Commentary: I know what Illinois governor feels like now

CNN.com ^ | December 12, 2008 | Charles W. Colson

[rightwingintelligentsia]

Editor's note: Charles W. Colson, a former aide to President Nixon, is the founder of Prison Fellowship, the world's largest Christian outreach to prisoners. President Bush this week acknowledged Colson's work among prisoners, awarding him the Presidential Citizens Medal. Colson was imprisoned for obstruction of justice in the attempt to smear Daniel Ellsberg, who disclosed the secret history of the Vietnam War known as the Pentagon Papers.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- If anyone knows how Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich feels right now, I do.

On Tuesday, the governor was arrested in a glare of publicity and charged with going on "a corruption crime spree," as U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald described it -- including alleged attempts to sell President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat.

Some 35 years ago that ugly glare of publicity was focused on me as I was charged with a Watergate-related crime, subsequently convicted and sent to prison. The governor hasn't been convicted and is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

[rightwingintelligentsia]

I'm mixed on this. I like Colson and appreciate that CNN's given him a forum to share his testimony and faith, but can't help but suspect they have dubious motives in publishing this on their front webpage, to try to promote comparisons of this scandal with Nixon and the Republicans.

[Jay777]

Sources: Rahm Emanuel Spoke With Blagojevich About Senate Seat on Mulitiple Ocassions...with video

[Zevonismymuse]

Keep Blagajevich in office. Make Chicago air their dirty laundry in an impeachment trial. Don't let Blago be scapegoated while Obama gets protected from scrutiny.

Tell Blago to Stand Strong

[hiho hiho]

And Blagajevich could appoint Alan Keyes senator — the ultimate revenge.

[Zevonismymuse]

And Blagajevich could appoint Alan Keyes senator — the ultimate revenge.

Absolutely brilliant. Best idea of the morning. Someone needs to get this idea to Rush.

[Carley]

Colson had a soul, the Chicago crooks are without soul, conscience or a shred of honor.

[Zevonismymuse]

Here is an updated link which includes Blago's office telephone number. I called and the person answering the phone was surprised that I was calling to offer support. I hope we can make enough calls to encourage Blago into fighting this. He is being scapegoated to protect Obama.

Call Blago and tell him to call their bluff

[Señor Zorro]

For whatevery it’s worth, I thought that it was one of the finest articles written on Blagojevich’s issues to date. The only one I have seen that put them in their proper, eternal perspective.

[BlueYonder]

Keep Blagajevich in office.

No problem; Blago won't be impeached. Michael Madigan is the IL Senate majority leader. He wants his daughter Lisa to be the next governor (currently IL Attorney General). No way would he institute impeachment proceedings only to have Pat Quinn (Lt. Governor) take the job.

That's the swamp named Illinois for you.

[Zevonismymuse]

No problem; Blago won't be impeached. Michael Madigan is the IL Senate majority leader.

I completely agree. Blago's best chance at survival is calling their bluff. Blago knows he has been double crossed by Obama and that was what all the cussing was about. Obviously Blago and Obama had an agreement.

Call Blago and tell him to call their bluff

[BlueYonder]

Obviously Blago and Obama had an agreement.

If I were a betting man, I'd wager that the agreement had something to do with a part of the $30MM P-E Zero has left over in his campaign warchest. Just a hunch.

[Zevonismymuse]

I'd wager that the agreement had something to do with a part of the $30MM P-E Zero has left over in his campaign warchest.

I'm not sure what $30MM P-E means. I don't speak the lingo. Can an OG MO FO get some help here?

[BlueYonder]

$30MM = $30,000,000

P-E Zero = President Elect ZerObama

[Zevonismymuse]

Thanks. I guess you don’t need me to translate OG MoFo.

[BlueYonder]

Some things are better left unsaid!

[BlueYonder]

Some things are better left unsaid!

[Zevonismymuse]

Some things are better left unsaid!

And I have a habit of saying those things. That is what happens to those of us who cut our teeth on Mad Magazine and National Lampoon. Or maybe we are predisposed to thinking things that are better left unsaid also happen to be dang funny when uttered aloud.