In reading an article in the Chicago Sun Times where Homeland Security has stripped him of his security briefings since he was charged with allegedly selling a senate seat vacated by Pres.-elect Barack Obama, clearly a man who has not even been indicted is being punished.
According to the Sun Times, Amy Kudwa, spokeswoman for Homeland Security. She stated, "Being the subject of a criminal complaint, no matter who you are, is a disqualification," Note the operative word being complaint. There has not been an official indictment and U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald stated it could take three months to indict Gov. Blagojevich. To me, it signifies, justice delayed is justice denied.
One has to wonder if Governor Sarah Palin lost her Homeland Security briefings when a criminal complaint was filed against her in the ‘Trooper-gate Scandal’. I do not remember it being reported when she was Senator John McCain’s running mate in this past presidential election. Incidentally, she was cleared even before any indictment came as she ran for vice president. I find that suspicious. She more than Blagojevich should have been under a microscope since she could have been a heart-beat away from the presidency.
When a criminal complaint was filed against the disgraced former Governor of New York State, Eliot Spitzer: Did he automatically lose his Homeland Security briefings? While the Sun Times states that he did, it was not broadly reported by the media to further embarrass him. In that criminal complaint it was said that he used a call girl service eight times. He was even named as being ‘Client number-nine’. Instead of ever being indicted, and a trial held, it has been reported he will be writing a column for Slate.com. Some punishment doled out to a former governor for clearly breaking the law under the Mann Act.
When Amy Kudwa stated that things would go off "without a hitch" since Governor Blagojevich's subordinates have this security clearance, we must remember, they were not elected by the citizens of Illinois.
The Sun Times also reported that, "Jay E. Stewart, executive director of the Better Government Association stated of Blagojevich would be “flying in the dark when it comes to security.” And went onto add, “If there is an issue in Illinois with a national security element, he will not be the first to know about it in the state,” As a duly elected official, Blagojevich has a duty and responsibility to protect his constituents. Dare I say that Homeland Security is putting their safety at risk?
In closing, it seems that a punishment is meted out before-hand where Governor Blagojevich has not even been indicted. Shouldn’t it be the other way around when actual charges can be proven before a grand jury? Some will say that I am supporting corruption, and that is far from the truth. What I am standing up for is the rule of law. Until such time that Governor Blagojevich is actually indicted, is removed from office through any impeachment process where corruption charges can be proven, he on behalf of his citizens should continue to receive those security briefings.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
I would like to add an addendum to my piece on Governor Rod Blagojevich. It has now been reported where Governor Bill Richardson withdrew his name to become the new Commerce Secretary, because "A federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson's political activities won a lucrative New Mexico state contract."
The AP also reported, "The Associated Press that the grand jury is looking into possible "pay-to-play" dealings between CDR Financial Products and someone in a position to push the contract through with the state of New Mexico."
So, here is my question: Will Governor Bill Richardson lose his Homeland Security briefings since he is now under a cloud of suspicion where he had to withdraw his name to be considered our new Commerce Secretary?
