With the presidential election just weeks away, the political spotlight is shining bright on the state of Illinois and its residents. With a reputation for breeding corrupt politicians and a not so stellar political track record (does anyone remember Operation Greylord in the 1980s?); Illinois leaves a lot to be desired in the political arena. In the past months, we have dealt with Reverend Wright's disassociation with Senator Obama after his sermons were deemed too racially charged, Tony Rezko (a bigwig political fundraiser) being found guilty and this week Senator McCain calling Senator Obama a liar and stating, "His [Obama] campaign had to return $33,000 in illegal foreign funds from Palestinian donors." Here is a laundry list of political pitfalls that Illinois is privy to:
Land of Lincoln: This Lincoln slogan is a lie or rather misleading. Sure, Lincoln served in the state legislature and later became President, but he was not born in Illinois. Therefore, Illinois is not his land nor are Illinoisans his people. In fact, the only president born here was Ronald Reagan.
Saving Face Factor: Illinoisans know that in 6 weeks this could all change. We could not only have the first African-American president elected but the first president who is a product of Chicago Public Schools in the White House. Could we be headed for a new slogan: Abode of Obama? I'm sure gaining a new identity would de-stress us. After all, it has worked for Madonna time and again.
Politicians Populating Prisons: Illinois is filled with many political rascals who are now in the pokey for political wrongdoing. For starters, former Governor George Ryan is in the pen, former Chicago alderman and civil rights activist Dorothy Tillman was found guilty Thursday of trespassing and is headed to the clink and our current governor, Rod Blagojevich, is under federal investigation. With a handful of our politicians becoming prisoners these days, of course Illinoisans are anxious about the upcoming election. Could Illinois handle world-wide embarrassment if our son (Obama) should go down the political primrose path too?
Saving Face Factor: So far so good. While we have had our roster of rapscallions, there are upstanding political peeps in this town that are blowing the whistle on the wrongdoers. But, as for Obama, only time will tell. In six weeks, his fate will be determined and should he win, he has four years to walk the straight and narrow. As for our current governor, his investigation has not yielded any information that has led to an arrest. So, take a breath Illinoisans, things are looking up, as no more politicians are facing prison sentences at this time.
Nepotism is our Middle Name: Todd Stroger Jr. (son of late Cook County Board President Todd Stroger Sr.), Mayor Richard Daley (son of late Mayor Richard J. Daley), Attorney General Lisa Madigan (daughter of the speaker of the House of Illinois Representatives Michael Madigan), Jesse Jackson Jr. (son of Reverend Jesse Jackson who founded Rainbow/Push Coalition) and Governor Blagojevich (son-in-law to Alderman Richard Mell of the 33rd Ward). All of our current political bigwigs who appear in the daily news come from politically connected families. It seems that our political elections rely more on DNA ties rather than who is most qualified for the job. Instead of just inheriting a recognizable last name, many children of Illinois politicians also enter the world with a “get into politics” free card.
Saving Face Factor: While Chicago does nepotism the best…we are not the only city/state to take part in promoting political family legacies. Does the name Kennedy ring a bell to anyone? But, Illinois is trying to right its wrongs. State Republican leaders have proposed legislation that would ban family members of political officials from being appointed to political office. The law is intended to target political situations like the one that occurred two years ago when Cook County Board President Todd Stroger Jr. replaced his father on the ballot.