source for mocking and ageist jokes. Black Senior Citizens, respected and qualified.

Go Hot Rod!

Pat Racimora

Annie–You are making my day! Thanks.

/www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibsP6XN2dIo&eurl trixta

Now, if only Bill Clinton would be appointed to HRC’s Senate seat . . . .

http://firefox AnnieCollier

That would make Big Bill a sexist pig for getting in front of a woman and anti-Kennedy as well. The latter would be the unforgivable crime.

Rich

Very interesting cartoon, again proving one picture is worth 1,000 words.

I think this is a clever move by Governor Blagojevich to show that he still has power and how Chicago politics work. The Democratic circular firing squad is another way to look at this. No matter what you do, a Democrat kills a Democrat.

I feel that this is just the beginning of the problem the Democrats are going to have. They put themselves between a rock and a hard place when they elected a president who promised everything without pointing out who, besides the very rich, were going to be disadvantaged or hurt. Now they really are as a party between a rock and a hard place on every subject they tackle.

Rich
http://deleted Buzz Latte

Actually, and I never thought I would say this, I am cheering for Blagojevich.

Anyone who can put the screws to Obama and the DNC has my attention. If the name of the game is DIRTY FOR DIRTY then the DNC and Obama MUST BE EXPOSED for the players they are.

Obama was also named in the Rezko trial opening statements. Blago appears to be ready to share the sinking boat with dear Barack. Can’t happen to a nicer thug.

Prem

Ditto. . never thought I’d be rooting for Blago, either, but his move, appointing Burris, was brilliant strategy! Checkmate!

cathnealon

Didn’t someone once say that the only way thugs and crooks can be brought down is by other thugs and crooks? Maybe Burris should call a press conference and give a race speech like BO. And if Harry soesn’t let Burris walk onto the Senate floor God help him if CK is appointed and gets seated. Technically,Blago has the same authority as Paterson to seat anyone he wants.
Prem

What a sh*tstorm PEBO’s senate seat replacement is. . . if this is any clue of how his selected presidency is going to be, we’re in for a major roller coaster ride. More controversy, more back-stabbing, more lies, more power plays, more of everyone being thrown under the bus. More reminders of just how much like GWB, BHO really is.

GWB came into office under so much controversy—another “selected” president, by the SCOTUS. Bush is a “cooler”–one who brings bad luck. That makes BHO a lightning rod to create continual controversy. It really does not create much sense of “hope” that anything will really get done with Congress or government—not that I entertained that idea at any time watching BHO’s presidential campaign and his tactics.
Wisewoman

Destardi & Others: You must understand that this race card mess was started by Obama in SC to get blacks to vote for him instead of Hillary. Blacks were lied to about the Clintons. Without his win there he wouldn’t be where he is today. I am an AA female supporter of Hillary. Even now I do not support Obama because I thought then as now that he is not qualified, doesn’t know nothing about nothing. Because of his actions he has set back race relations. I marched with MLK; he is no King. What I find so delicious is that according to my sister who has lived in Chicago for 40 years, Burris has impeccable credentials. He was the first black to be elected to state wide office, first for comptroller and then for Attorney General. He was well respected by whites who overwhelmingly helped elect him and he is not tainted by the crooked Illinois politics.

I live in the south and I agree with you that there would be hell to pay if such an appointment was based on whether the person was white. However, you must see the irony in Obama the half-black who is not qualified being in the position of denying the seat to a qualified black.

Interested party

I’m with you Wisewoman. Roland Burris meets or exceeds the requirements for U.S. Senator. Unless somebody can show why Burris himself is unfit for the job, then they need to step aside and give Burris his do.
Snickers

Wisewoman,
It is the best soap opera evah! I hope the Dems go down as this continues and that Harry Reid goes down big. I’m crowing as the chickens are coming home to roost.

Snickers

Pat,
great cartoon. Do you think a cartoon about chickens coming home to roost would work? One could be named Reid…

Snickers

Better yet, one of the chickens could be named “Racism.”
Pat Racimora

I think there is a chicken roosting toon in my future! Thanks, Snickers.

Merle

Blacks weren’t lied. They knew what they did.

Alamiss

As a 40 year resident of Chicago, Illinois, I can tell all of you that Illinois is a state that is steeped in corrupt politicians both democratic and republican. The pay for play system, the patronage system, the hand over your seat to your relative system, the machine politics, etc. are all alive and well. The only people who have a chance to avoid the system are the rich people who can fund their own campaigns. (ie. Former senator Peter Fitzgerald who recommended Patrick Fitzgerald, the U. S. attorney trying to wade through the mud that is Illinois and especially Chicago machine politics) Former attorney general Roland Burris seems to be one of a few well-known Illinois politicans without the baggage of many of the rest. The real issue is that the legislature had an opportunity to give the people of Illinois a chance to elect a senator to replace Mr. Obama. They chose not to do so, probably fearing that a republican ( oh no!!) might win the seat. The senate does not have the authority to keep Mr. Burris from occupying the seat, whether he is sitting on the doorsteps of the senate or standing in the doorway. It is his seat. The foolish senate dems have painted themselves into a corner, lead by loudmouth Harry Reid and “I agree with Hillary” Obama. The best thing that the United States government can do is drop Illinois from the Union and refuse to readmit us until we have cleaned up our act. (P.S. We voters have voted for both democrats and republicans. They have all betrayed us. Anyone out there who thinks Mr. Obama’s hands are clean is believing a real fairy tale.)

Pat Racimora

Very interesting comment. Thanks!

cathnealon

Alamiss
Thanks for the comment and didn’t Bill C say something during the primaries about BO’s whole candidacy being a fairy tale and got in so much media trouble. Now the prince is turning into a frog right before our eyes.
http://baddemocrat08.wordpress.com obamastolemyboyfriend

This is what the democrats asked for when they lied, cheated, stole and basically paid to play their little Chicago politician. They opened the door to Chicao politics now National politics. I have no sympathies. Blago is innocent until proven guilty, is legally a Governor and I am pulling for him, much as I can’t believe it to think it!

Careful what you wish for shithead liberals! I am enjoying watching you all eat it!

Ah, the victory of losing in 2008!

http://baddemocrat08.wordpress.com obamastolemyboyfriend

After this debacle, and mind you it hasn’t even started yet, democrats will be lucky to win a seat on the PTA.
skinny malinky

Pulling for a Governor who was caught on tape trying to sell a Senate seat? Ah, spite and bitterness, the fuel that keeps No Quarter running.

http://baddemocrat08.wordpress.com obamastolemyboyfriend

Wait to you actually hear what Obama’s done.

Why don’t you explain MEchelle’s hospital VP job she just happened to get after Barfy got on the health and human services committee.

I’m sure since it was Barackula, it is just a massive coincidence though!

Yeah Mr. Innocent Barry Soetoro. Sure.

skinny malinky

As is endemic on this blog, you’re talking about two different things. My comment about your support of a Governor caught on tape trying to sell a senate seat, not to mention the other corrupt things he was caught discussing, was pointing out how bitter and spiteful you must be in order to take glee in something like this. Your bringing up allegations about Michelle Obama has nothing to do with anything, and is just another example of, what do you know, spite and bitterness.

Snickers

Still cruising in your Botmobile, Skinny? I know you’re just gunning the engine and targeting all the pedestrians who didn’t worship the O at the polls.
TeakwoodKite

Skinny riddle me this;

Why was Karl Rove featured on The West Wing?

Anna

Hey, what’s the big deal? Doesn’t BHO just fire Fitz on Jan. 20 and then it’s over?
http://ksclematis ksclematis

Well, let’s see—I believe the Supreme Court is going to review BO’s birth certificates on or about January 9th! Another Chicago fiasco???

http://baddemocrat08.wordpress.com obamastolemyboyfriend

I would like to know the SCOTUS is doing their job. If they won’t do it with the eligiblity matter, at least they could support Blagojevich. He is still legally Governor and should be allowed to make this appointment.

Stan Davis

Burris should not be seated because he is African-American. Burris should be seated because he was legally appointed and meets constitutional requirements.

The Senate Democrats had no business announcing that they would not seat Blogojevich’s no matter who it was and no matter how the decision came about.

Here’s the way out: Blogejevich resigns or is impeached and convicted, and the new governor appoints Burris, anyway.

Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO

Snickers

I don’t want Hot Rod to resign. I just want to keep watching this soap opera and hope that more skullduggery leads to the O. As the fanfare warms up for the “historic” celebration on January 20th, the balloon that is O springs a leak and slowly loses altitude as it runs out of hot air, splutter, splutter…

bell

I would love the soap to continue too. However, I think if Blago says anything bad about bo he’ll end up as dead as the gay choir director from bo’s church! Too bad really, I’m beginning to really enjoy the show. The only problem is the koolaide drinkers still think they got a real winner!

stodgie

as i understand it blago is still legally the governor and has the power of appointment. if he is removed later, then that is later. what he does now stands no matter what happens to blago.

Nocturnal Warrior

I must admit, I admire the gall and guile of the governor. Sure, he is probably guilty as hell and will pay the price at some point, but today he is innocent (until proven guilty or impeached) and is legally Governor with the power of appointment.

The legislature rejected a special election and that leaves the appointment in the hands of the sitting governor.

While PEBO and others want Blago to just go away, it’s just not happening. He wants his day in court or before an impeachment preceeding and that’s the last thing they want to see.

Perhaps if just one of them (Daley, Obama) etc. had said the the Governor had a right to answer the charges and they would await the outcome instead of declaring him guilty and demanding immediate resignation, Blago would not be so pissed. The problem is they are all scared for their own hides when Blago starts talking.

Roland Burris is qualified to be a U.S. Senator, Blagoevich is the legal governor of Illinois. Harry Reid and company will be setting a nasty precedent interfering in the affairs of a state if they do not seat him. It will not play out well for the Senate Democrats or PEBO if they stay on this course.

Bill Clinton was still President during his impeachment preceedings and his powers were intact and he was eventually cleared. Nobody refused to enact any laws or measures with his name on it during his legal problems.

Tricia Spiegel

Agree! And interesting point about Bill Clinton.

Anna

I’m afraid Burris has pissed too many people off for that.

Skinny Malinky, the best way to thwart all our ill-spirited nastiness is for the Dems to swallow the bitter pill, and allow Burris to quietly take his seat. Blago will score a point, but it’s a tiny nose-thumbing one. Big deal.

There were all sorts of opportunities to pre-empt this, and they didn’t take it. This is the price you pay for refusing to act when it was possible. The Dems should simply eat it and move on.

If they are going to make a big deal of it, then the Chicago mess goes national. It will be in the news for weeks and weeks. And in the thousands of hours of recorded conversations to review, I bet a number of names come up that will be embarrassing in D.C. And some of them may be at the very top.

skinny malinky

I definitely agree that they should have called for a special election, rather than taking the risk that Blago would make the appointment. Their fear of having a republican get the seat was petty and cheaply political, and it’s definitely bacfired on them. I honestly don’t know if seating Burris would be the best thing; after all, how desperate must Burris be to accept this? It doesn’t speak well of him. It’s just an ugly thing, all the way around. I hope they don’t seat him, but it won’t break my heart if they do.

TeakwoodKite

An innocent soul is born by the devil.

Do you abandon it?

Merle

Dems should simply… get over it!

Anna

It’s astonishing to me this late in the game that everybody all of a sudden wants to be a virgin.

Nocturnal Warrior

The President-Elect ran as a virgin, the media, presented him as a virgin, he eventually was promoted to Messiah.

The problem is, the virgin was and is just another Chicago streetwalker. Watching his minions cling to the virgin myth is laughable.

Lizzy

I am enjoying this spectical; the dems. falling all over themselves to denounce Blago. Love to watch them twist in the wind. The only person I might feel sorry for is Burris; he didn’t give obama his tribute so he is deemed unworthy by the PEBO.
http://me414.wordpress.com/ Mary Ellen

Fitzgerald asked for a 90-day extension to bring an indictment against Blagojevich, and the question on that should be “why?” He seemed so sure of himself that he gave a press conference and said that just from the tapes alone, it showed that Blago was guilty of selling the seat. So why the delay? Could it be he was TOLD to ask for this by Obama himself, so that he can be sworn in as President BEFORE the news that he, Obama, or his campaign was involved in offering money for their chosen candidate for Obama’s seat? Maybe he figures, like Bush, once President, he nor his cabinet can be investigated until after their terms are over?

Fitzgerald refuses to give Blago’s lawyer the tapes to review…again, why?

Rod is going to talk and he’s waiting for just the right time to do so. He’s not stupid, he’s holding his cards close to his vest (or jogging suit).

Either Fitz doesn’t have enough to indite Rod Blogojevich or he’s got a tape with Rahm Emmanuel or Obama, himself, offering to pay for the seat.

basil

hmmmmmmmm ………

SO you think Blaog is directing the whole thing, Fitz and all?
Alamiss

From all that I have seen of Mr. Fitzgerald over the years as he has prosecuted Illinois democrats and republicans alike, nobody tells him what to do or when to do anything. He is a careful, deliberate, methodical prosecutor who will not seek an indictment unless he is sure that he can get a conviction. He has been very successful in getting convictions. However, to cut off just a few of the heads of the many-headed hydras of corruption in Illinois takes years. New heads continually crop up after others have been cut off. (ie. prison, plea bargins, etc.) Many of us are concerned that Mr. Fitzgerald will be forced to turn in his resignation as soon as Mr. Obama can get it. Mr. Obama cannot risk keeping Mr. Fitzgerald. Watch Mr. Obama get that resignation quickly. Then we the citizens of Illinois will be right back where we started. One of the many reasons that I (an AA female) did not vote for Mr. Obama was that I hoped that Mr. Fitzgerald would be able to put as many corrupt Illinois politicans in jail as possible. I do not believe that Mr. Obama will allow Mr. Fitzgerald to continue to be able to prosecute his many crooked democratic and republican pals.

Anna

Lizzy, I wouldn’t cry for Burris. He seems to be enjoying himself.

Mary Ellen, I’ve wondered myself. My guess is that he’s getting various people to sing, and has a few big fish to fry before he’s done.

I don’t think he can get Blago on what he’s got. Intent to commit crime is not the same as committing a crime.
Hot Librarian

If the SENATE can refuse to accept a senator -where does this end?

It can lead to Open defiance of the people.To an aristocracy that only the approved can join.

TeakwoodKite

If the SENATE can refuse to accept a senator -where does this end?

When they haul you out in the dead of night, against your will and without warrant or probable cause.

JTomorrow

Excellent analysis.
http://me414.wordpress.com/ Mary Ellen

Anna- I have no doubt there’s singing going on, hell…it’s probably a regular opera. I agree, I can’t imagine Blago could be indicted because unless money has exchanged hands, there is no crime. At least I don’t think so, I’m not a law expert. I’ve lived in Chicago and the Chicago suburbs all my life and none of this surprises me. In fact, I’m sure seats are sold all the time. There’s a whole line of crooks lining up for that job and I imagine they are all stabbing each other in the back to get to it. In fact, I think I saw that Emil Jones, Obama’s good buddy who “made” him the U.S. Senator wanted Obama’s seat. If Emil Jones gets stabbed in the back, watch out! If Obama has something to hide, it’s Emil Jones who can take him down. This can get very interesting…..very interesting.
Don X

Given that the gov apparently has a legal right at this time to appoint a person of his choice, I would do due diligence and see if there is some reason Burris is not qualified, and if none can be found, I would let him be seated. Reasons why he might not be qualified include if there was a record of him “making a deal” with Blago, some quid pro quo for the appointment or some other legitimate reason. The appointment would be for a limited time until the next election, at which time the people of Illinois can dump him or reelect him.
Clara Barton

You just can’t make this shit up.

The cartoon is perfect, Pat. Ole Harry stepped in it this time with his poorly thought out pronouncement. The slope of the brick wall couldn’t get much steeper for the Senate but to a large degree, I fault the leadership.

Blago is one shrewd player. He couldn’t have pulled off anything better.
Clara Barton

Someone upthread commented “What are they going to do, have the Capitol Police stop him?” speaking of Burris if he tried to enter the chamber and take his seat. Well, driving home from work today listening to Fox, I heard someone say just that. The Senate Democrats have drawn a line in the concrete! They intend to detain him by force if necessary in order to save face with their strong words.

The person doing the piece said he spoke to one of the Capitol Police force who said he’d know Mr. Burris for a long time, and he wasn’t expecting any trouble.

Pat Racimora

This is too crazy for words. Read Larry and Uppity’s pieces a few stories above mine. What happened to my democracy???

Gary McGowan

Does anyone else have the feeling that there are powers behind the scenes trying to make the United States of America ungovernable?

KFaye

Yes Gary, That’s exactly what it feels like to me.

Tricia Spiegel

Ungovernable. Never thought of it that way, but so it seems indeed.

http://dissentingjustice.blogspot.com Darren Hutchinson

Hello. I am so happy reading all of the “dissenting” posts. I am outraged that liberals are bending over backwards while the “Change Express” keeps giving us more of the same. I won’t even mention all of the stuff from the primaries up until the election. Instead, I’ll focus on the excuses for Rick Warren and now, the decision to block Roland Burris — while pulling out the red carpet for Caroline Kennedy. With liberals worshipping wealth, racial privilege, and powerful political dynasties, why do we need two parties? The Republican “Magic Negro” song is less harmful to progressives than this mess.

PS: If you want to check out my angry blog post on Dissenting Justice (which I author) — visit this link: Do Nepotism, Wealth and Dynastic Power “Taint” Kennedy’s Likely Senate Appointment? Taking Reid’s Arguments Where He Wouldn’t Want Them to Go
Blue Orchid

Some TV commentator just said the other day: what Blago is accused of, is actually common practice in Washington, only there it is called campaign contribution.