by Dale Williamson

Created on: January 25, 2009

Roland Burris; Pawn or Credible Senator?

The tainted appointment of Roland Burris will forever remain a black eye in Illinois politics. His service to Illinois as Attorney General and Comptroller will be over shadowed by the fact that he was appointed by a corrupt Chicago politician. I am however, willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, with a short leash. In addition to the appointment itself, the action by the U. S. Senate leaders, Reid and Durbin, give me cause for concern. Their waffling back and forth on whether to actually seat him, leaves some unanswered questions that will probably never be known. What kind of deal, if any, was made to him, by the Democratic leadership? The one question that the media captured was, "will he run for the office in 2010"? It was reported that Harry Reid said he was unelectable, and he would consider seating him, only if he vowed not to seek election when the term expires. The questions I have are; did Reid and Durbin make further deals with him as to voting on issues as they wish, rather than voting his own mind? Or better yet; will he vote on issues as he should, his constituency wishes? Of course that concept has been widely ignored by our leaders. What we do know is, he spent many hours behind closed doors with Reid and Durbin.

We won't have to wait longer than this week to determine partial answers to those questions. The confirmation vote for Timothy Geithner will probably be Monday. I'm certain that his office received many calls from constituents, disgusted with the selection of a cheat, a liar and a thief, appointed as Secretary of the Treasury. His vote on the confirmation of Geithner will be a good test. There will be enough issues to vote on, in the Senate, in the next six months, of huge importance, to determine whether Burris will be a mere pawn, or if he will vote the will of the Illinois citizens. I would urge all voters to pay strict attention to how Senator Burris handles himself in the Senate. Write and call his offices. Let his staff know exactly how you feel about issues that are of concern.

Too many voters don't pay enough attention to issues that effect them. Then, when legislation is inacted, the whining and complaining begins. We voters in Illinois have only ourselves to blame for the people that represent us, and look where that has led.

Furthermore, it's time downstate voters begin to stand up to the Chicago machine, by electing only those from outside of the Chicago area , to statewide and national offices. Call it a "time out", as with handing down discipline to a child. Perhaps for a generation or so.

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