I served in the Blagojevich administration from 2004-2007, here is my reaction to the arrest

[wndycty]

Some of you may know this already but I was appointed to the Blagojevich administration and served in a marketing communication capacity working on health care initiatives and other projects from September 2004-May of 2007. When the job was offered I jumped at it because it was an awesome opportunity and I would be the first person ever to hold this position. I was a political appointee, I served at the pleasure of the Governor, had very little contact with him (I met him about 10 times), but reported to one of his closest aides (who has never been accused of or been linked to any wrong doing and has left state government as well). In addition to working for the administration I spent considerable time volunteering for his re-election campaign and actually accompanied him on a tour of African American churches.

I'm very proud of the work I did as part of the administration and I'm very proud of and inspired by many of the folks I worked with at the State of Illinois (some of whom have moved on, some of who are still there). Despite all of Rod's failings (which there are many) I worked with a group of people who sought to provide access to quality and affordable health care, we tried to make the state more efficient to better serve the people and we believed in public service for the right reasons. Many of us wanted to make a difference and we believe that we did.

Before I joined the administration I hated Rod, when I worked for the administration I believed in and supported the goals he had publicly embraced. I warmed up to him, pulled for him and even defended him when he was attacked (I guess it was a bunker mentality). When I resigned in May of 2007 I thought I would continue to support him but that barely lasted a week. His budget battle with the legislature combined with his flying back and forth EVERYDAY was just too much. It came full circle in this past election cycle when he targeted a friend and client of mine, a Democratic State Rep., for defeat in the primary because he wanted to install someone he felt he could control. It was an ugly race and with the support of the Speaker of the House we beat the Governor's hand picked challenger, actually we kicked her ass.

When the news came out last week that he was caught on tape by the Feds, the gossip started and many of us (former state employees/insiders) engaged in that giddy speculation that arises when there is a scandalous controversy in the current or former work place. When the story broke yesterday I and others (including some still on the "inside") laughed hysterically, text messages were flying, phone calls being placed and Facebook book updates were every 15 minutes. We all knew this guy was in major legal jeopardy but we were all astonished by how brazen he was to try and sell Barack's senate seat and to attempt to extort the Chicago Tribune.

As the day went on I started paying attention to the Facebook updates of some friends who are still there working in the administration and their tone was very different. These updates were NOT defending Rod, but they were about how difficult the day was for them to do their work, the peoples business. One simply stated "I want the text messages, e-mails and voicemails to stop." The most interesting thing was when a friend posted about his tough day, I commented on his page and told him to continue serving the people. After the post I got a "friend request" from my SWORN MORTAL ENEMY in the Governor's office. She mentioned she saw my comment on my friends page and it really touched her and she appreciated it.

Between worrying about their future employment/reputation or the future of the WORTHWHILE initiatives they still work on I'm really thinking about my friends today. Telling them to resign is not the answer because some can't afford to, some are too loyal to the people they serve (I'm talking about the folks their programs/agencies serve) and some are hopeful that they have distinguished themselves so that WHEN Rod is replaced that will be asked to continue on. These are not bad people, but PUBLIC SERVANTS who joined a Democratic administration because they believed in it's promise.

I'm still laughing and joking about how stupid Rod is and that won't change but at the end of the day this is no joke for the people of Illinois, especially those dependent on state services and the dedicated public servants who serve them.

I'm not sure if what I just posted made any sense but I had to vent and give you guys the perspective of someone who used to be a member of the Blago administration and remains close to many on the "inside."

[cali]

1. What you just posted makes a whole hell of a lot of sense

Thanks for the peek inside.

[Maccagirl]

2. Thank you for the first hand perpective.

When events like this take place, a broad brush is always applied because of laziness.

[pnwmom]

3. Blago has greatly let down all the people who worked with him

and all the people of Illinois.

What a jerk.

[WeDidIt]

4. IF Blagojevich has any concern for the people of Illinois

He'll resign right this minute.

Seriously, the people's work cannot be done in this current climate.

[Critters2]

25. He won't because he doesn't. nt

[KamaAina]

50. Oh come now. He has the greatest of concern

for at least one of the people of Illinois, namely, Rod Blagojevich. :eyes:

[Critters2]

65. Indeed, I stand corrected.

:facepalm:

[sunnybrook]

96. make that two

don't forget the devotion to his wife's career advancement!

[PatSeg]

80. How sad!

Spent most of my life in Illinois and I saw more Governors indicted than not. This guy is worse than all the others combined though!

Love your tag line.

[monmouth]

5. I for one enjoyed your post very much. A good insider perspective...n/t

[specimenfred1984]

6. Explain how that much corruption goes unnoticed

That's what the people of your state and the entire United States would like to know.

[wndycty]

9. Well considering that Patrick Fitzgerald has been investigating it for 3 years. . .

. . .it seems like it was noticed by the right people.

Not sure what you are trying to imply, but crooked politicians do what they can to cover-up their shit. They don't broadcast it to the world and they are clever.

As I said considering all the investigations and accusations flying around I'm not to sure how unnoticed it was or what exactly you are trying to imply.

[specimenfred1984]

11. I'm not "implying" anything, Illinois has been corrupt as hell for years

just like most of the U.S.. A lot of people just "look the other way" to save their own asses and sellout everyone else in the process.

[rosesaylavee]

32. Unlike many other states though, Illinois identifies their criminals

and imprisons them.

[Critters2]

38. No. The feds do. nt

[rosesaylavee]

61. Oh. Well. That is true.

(sigh)

[LanternWaste]

43. Much as the corruption at Enron went unnoticed...

Much as the financial corruption at Enron went unnoticed by the the rank and file employees who were caught as unawares as the rest of us, or the political corruption that went fully unnoticed during the '72 election cycle I'd imagine.

If the players dramatis are able to keep "watertight integrity" within their lines of communication, it's not tough in the short term to cover yourself. And while innuendo, gossip and rumor may still fly around, they're not enough, in and of themselves to bring down most administrations.

edited: spelling

[mrreowwr_kittty]

51. Oh come on. The kind of stuff Blago was doing is not going to be known by most employees

It's not like he was announcing his intentions to extort money and favors on his daily schedule. The people in his administration were public servants doing their jobs.

[wndycty]

52. THanks. . .

:kick:

[stillcool]

82. The object is not to be noticed...

crime is like that.

[Lucky 13]

102. I think it has become apparent that the corruption DID NOT go unnoticed...

... which is precisely why the wiretap was set up. Blago has been under investigation for a long time and I don't think many of his misdeeds have gone unnoticed. But investigators and prosecutors had to wait, pile up the evidence, get warrants, set up wiretaps, arrange stings, do interviews, and attempt to keep all of it quiet so as to not tip him off. You don't arrest a sitting governor and haul him off in handcuffs unless you have all your ducks in a row. The stuff he was doing at the beginning probably wasn't as blatant. As with most criminals, the severity of crimes increases each time you get away with something.

I'm amazed that he was SOOO brazen about it - openly exploiting his power for personal gain, extorting money in exchange for appointments and state funding, requiring subordinates commit illegal activities for his personal financial gain, etc.

I find the blatant, grandiose, public self-destruction a fascinating phenomenon:
John Edwards having an affair during the run-up to and during a Presidential campaign.
Bill Clinton getting blowjobs in the oval office.
Mark Foley's inappropriate conversations, texts, and emails with underage congressional pages.
and on and on and on and on....

I'm really interested in the psychology behind what would make someone who is under such constant public scrutiny do something so utterly stupid. Even common criminals know enough to lay low if they know the cops are watching them or the likelyhood of getting caught is high. So what are these politicians' problems? Is it simply arrogance? Do they believe they are above the law? Do they think they are too clever to get caught? What causes someone to become so completely deluded?

Fascinating stuff.

[Jennicut]

7. Awesome post.. I feel for the people who do good work.

Too bad Blago had to blow it for everyone.

[merh]

8. Thank you for your OP

Too often most folks don't realize or don't care about the collateral damage these type of investigations cause.

thank you for the reminder.

[Tatiana]

10. I graduated school with someone who still works in the Gov's office.

I can't imagine what all of the good and dedicated employees must be going through right now. This is a nightmare.

My friend is petrified that her reputation will be trash and she will not be able to get another job due to the taint of having worked for Blago. In a panic she sent me a text message stating she felt like resigning.

I told her not to and to just hold tight, keep working, and see how things play out. She has absolutely NOTHING to do with Blago's corruption, like many other government workers.

[AspenRose]

12. One of the pitfalls of being a political animal and/or junkie:

Knowing the reality that those we may support have feet of clay, but the goals and ideals they support (or allege to support) are worth supporting and fighting for.

[wndycty]

13. Yes and I do believe that is one of the reasons Rod beat Judy in 2006

:kick:

[The Backlash Cometh]

14. Just a little skeptical perspective.

(1) Maybe they wanted all those texts stopped because they don't know who is listening?

(2) There is another reason why an old, sworn enemy comes knocking on your door to be admitted in.

[opihimoimoi]

15. Its a story sim to BURN AFTER READING....a series of fuckups leading to disaster

Love your story...there are good peeps everywhere...but overshadowed by assholes

[mkultra]

16. i think i would still be weary of the ENEMY mentioned

Im sure you know what your doing but if you are an honest hardworking person who came into conflict with this person over your open work habits, then i would suggest that you maintain your distance.

I consider myself to be good at my job and delicately honest about problems that come up. On the few occasions that i have had a nemisis, they have almost always been the snake in the grass types how got burned by me after i didn't "fear" them or i didn't notice that they where trying to hide the truth.

If this is the case for you, be careful.

[wndycty]

17. LOL trust me, but I had to give her the warm embrace of accepting her friend request . . .

. . .I couldn't be a cold hearted bastard now could I?

[mkultra]

18. very true

maybe you have a new friend :)

[wndycty]

19. If you knew the hatred I had for her you would know my accepting her friend request. . .

. . .was symbolic. She had a reputation for throwing folks under the bus and then earning their friendships again only to throw them under the bus again and again. I was known to be only who didn't play her game. . .

[mkultra]

20. im sure that made you a target for her.

manipulators don't much like people who cut the puppet strings.

[wndycty]

21. Well actually I had the upper hand. After she threw me under the bus once. . .

. . .she tried to pull me back in and I wouldn't even engage her in conversation. She visited my office and tried to get me to talk and I wouldn't say one word to her and just stared at her and made her cry. LOL

In meetings she would try to put me on the spot and say "he hates me" and I would respond by telling her she was right. LOL

[mkultra]

49. lol, sounds like a solid counter

Especially the meeting banter. I mean, if she chooses to bring such issues to the table, i guess responding is acceptable.

[mopinko]

22. i was wondering about you wndy

and i will say that up until yesterday, i was wondering about who was behind what, and why was this guy being hounded but george ryan served for so long. i get cynical sometimes, and assume that you could build a case against most any elected official if you tried. so i always ask why. did this guy piss off people that i would like to see pissed off? or is this righteous?
but i know how you feel about blaggo, and some other folks that i know to be decent feel the same. i also pretty much trust fitzgerald, although i am not building a pedestal for him.
so, i guess the guy really is beyond the pale. what a shame for the folks, as you say, that work hard and do nothing wrong. what a black eye for illinois democrats, just when we looked to shine.
at least here in illinois we put the crooks in jail, which is more than you can say for a lot of places. human nature is human nature, and power does corrupt. not a lot of comfort in watching all this, but justice is being done. that is something.

sorta sad to hear that they appear to be going the special election route. lot of money, and so many good people are being tainted. i guess we have to trust the people, but the waters are awfully muddy.

[cyberpj]

40. your point is well taken and a good one to remember for many scandals that appear to burst onto the

scene like this.

No matter how many people know what's happening 'at home', it takes a huge push to get this kind of 24-hr around the clock national conversation.

I agree that most everyone knows who's who and how good or bad they are in all political circles and so there's a lot of tolerance that goes on even at very high levels -- so someone exploded onto the scene like this usually has an equally or more powerful exploder.

Ditto re special election too!

[wildonion]

23. I worked in Illinois politics for a time

organizer/lobbyist on education funding.

It was clear from the start of his campaign how rotten Blago was from that beginning. The huge campaign contributions were monstrous, the aides he imported from New York (in prep for a White Hosue bid) were as arrogant as he was, & treated everyone else like they were dogs to do their bidding.

His slimy corruption was evident to anyone from day one. Even his aides down in the depts. were demanding campaign contributions and even sexual favors in return for grants. (they weren't the only ones, the current Majority WHip & chair of the state Appropriations committees is notorious for his demands from women involved with non-profits)

I'm sure lots of people make deals with the devil they think they can handle, but anyone who didn't know what a piece of shit this faux-Kennedy imitator, faux-Elvis impersonator, was simply fooling themsleves.

Of course, denial is more important than water, food, or sex -- we can all live a day w/o those, but few of us (including me) can go a day w/o practicing some form of denial.

[wndycty]

24. Welcome to DU

:kick:

[wildonion]

33. thanks, I shoulda added

if I'd had to opportunity to work on my issues from the state gov't, I'd of taken the appointment, too.

tho I would have hated to move to Springfield, truly an arm pit of a town.

[wndycty]

34. LOL I stayed in Chicago

:kick:

[Critters2]

35. I wish you Chicagoans would just make your damn city a state,

and leave the rest of us alone. If you don't like Illinois, why would you want to work for it?

Btw, I love Springfield, and have vacationed on Lake Springfield several times. I think of a much larger city as an armpit.

[wndycty]

36. What the hell are you talking about . . .

...who said I didn't like Illinois? Seriously, where did you get I hate Illinois?

[Critters2]

37. "Springfield. Truly an armpit of a town"

Typical of what I heard all the time when I lived in Chicago. Don't mind taking taxes from downstaters, but not an ounce of respect for us. Or didn't you realize Springfield is in Illinois?

[wndycty]

39. And did that come from me? NOPE!

I'm glad I didn't have to move away from Chicago, however I never dissed Springfield, that was the other guy.

[Critters2]

41. My post was a response to the other guy,

but, while we're on the subject, if you want to work in state government, I think you ought to have to be willing to work in the state capital. I even believe this about governors. I'm old fashioned that way.

[wndycty]

44. Rod Blagojevich didn't build the Thompson Center

Both Thompson and Ryan used the Thompson Center (it was the State of Illinois Building under Thompson who I believe was Gov. when it was built). Because Cook County is the largest in the state there has been a major state government operation in Chicago for years.

The job I was hired for was listed as being based in Cook County. You can take issue about where I worked but that was the job I was offered. There are thousands of state employees who are based in Cook County because that is where personnel designated those jobs.

[Critters2]

45. I didn't say your boss built the Thompson Building.

I don't care who built it. The governor's office should be in the state capital. Downstaters have been getting screwed for years by people who never travel south of I-80. It needs to end.

Staying in Chicago keeps one entangled in the corrupt political culture there. Which is, almost certainly, the point.

[wndycty]

46. LOL lets not forget Bill Cellini is from Springfield. . .

:kick: Corruption is not unique to Chicago. Even though he spent more time in Chicago than Springfield Ryan was from Kankakee which is south of I-80.

[Critters2]

47. How many state facilities in Chicago did Blago close in his recent

cost-cutting rampage? People close to me lost jobs at Pontiac and Illini State Park because of this bastard. Closing state parks downstate and playing politics with prisons harmed those communities..you know, the ones you and your friend here refer to as "armpits". Real people live in those places, and paid your salary. Well, when they had jobs, that is.

[wndycty]

48. My friend? That guy has like 5 posts? That is not my friend. . .

. . .look I'm not about to defend Rod's cuts. You obviously have some animosity towards me because I had the nerve to take a job with the Blagojevich administration out of Chicago.

[wildonion]

70. What a pain -- this person doesn't know where I'm from, or where I am,

but just wants to attack, assume, misconstrue, and misrepresent what people are saying

Sounds like the people trying to link Obama w/ Blago

[Critters2]

72. I've never tried to link Obama with Blago. Not even close.

Where do you get that?

Oh, and I would know where you are if you'd fill in your profile. I responded to your insult of a city that's practically a second home to me. What was the point of your insult, and why shouldn't I respond?

[Name removed]

105. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Critters2]

107. Yeah, I supported another Democrat in the primaries. As was my right.

I supported him and worked hard on the campaign for the General. Your behavior says more about you than me. Welcome to my ignore list.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

97. Ah, the famous Downstate vs Chicago battle

which has been going on since around 1835 I'd say. :)

Funny thing--in the 38 years I lived in Illinois, I met some real jerks and some real gems--but where they lived really didn't have a thing to do with it. And for the record, the closest I came to living in The Windy City was Champaign. Personally, I prefer Egypt (Southern Illinois) simply because I like the topography.

I was saddened to hear some of my favorite state parks are closing, though.

[sniffa]

74. It seems like you have something against Chicago

:shrug:

Not sure but was it you crapping on New England during that blizzard we had last winter?

[Critters2]

75. I can't recall having crapped on New England. nt

[cyberpj]

42. Wow. Welcome to DU. That's a strong post but all points of view are valid to the viewer. As for

"faux-Kennedy imitator, faux-Elvis impersonator" - I laughed out loud... that's spot on that is.

:hi:

[grantcart]

26. interesting and well written

[Stuart G]

27. K & R

[bbgrunt]

28. His crime is being arrogant and stupidly blatant. Campaign

financing has tainted just about every pol in the land. Most of them are a bit more discrete and create trails of evidence that keep them out of the direct picture. I really don't think that influence trading, vote trading, and political blackmail (martial law if the bailout is not passed, etc) is much different than a would-be napoleon trying to get the best deal in return for his appointment.

After all, isn't that what capitalism is all about?

[samsingh]

29. great post

[Rosie1223]

30. Thank you for your service to the people of Illinois

We know 99% of the people in state government are as honest as the day is long. It's too bad a few rotten ones foul it for the rest.

[66 dmhlt]

99. I'll second that: Thanks for serving the people of Illinois

[Blue_Roses]

31. very interesting...

and thanks for giving us a peek inside. I'm from Louisiana and we've had our share of "interesting" governors too! Edwin Edwards took the cake!

It always amazes me how these guys seem to think they are invincible and will never get caught.

[BrklynLiberal]

53. When a disaster like this occurs, there is not too much notice given to the

"collateral damage"...those that will be caught up in the storm even though they were not truly involved. "Innocent" people will have to pay the price for their boss' indiscretions. Thank you for this insight into the world of those people.
:thumbsup: :hi:

[eridani]

We need more people like you who believe that there is such a thing as the public good

That you actually have experience in government helps also. Here's hoping you find something else in government worth doing.

[wndycty]

56. LOL NO WAY. I'm very happy as a marketing communication consultant and make a good living. . .

I have some political clients

I have some not for profit clients

I have some entertainment/hospitality clients

Life is good.

[eridani]

54. We need more people like you who believe that there is such a thing as the public good

That you actually have experience in government helps also. Here's hoping you find something else in government worth doing.

[eridani]

55. We need more people like you who believe that there is such a thing as the public good

That you actually have experience in government helps also. Here's hoping you find something else in government worth doing.

[Joanne98]

57. The "cult of personally" politics is so destructive! Their are a lot of good people

in government. But crazy leaders with EGO problems screw everything up. It's a shame but I don't know how we would change it. Maybe if we impeached our own leaders when they screw up it would help.

[Olney Blue]

58. Thanks for your post.

[Hekate]

59. Wonderful post, wndy. Thanks much for your insight.

:hi:

Hekate

[Kahuna]

60. You rock. You always have. And you always will..

:loveya:

[rasputin1952]

62. The majority of people I meet, or have net, that work in various

city, state and federal bureaucracies are much like you, they are not in it for political ambition, nor are they in their positions for gain, they simply want to serve people in the best interest of the community, state or federal government. Some, naturally are there as "appointees" and are a tad too beholding to the individual that got them there, but they are relatively few.

What you did was the basic underpinning of our society, a bureaucracy that really cares about making the system work. Where would we be without people who did this grunt work?

In your case, you resigned because you had what appears to be an ethical dilemma, something you should be proud of. What Blago did, he did on his own, he is the one who decided to use his position as one of pure personal gain. From what I've seen so far, he is an arrogant, miserable miscreant that will be charged, tried and if convicted, do a long stint in prison. I have no problem w/that at all. You did your job, and as well as you could under the circumstances. You helped people where you cold, and no one should fault you for that.

Stand tall, wndycty, this nation would screech to a halt w/o people like you, and since you did not follow this cretin's footsteps, and had the dignity to quit when you felt it was the right thing to do are commendable.

As for Blago...he'll get his chance to defend himself in court, and then, if convicted, we will be rid of one more crook.

[wndycty]

71. I didn't have an ethical dilema, I resigned because I only planned on staying. . .

. . .2 years and I was ready to leave. I was getting tired of Rod but I wasn't trying to make some type of ethical statement when I left. I was ready to be back on my own as a consultant.

[rasputin1952]

73. My apologies, I read too much into your OP...

in either case, your decision was apt and on time...:hi:

[madrchsod]

63. i`m not sure who is worse ryan or blago.

i do know that we the people of illinois deserve better. i hope his trial is swift and his sentence long.

[Jackpine Radical]

64. I was a Wisconsin state employee for most of the years of the Thompson

(mal)administration, and I know what it's like to work for an outfit that's corrupt at the top. I watched the slow collapse of morale in the middle and bottom ranks, where people were struggling to accomplish their functions despite the evil machinations of those in power. I still talk to people "in the system," and many of them seem to be totally wrecked as caring people. They beat their heads against too many rocks over too many years, and they just don't care any more. I had to get out in order to save what's left of my soul.

[mb7588a]

66. Staffers...

This is always a potential side effect of being a political operative or appointee. I'm in the business too, so it's always difficult to watch when this kind of thing happens. It seems that state administration is a bit different from Congress. Congressional staffers serve one God, the member. State employees and executive branch employees have a larger cause.

I never feel bad for Larry Craig's, David Vitters, William Jefferson's staffers because they more or less know they're working for a scum bag. Your friends and acquaintances in the IL state government had good public service intentions and that's admirable. Good on them, and good luck to them.

[H2O Man]

67. Outstanding OP.

This is what DU is at its best.

Thank you.

Nominated.

[Kajsa]

68. Thank you, Wndycty,

for giving us your account of working in the Blagojevich administration.

It really helps to hear from someone who was there and
experienced it firsthand.

[Hissyspit]

69. Hi, wndycty. Thanks for the post!

:hi:

[Lindsey]

77. Yes. Very good post, wndycty, and thanks for the really

good insight. My sis lives in Chicago and I love the city and the state of IL. Things happen everywhere, in every state. IL. does have a reputation so maybe things can somehow change. Other states have not so good reputations either (I mean look at who Texas gave us: Bush, Delay, Graham, and God only knows who I can't think of at this moment - I can say this because I was born and raised in Texas; although I now live in CA).

[ddrucken]

76. As an Illinois state employee in the university system

I want to thank you for your post. I gives me some renewed confidence in the system. We have watched in dismay as Blago has destroyed any hope of collaboration within the party for the passage of capital budgets that are desperately needed for development of the education system here in the Quad Cities. I think that this can only be good news for the state and hopefully we can now get about the business of building a future that benefits everyone in the state not just the "chosen" few.

[mucifer]

81. I agree and maybe the state will start paying the bills it owes to medical

facilities. The state is way behind in their payments of bills. I work as a hospice nurse. Let me tell you blago has other reasons for being very unpopular.

[WillyT]

78. Big K & R !!!

:yourock:

:hi:

[Gman]

79. Thanks for the insight

[stillcool]

83. It's sad to read some of these responses...

I hear all the time that we should all be trying to get involved in our government, but God forbid you work in any close proximity to a shit head. I thank you for your post, and for your work. Sometimes it seems like I see so much of the worst of human nature, and so little of the best. Worse than that, is when I forget they co-exist in all of us.

[Voltaire99]

84. "The people's work."

If you can use that phrase without irony, you've not learned much from your stay in the gilded halls.

Government, on occasion, is about the people. But "the money's work" is a more honest description.

[Lisa0825]

85. Thank you to you and your former colleagues for working for the people.

What matters, with respect to you and them, is what YOUR motivations are/were. I hope that all the good people who were serving there will come through as unscathed as possible, and will continue to serve those who need you.

[rvablue]

86. Thank you so much for the firsthand account......especially

since the GD:P is filled with WAY TOO MANY short and irrelevant opinion posts.

This really gives us something...new facts and new insight...instead of the same old "this is what I think" posts, that while interesting, can be overdone by some.

[wndycty]

87. I'm surprised and humbled by the positive responses. . .

. . .I just spoke from my heart. I have too many friends who are hurt by Rod's alleged actions. These are public servants who deserve much better.

[rvablue]

88. Thanks for your response and just wanted to apologize for the

smiley with the tongue sticking out! Yikes! Forgot to press the "no emoticons" and it's the same as :P which is the last part of GD:p (lower case).....anyway, it seems to be that you understood anyway, thanks!

And I think it is wonderful that you've received the positive response. During a day of wild speculation and opinion, you gave us something concrete to read.....that's what makes DU so special.

And yes, it is very sad to see all of the innocent staff and bureaucrats that may get caught up in this....they were just doing their jobs....and even after they survive the purging that will most likley go on, who is going to want to put that on their resume?

Blago is a very selfish, egotistical and arrogant man....hope he pays!

[political_Dem]

89. Thank you for telling us your story.

I appreciate having a different take on this entire affair outside of the MSM. It helps me keep my mind open when it comes to viewing situations as drastic as this one.

I wish you and your friends luck in continuing to fight for what is right even though things are at their darkest. Above everything, people must keep their integrity even when it isn't fashionable.

[threadkillaz]

90. Another IWR Voter eats it. Good riddance.

"On October 10, 2002, Rod Blagojevich was among the 81 House Democrats who voted in favor of authorizing the invasion of Iraq.<18> He was the only Democrat from Illinois to vote in favor of the Iraq War."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Blagojevich

[WheelWalker]

91. It would be all the more difficult

were one to know one's efforts further the darkness. Right Livelihood is one of the more difficult path stones to touch. Light upon your path, and blessings upon your journey.

[unc70]

92. Great thread; some questions for those of you in IL

I really appreciate hearing the perspectives of those of you in IL, particularly when shared in a civil way like this thread. Since I have relatively little direct knowledge of Chicago or IL (no family ties, a few friends and business associates, a visit every couple of years - mostly to see clients), and I am seeing things from afar in NC, my understanding (more likely my ignorance) is derived primarily from the MSM and from places like DU.

Since I am acutely aware of how difficult it is for others to understand NC and the South until they have lived here for several decades, if not generations, I am curious just how distorted you might think my understanding/ignorance of IL and Chicago. With this disclaimer, let me now continue and likely confirm my ignorance.

Like nearly every large US city, Chicago political power evolved primarily from machine politics supported by a patronage system at all levels. As elsewhere, "who you knew" when seeking any government employment seemed a requirement, while "what you knew" was an afterthought. Since it took a favor, a "good word", from a family friend in order for you to get your job, it is not a surprise later if someone "happens to mention" a problem or need involving a "friend of a friend", maybe asking you if you knew someone who could help them.

While initially much of this would have been out in the open, in recent decades this has evolved into a large network of people doing favors for others several steps removed from the one now "returning" the favor. The protocol of any such request would be couched in terms of respect and humility, while avoiding any hint of quid pro quo, a key requirement in proving charges of public corruption or bribery. As long as those involved carefully avoid taking some action that is obviously contingent upon receiving some type of benefit, Anyone who might make a request is well aware that they would "owe one" to their patron.

Much of the power is exercised by many boards and commissions whose members are appointed by the Mayor or the Governor. Before one can even think about constructing or tearing down any building, expanding a hospital, or almost anything else, you must receive their approval, best accomplished with the help of yet another friend of a friend. Maybe a letter in support of your project, maybe an informal mention, not anything just trying to help ones constituents.

While many in IL appear adroit in this type behavior, you can also see similar practices in nearly any state or country in the world. I was not surprised that the Governor was indicted given the ongoing investigation and the previous charges against his associates, but I was astounded that he would make such incriminating statements when he certainly would expect that nearly everything he said was being recorded, Many of the early comments by those in IL emphasized how his actions showed he was too stupid to govern, rather than that he was too corrupt.

I had expected something to become a big news item before the fall election, probably related to the Rezko trial. The land transactions involving Obama's house and the purchase and sale of the lot to associates of Rezko have all the characteristics of transactions between related parties; everything seems legal, unless there was fraud somewhere in the loan applications in something like appraised value -- almost never charged and difficult to prove.

Until the new sheriff was brought in from outside, it appears that the D/R, city and county vs state power brokers had divided the spoils and rarely disrupted the others activities. The periodic election of a reform candidate might change little except that a new group might be getting a cut.

No candidate and neither party could afford to make this too big an issue this year because of the risk to powerful figures on their iown side.

If the environment was anything at all as I described, could any lawmaker not at least be suspicious of others?

While there have been many claims that BO was not part of the "machine", Michelle Obama seems to me to have been more a part of that world, as are many of his advisors from Chicago. Could one have their jobs and not know of the corruption that later resulted in convictions? How much did those you here at DU suspect when you worked for the Governor?

After the fact, it seems hard not to see; but maybe not.

The RW blogs tried to make this an issue, but they never found a simple way to make claims about Rezko, Auchi, and such resonate with the general public -- particularly since most believe that all politicians are corrupt.

I expect that I have now proven my ignorance beyond any doubt, look forward to hearing from those of you who know what is really going on.

[pjt7]

93. I was wondering what the Illinois insiders

think about Rahm Emanuel?

[wndycty]

95. Many Illinois insiders like Rahm

:kick:

[wndycty]

94. Not sure why you think Michelle is part of the "machine"

Seriously. . .

[unc70]

110. Part of the post or neo-machine generation

I said that the machine had evolved towards the current system, inclusive -- with the children both those of the machine and of those who opposed it.

Let me start with the story of Michelle having Barack come to an interview with Valerie Jarret before Michelle would accept a job working for the second Mayor Daley. Her main concern that just taking that type job might derail BO's political plans. She took the job working for the Mayor, and I know of no allegations concerning her or Jarret's time there.

Early in their careers, both Michelle and Barack became very well connected to many of the top financial and political powers in Chicago, some who had been part of the Daley machine and many who had not. Their obvious abilities plus Harvard Law degrees could open many doors, their respective law firms were at the center of most everything. But there was more going on. Both Minnow and Mikva tried to recruit him while he was in law school and have been his mentors ever since; apparently Rezko was another who tried to recruit Obama. Barack joined the Davis Miner firm with its many political connections.

Back to Michelle, over the years her various jobs have given her control over who receives significant amount of money. For example, the diversity contracts from the hospital I remember as something like $50 million a year. A job like that is consistent with the general profile I described, whether that power was abused or not.

MO also served on boards/commissions of the type described.

Lots more things, many with the addition of a Hyde Park angle.

[Venceremos]

104. Not ignorant

I was born and raised in Illinois. As a young adult I moved away to live in 4 different states. I moved backed to Illinois 24 years ago and have lived here since.

Your take on the corruption here is pretty accurate, but it doesn't capture the depth and breadth of it. Of the five states I've lived in, Illinois is by far the most corrupt. Most of the other states had the same types of corruption, but it wasn't nearly as pervasive and it wasn't as "out in the open". And IMO, you can literally "see" the effect the long term corruption has had on this state. That wasn't true of other states I've lived in or visited.

One example - I had lived down south for several years and drove up to Illinois to visit my parents. The roads in all the states I drove through were smooth and well maintained. But the moment I crossed the Illinois state line, I hit a huge bump and the roads kept getting worse from there. When I arrived at my parents house, I asked my dad why the Illinois roads are so bad. He replied that the corrupt IL politicians "pocket all the road money". I travel a lot, and to this day our roads are among the worst in the country. And the decay is not just in the roads, it's nearly everywhere you look.

After living in this environment for over two decades, I'm highly suspicious of all politicians. And I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but I have serious doubts that any politician could come up through this muck and stay perfectly clean. And I seriously doubt that anyone could "have their jobs and not know of the corruption".

[Bluenorthwest]

98. At the end of the day, this is far from a joke

for the President Elect and the entire Democratic Party. Much damage much debris scattered in our way forward. Myself, I'm not laughing too much about it.

[trayfoot]

100. Thank you so much.....

your narrative puts a whole other perspective on the situation.

[Lex]

101. Instead of it being funny to me, Blago's behavior kind of makes me sick and sad.

nt

[Piewhacket]

103. Nice post. The cost of corrupt government is too high.

[JuniperLea]

106. Thanks for saying that out loud...

Behind every con man in government, there are a host of good people who had no idea what was going on. That can be said for corporations as well. We need to remember that guilt by association in these cases is a very bad and unjust thing.

Good to see your inside perspective... perspective is absolutely everything.

[pjt7]

108. Corruption has infested America

From AIG to DC to professional sports.

If Obama wants to restore our Country he is going to have to spotlight it & put people in jail. Even in his own state.

Man,I hope he's the real deal.

[JuniperLea]

109. I used to work for AIG...

I know exactly how the OP feels... I had no idea. My end of the business was squeaky clean, to the letter of the law. I had no idea what was going on above me.

I think he is the real deal. I'm counting on it. Corruption has been given a huge pass for a long time. I'm happy to see "we the people" are sick of it all.

We cannot heal as a country until we're scrubbed clean of ALL the corruption we can unEarth!!

[comtec]

111. k