Starving Out Blago

Washington Independant ^ | 01/26/2009 | David Weigel

[autumnraine]

Have Illinois legislators read the draft stimulus bill? They might want to:

None of the funds provided by this Act may be made available to the State of Illinois, or any agency of the State, unless (1) the use of such funds by the State is approved in legislation enacted by the State after the date of the enactment of this Act, or (2) Rod R. Blagojevich no longer holds the office of Governor of the State of Illinois.

I’m unaware of any previous case of the Congress dangling a bag of money over state legislators’ heads like this before. I’d also be surprised if it fails, no matter how commanding Blagojevich looks on “The View.” Illinois is not really in the position to turn down cash right now.

[autumnraine]

This might have been posted in another article, but I haven't seen it and I searched this title with nothing showing.

[exist]

I just saw Blago on with Glenn Beck on Fox. That was pretty golden.

[freekitty]

Chicago thuggery at it’s finest and has moved into the whole state. How scumbag can you get?

[BAW]

Clearly, this is federal meddling in a state issue. Shocked, shocked!

[allmost]

Looks like blackmail. The feds do it with Federal highway funds. This being directed at one person is the sign of a totalitarian mindset. I knew this election would be disastrous for the Nation but never though the dems would act this boldly, this quickly.

[autumnraine]

Me either. They have thumbed their nose in our faces over and over, this is one more example.

And the Republicans will sit and take it because he’s (Blago) is a democrat.

I don’t care that he’s a Democrat! This sets precident and next time might not be. Then it will be too late to do anything about it.

[allmost]

True. If they can impose their will on individual American citizens because they don’t like the headlines who’s next?