Corruption in the Land of Lincoln

By Evan Rothera

It is common knowledge that former Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois conspired to sell President Obama’s vacant Senate seat. Federal wiretaps captured him saying that the seat could be worth a lot of money (between $500,000 to $1,500,000), or could be his “ticket” to a cabinet position. Blagojevich was also recorded saying “f— Obama” and that he would not appoint Obama’s friend Valeria Jarrett, because he would receive nothing in return. Blagojevich, although impeached and removed from office by the Illinois Legislature, still managed to appoint Ronald Burris to fill Obama’s seat.

This appointment should never have been allowed to stand. By allowing the corrupt little egomaniac his choice, the Senate became a complicity partner in the destruction of the ethical appointment process. Furthermore Blagojevich swore, with one hand on the Bible and the other on his heart, that his choice, Ronald Burris was a man of upstanding and unquestionable character. However, after hearing the recordings of Blagojevich conspiring to sell the Senate seat, he should never have been trusted and the appointment should have been made by Pat Quinn, the lieutenant governor who ascended to the governor’s chair after Rod was tossed out in disgrace.

After a few uncertain days, the Senate accepted Burris’ credentials and allowed him to be seated. The new junior senator was hardly off to a smooth start, but he had been seated and was apparently untainted by the nauseating stench of corruption permeating Blagojevich.

The decision to accept Burris was not, in retrospect, the best one.

Less than a month into his new job, Burris admitted that he had lied under oath about his contacts with Blagojevich and his relatives during the appointment process. He admitted that Blagojevich’s had approached him and asked for money in exchange for the appointment to the Senate seat. Burris saw no reason to disclose this information when he testified before the panel investigating Blagojevich. Burris, if he had any scruples left, should resign.

It is clear that Burris did not share these facts with the investigative committee because he was undoubtedly concerned that they would be sufficient to deny him the senate seat. It is a sad fact indeed, when a politician puts their own ambitions ahead of their integrity and principles. Not only should Burris be ashamed of himself for lying under oath, he should also have the decency to resign and prove that he still has a tiny bit of integrity left.

In his Notes on the Practice of Law, Abraham Lincoln wrote, “Resolve to be honest in all events; and if, in your own judgment, you can not be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer.” Perhaps if the corrupt Blagojevich and the dishonest Burris had listened to Illinois’ favorite son, they would have escaped scandal and the ruin of their careers. However, their ambitions and egos may be so distended that even Lincoln’s rational advice would have failed to make a difference.