Sad Day Indeed: Krauthammer on Blago – It’s just what politicians do
My heart aches on this one. Have the American people become so jaded that people are just willing to say … “Well, that’s just politicians do.” Depression.
Two videos for your approval. First Charles Krauthammer details how the Federal prosecutor just blew the Blago case, especially after making such a big deal about the litany of crimes Blago was accused of. The he adds the money line …. most people in Chicago just accept this stuff. Sigh!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvQ_8rRznAQ
Bite number two comes from Kirsten Powers. Just drop the case, she says. It’s a big waste of money.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lKb6GqcVZw
OK, let’s update. Blago is caught on tape saying he has gold in that Senate seat and he’s just not giving it away … and one juror just isn’t sure. This my friends is how far we have fallen.
Read AP’s take on that juror at Hot Air.
According to the foreman, they actually reached a conviction on a second count related to extortion — before one juror backed out, leaving them deadlocked again at 11-1. They spent the whole summer at trial and fully two weeks deliberating, and still: 11-1. Quote:
Juror Jesse Blue returned to his Matteson home around 6:30 p.m. Asked if he was happy with the way the trial turned out, Blue said: “No, but I’m not at this time prepared to give a statement.”
No wonder Fitzgerald’s ready to retry the case. If he can idiot-proof the jury this time, he’ll probably put Blago away for years.
7 Comments
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The hung jury continues to be the tool used by mafiosi and thugs of all stripes to evade justice. My failure to be outraged isn't that a politician is using this tool — it's that it's yet another very well-connected thug who benefits from it.
We place our trust in our elected representatives, and as such, they should be held to the highest possible standard. Instead, it is the common person that is held to the highest standard (see tax evasion) while the politician gets a pass. It is not hard to buy a jury member, and in Chicago, it is apparently expected. I wonder if the holdout will "come into some money" soon…
Hopefully, the Waters/Rangel investigations will restore our faith in governments ability to police its members.
It is time for a new Eliot Ness.
I saw the press conference during the news last night and was stunned that Blago was found guilty on only one count of lying to the FBI. But what astounded me most was the level of ARROGANCE he displayed.
Then I saw Kristen Powers and was stunned…"unsavory character"? He tried to SELL OBAMA'S SENATE SEAT!!!! That's not "unsavory"…isn't that ILLEGAL???
If they choose to retry this crook, it sure would be nice if a competent jury were chosen.
Betcha at the next trial witnesses will be coming from obama's administration. Might be a reason why it won't be retried.
Hey Charlie, Will you have the same sympathy for me when I do not pay my taxes ( read -not gonna give the keys…) and the feds are beating on my door?
Hey Kristen, If Blago had assaulted you physically or verbally, would you be singing the same tune?
He was tried by a jury of his peers, according to the rules. The peers are as "bad" as he is. Similarly, politicians beget politicians and we continue to elect them because there is no other choice.
Jim, As I listened to you on the radio talking about this issue yesterday, your pain was palpable. Morally of course you are right, this IS the most important issue. Our politicians are an elitist, corrupt MOB, especially in Chicago. But as Sammy22 says, he was tried by a jury of his peers. Ergo he escaped punishment. Can we expect justice by another jury in Chicago? It's a gamble. Right now, I am prioritizing. The time is so critical, the corruption and perversion of our Constitution so prevalent, I only have the effort to fight the fights in which I have the best chance of success. I have to concentrate all of my energies to electing moral, intelligent candidates willing to listen to "We the People" in Connecticut. I have to HOPE this will happen in all 50 states. Keep your passion and your convictions, that's why we love you. RIGHT on!