The braggadocio and downright impudence of some political crooks before they are convicted often amazes me.
Take the case of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was sentenced Wednesday to 14 years in federal prison for his conviction on 18 felony counts of corruption.
As you’ll recall, Blagojevich was charged in April 2009 with, among other things, trying to sell former U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s seat to the highest bidder after Obama was elected President.
Here’s what Blagojevich, 54, said at the time that U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald announced the charges.
“I’m saddened and hurt, but I am not surprised by the indictment. I am innocent, I now will fight in the courts to clear my name.”
Yes, he would clear his good name! He’d been slandered, don’t you know, and that could not stand.
A year later, perhaps reflecting how dismissive he was of the charges, he appeared as a contestant on Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” TV show.
Then, last year, after a federal jury convicted him of just one count — lying to the FBI — and hung up on 23 other counts, Blagojevich not only turned defiant but goaded Fitzgerald.
“The government threw everything but the kitchen sink at me,” Blagojevich said, “and on every charge but one, they could not prove that I broke any laws except one, a nebulous charge from five years ago.
“We have a prosecutor who has wasted and wanted to spend tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer money to take me away from my family and my home.”
Fitzgerald didn’t take the bait and simply said Blagojevich would be retried…The second trial ended in June with his conviction on 17 additional counts.
That brings us to yesterday, when U.S. District Judge James Zagel sentenced Blagojevich.
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich returned a copy of his book, which he had signed for a supporter, after he returned home from his court sentencing Wednesday in Chicago (AP photo)
And what did he say in court, at his sentencing?
“I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on all that’s happened. I’m here convicted of crimes, and I am accepting of it, acknowledge it.”
That prompted Zagel to respond, “It comes late.”
Blagojevich also said:
“I have nobody to blame but myself for my stupidity and actions, words, things that I didn’t that I thought I could do.”
Now, why didn’t Blagojevich temper his comments when he was first charged and again last year after he was convicted on one count?
It goes back to the Achilles’ heel of many a figure in Greek literature — pride, hubris. Blagojevich thought he was above the law; he got a fat head because several million people voted for him and put him in the governor’s office.
He should have read some Greek tragedies; it would have better prepared him for his downfall. Then, again, maybe he did read some Greek tragedies and concluded, “That’ll never happen to me.”
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You will see below that my lifelong friend Hubartos vanDrehl — the Prince of Paonia, the Mystic of the Mountains — comments on the respective hairdos of Mr. Blagojevich and Mr. Trump. It is only fitting, in my opinion, that I show you a photo of Mr. vanDrehl’s inimitable ‘do…
vanDrehl
JimmyCsays: At the juncture of journalism and daily life in KC 
Good Riddance To Bad Hair. Hope Trump’s ‘Do is next on The Trash Heap Of History.
I Remain,
Hubartos vanDrehl
One thinks also of Kathleen Sebeljevich every time I think of all the political hacks and major donors she appointed to both the Supreme Court and the various county benches. For instance in 2004 in JOCO she appointed two attorneys from Dennis Moore’s old firm, then the ridiculous “merit” panel gave her an actual judge and two of her donors and she picked the one with the biggest donations. Then then there’s the Supreme Court justice who was a plaintiff’s attorney on the Montoy case who went on to not only sit in judgment on the case, but was caught engaging in ex parte discussion with legislators about it. And of course, going out the door, her last appointment to both the Supremes and the JOCO bench came from the law office of the Chair of the Kansas Democrat Party. Where the hell is her 14 years? Blago only talked about selling one seat while the evidence certainly suggests that Sebeljevich made a career out of any position she had available. In her defense, it seemed the norm since the Kansas legal system is operated like some third world dung heap thanks to being dominated by the shysters. Indeed, it is not ironic that Blago himself is/was a shyster. Perhaps the broader lesson here is to get the legal system under control.
Well said, Fitz! There is an old Hebrew saying that goes something like, “A man who places wisdom above sin, his wisdom will endure. A man who places sin above wisdom, his wisdom will not endure.” If only Blago, and his counsel, had the good sense NOT to play chicken with the Feds, the entire outcome would have been better for everyone and he’d probably be a Fox News contributor.
When returning from battle, the Roman generals would be greeted by their minions as they stood tall in the chariot. Walking behind them was always a peasant who would remind them that “all glory is fleeting.”
I think you’re absolutely right, Smartman. If Blago had kept the peasant saying in mind, he might have had a decent gig awaiting him when he got out of prison. And, as you suggest, he would have gotten out a lot sooner. Blago’s antics obviously frosted Judge Zagel, who took the opportunity to come down on him like a ton of bricks. What a dope!
I read that last comment quickly and thought you said Blago would have a decent wig awaiting him…from your blog to God’s ears.
Hair, hair, Harwood!
Fitz, the President’s name is Obama, not, as you write: O’Bama!
He’s Kenyan, or at the very least, Hawaiian–not Irish!!!
Tracy
The ultimate brain-gas emission, Tracy. I looked at the way I wrote that two or three times and thought it looked odd, but each time just kept right on going…I’m changing it now to spare myself further ignominy.
Dear jimmyc,
A cheap low blow, publishing a picture of some geezer with uncombed hair. At least when I DO comb my hair it looks better. The closer Trump and The Illinois Greaser (I can’t spell his unpronounceable name) get to combed hair, the more ridiculous they look. Trump at least has the money to come up with a more plausible ‘do. The other asshole will lose most of his before he’s a free-running dog again.
Upon first contact with Europeans most aboriginals disliked having having their portraits done/taken, wisely thinking their immortal souls would be captured by these white-ass devils. They were right. Just look at what fame/notoriety has done for these two bozos.
You’ve neatly sidestepped The Hair Question by not having any. The next time I see you, you’re scalp is mine, hair or no.
I Remain,
Spectacularly Coiffed,
With Unfettered Soul,
And Little Or No Interest In Politicians In Or Out Of Jail,
Hubartos vanDrehl