Thoughts on Blago and Demanding his Resignation

[MadBadger]

Let me preface by saying I think he is a scumbag and I THINK hes guilty of whatever and goes to jail for a long time.

But

Even in cases where it seems that one is definitely guilty, we do believe in this country that everybody is innocent until proven guilty.

So then even though there is a complaint filed,before he is removed from office or demanded to resign, shouldnt there be a case that determines his guilt or innocence?

I know that seems idealistic and that some will argue that they dont want to put Illinois through all this mess.

But shouldnt we presume innocent until proven guilty even here when asking him to vacate his seat as Governor? He could be acquitted of any charges filed, and should be able to continue serving as governor if that were to happen.

Thoughts?

[firedupdem]

1. The issue I have with this is...

Blago has been scum for years! This isn't his first little skirmish with trouble. I know they have tapes this time but he should have been gone long ago. I do think we have to remember innocent until proven guilty and he deserves his day in court but it's sad for the people of Illinois to have to put up with his ass a day longer.

I don't think he'll resign anyway until somebody gives him lots of money. He's not going down without a major fight!

[RiverStone]

2. If Blago blew a breath test with a BAL over the legal limit, he should not drive

Same analogy, replace alcohol with being corrupt....

IMO, his hand was so far deep in the cookie jar already --- he is not capable or able to lead. At the very least, Blago could own up to his major fuck ups, and quell the Obama is involved gossip.

He needs to distance himself from the President Elect and the party at large, for the good of the party! Alas, he to date has put his self interest, above what serves our PE Obama best and Dems in general. In fact, he seems to have put his interest above that of his constituency.

There is no ambiguity here, Blago needs his hand off the wheel. The degree of crime can be determined later in court.

[panader0]

3. I think he's scum too

He's a disgrace to our party. But Scooter libby was scum, Rove and the whole Valarie Plame crooks were scum, and Fitzgerald took FOREVER to convict just Libby on a lesser charge and he skated anyway. So just being busted by Fitzgerald doesn't mean anything yet.

[Thrill]

4. Why should he resign? Not a fan of his. But I read the charges. And none of them actually have him

doing any deals. And none of them actually have him doing a deal. Just talking about the possibility of doing it. He's going to get off in my humble opinion

[Prism]

5. Politics are based on public perception - not legal status

Any politician's strength rests on whether or not there is broad support for what he or she is trying to do. At this point, what little remained of Blagojevich's public support - the source of any politician's power - has been obliterated. The politicians in the legislature and beyond don't want to be tainted by him. Therefore, it makes it very, very hard for him to govern, to push his initiatives forward, to accomplish anything at all. Bills he supports won't be passed, and the people's business will linger in a kind of political limbo until someone credible steps forward or he steps down.

Even now, stories are hitting the Chicago papers about how the state is having trouble meeting its very basic, short-term debts. The bills aren't getting paid as the trainwreck reaches gridlock stage.

So while legally he may very well be innocent (unlikely, but possible), politically he's the walking dead.

[damntexdem]

6. Sure, he's innocent until proven guilty -- won't go to jail till then. But he should resign now.

There's enough evidence for that demand -- and for his removal or impeachment, whichever could come first if he still won't resign.