He did it. Blago appointed someone to fill Obama’s seat. The would-be appointee is Roland Burris, and African-American forner Illinois state Attorney General. They just held a remarkable press conference in which Bobby Rush came on to warn any Senators who might want to block the appointment that they’re a bunch of racists if they do.
Adding to the theater, the Secretar of State Jesse White will refuse any paperwork from Blagojevich. And the Senate Democrats have already said that they will refuse to seat any Blago appointment. However, there are legal questions about whether the Senate has the power to do so. All eyes are on the Congressional Black Caucus.
It may well be that Burris is a fine pick, but he’s showing some bad judgment in the horse he’s backing. Even if he manages to pull off the appointment, his career will be forever tainted whether he deserves it. I imagine the Senate Democrats have been on the phone with him all day.
Addendum: Now Obama has chimed in. So far as I can see, the Republicans are hanging back, but I haven’t really had the time to surf the media. Maybe they’re too busy trying to rationalize Barack the Magic Negro.
And Fivethirtyeight has a more detailed explanation of the Senate options.
Second addendum: Here’s the press conference.
11 comments
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December 30, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Moviedad
I’m torn between believing the guy is a scumbag, and the fact that charges against him were only brought after he sided with union workers occupying that factory for their back pay.
December 30, 2008 at 3:17 pm
mresquan
Moviedad,he is a scumbag whose political foes brought charges against him only after he sided with the unions.He’s a scumbag,much like those who brought the charges against him.
December 30, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Moviedad
I know, you’re right. We’re all looking like “Scumbags,” right now, as we back Israel genocidal attacks on Gaza. Someone said that Hammas launched 300 missiles at Israel. so I’m wondering who is actually supplying them? And how is it a war, when one side (rocket launchers not withstanding) is using homemade explosives, Ak-47′s and rocks. and the other side is the strongest military in the world.
As a person of Jewish roots, I know I’m supposed to support Israel unquestionably. but I can’t. I’ve seen to much. Most of our troubles over there are due to the fact that we have backed Israel’s atrocities without question. Will it ever stop?
December 30, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Eric Kirk
I haven’t posted anything on the attacks yet, but I did find an interesting video of a media discussion on the topic. I may post it tonight.
December 30, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Not A Native
Moviedad, you may define your obligations as you wish, but for my part having Jewish roots or being an observant Jew doesn’t constitute an obligation to unquestionably support all the policies of the government of Israel.
If your reasoning is religious, remember Israel isn’t a theocracy, its actions aren’t subject to being religiously sanctioned. A majority of Israelis are secular and most don’t unquestioningly support their government, just like US citizens. So, I’m sorry you’re conflicted but suppose you’re also conflicted in regards to support for various US government policies.
As a contrast, my understanding of Jewish belief and practice is that sincere and informed questioning, debate, and reasoning isn’t heresy. Its the opposite, one way to sanctify G*d, carry out divine will, and increase G*d’s presence within us.
December 30, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Moviedad
To, no. Two, no. 2,no……Too! A-Ha!
Seriously though. I am very suspicious of “Media Discussion” It’s like: “Ok, there has been this event, so what do want people to think about it….. Bob?”
“Well Tom, I think what people need to know about this is…………”
It’s weird. the degrees to which we are aware of propaganda, or not aware of propaganda. I’ll hear someone on the Mud, who I take for forward thinking, aware person. Then when I meet them, I find out they get all their news from NPR. To each his own, surely. but the media, at this time, is the enemy of the people. that is not to say that it can’t be turned from the dark side. but for the present, they are one of the “Enemies… Domestic.”
I am referring to the national corporate controlled mass media.
December 30, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Moviedad
Case in point:
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2008/12/30-10
December 30, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Eric Kirk
Seriously though. I am very suspicious of “Media Discussion” It’s like: “Ok, there has been this event, so what do want people to think about it….. Bob?”
No, it was more like “that’s a stupid question Joe Scarborough. Why are you such a moron and why don’t you read up on middle east policy before trying to conduct an interview?”
Only it was said a little more nicely. Not much though.
December 31, 2008 at 9:49 am
Moviedad
I find it very difficult to voice and opinion about the conflict, with Jewish folks. there is an unwavering support of Israel here. I understand the reactions. Reason goes out the window when it is your loved ones who are blown apart. But we have watched the Palestinians suffer day after day. and unless you follow Robert Fisk, or “Leftist” (so-called) information services, you will never see it.
Israel broke the back of the Palestinians years ago. but since they were not executed as a race, the remnant decided death was better than annihilation.
Please, before I get fire-bombed. I do not support the Palestinian attacks on Israel. I feel that Israel must recognize that it is their Human Nature to protect themselves.
Had we played fair in this, Palestine would exist, and Israel would exist. Doesn’t it bother people that we are consistently on the side of War-Criminals, and never on the side of the oppressed. Hell, we even saved the Nazi’s at the expense of Communists who fought along side us in WW2. The story goes that George Bush the first, brought them into the US Intelligence service through Argentina.
The rulers want endless war. Nothing else explains these policies. nothing else makes sense.
January 1, 2009 at 7:03 pm
S.C.
I thought one was innocent until proven guilty in a court of law in this country. I guess those days are gone.
January 1, 2009 at 7:12 pm
S.C.
re the other topic: My daughter is sabre, born in Israel. I stood guard, dog watch, over a children’s bunker for two weeks in Oct. 1973. My daughter was born 3 weeks later. I do not believe in Israel right or wrong any more than I believe in the US right or wrong. Sheep do that. The destruction of Lebanon and this invasion and strangulation of Gaza are wrong. God bless you Obama and good luck.