Reply #45: Intent... [View All]

[Chan790]

it's corruption if you attempt to use public office, whether to solicit bribe or to effect policy or personnel decisions, for personal gain. (Personally, I think by that definition there are a hell of a lot more pols who belong in jail than there are currently pols in jail for corruption.)

The difference is thus one of intent. There is a world of difference between a Senator demanding that the CEO of GM be fired for the manner of how he ran the company (a move I disagree with, but that's a different discussion. It still makes a good example.) and Blago demanding that an editor at the Trib be fired in exchange for a loan because that editor editorializes opinions critical of the governor's office.

Also, you're putting the cart before the horse...he's been indicted, not convicted. Indictment only requires the supposition of a crime and the capacity to present exhibits and testimony to a jury tasked to decide whether there is sufficient evidence of the crime alleged. If he is convicted, evidence will have come out during the trial to make the issue of his guilt certain beyond a reasonable doubt. It's not our place to present the clear case of Rod Blagojovich's guilt to you on the internet, it's Patrick Fitzgerald's place to present it in a court of law to a jury made up of 12 Illinoisans tasked with determining the governor's innocence beyond a reasonable doubt in light of the facts presented.