Chutzpah, personified…

English is a language that likes to borrow words — heck, it mugs other languages and goes through their pockets for loose bits of speech.  One such borrowed word is “Chutzpah,” pronounced “HOOTZ-pah.”  Chutzpah is a remarkable trait — the ability to say the most audacious things with a straight face, regardless of how ludicrous the underlying reality might be.  A common example is the defendant who, upon his sentencing for the murder of his parents, pleads for the judge’s mercy on the grounds that they’re an orphan.  It is found frequently in lawyers and politicians, but, then, I repeat myself.

Entered into evidence is Dan Rostenkowski who, recently, opined that the activities of Governor Blagojevich should not be seen as an indictment of Chicago politics.  This might sound reasonable on the surface, but…

“Rostenkowski’s political career was shattered in 1994, when he was indicted on corruption charges for his key role in the House post office scandal. He was forced to step down from all Congressional leadership positions. In elections later that year, Rostenkowski lost his seat and retired from political life. Charges against Rostenkowski included keeping “ghost” employees on his payroll, using Congressional funds to buy gifts such as chairs and ashtrays for friends, and trading in officially purchased stamps for cash at the House post office. In 1996, he pleaded guilty to reduced charges of mail fraud. He was fined and was sentenced to 17 months in prison, of which he served 15. Rostenkowski was pardoned in Dec. 2000 by US President Bill Clinton.”

Pure chutzpah.