Robin Beck

Chris,

While I respect your point of view, I disagree. Blago did not create the system. He got caught up in it. His seat in Congress once belonged to Rosty. Raum has that seat now, btw.

I will not be surprised if Blago gets used as a goat. Then, we are all cleansed; while business as usual continues. Rosty, George, now Blago. What has changed?

I'm not so cynical. I'd say that a minority of politicians and business people are like this. The majority know they have to "pay to play" but make their horse-trades based on policy goals rather than pecuniary gain.

That minority has power all out of proportion to their numbers because they are willing to use power and money deceptively, dishonestly, and selfishly, while papering over their behavior with demagoguery or false principles. These are people who love to start fights and then slip into the background and pick up all the pocket change kicked up and rob the people knocked down by the fighting. They would be called "sociopaths" if they weren't wealthy, respected and/or powerful. When they get caught they are sorry they got caught.

I'm really cynical I think the vast majority of politicians are just like this. Blagojevich seems to have little more bravado than most of them. I can't say I care much. If he was my govenor I would care more about how the budget and taxes were handled than how much he was corrupt. I'm a little concerned that it may make Obama look bad and take away some of his political capital. Although he is starting to seem as bad as I thought he would be. I still have my fingers crossed for Social Security and universal health.

I agree, not surprising at all. It's basically an assumption of corruption that pervades our failing 'democracy'. However, how rare and incredible it is that our president-elect should from this snakepit, a testament to the character and integrity of Barack Hussein Obama.

Namaste