Now that the United States Senate has backed away from its un-Constitutional and unconscionable stance of refusing to seat Burris as junior U.S. Senator from Illinois, we can reflect on how he got there, and take stock of all those who sought to be a road
Now that the United States Senate has backed away from its un-Constitutional and unconscionable stance of refusing to seat Burris as junior U.S. Senator from Illinois, we can reflect on how he got there and take stock of all those who sought to be a road block.
Make no mistake, with the unsavory atmosphere swirling about Gov. Rod Blagojevich, we would have rather he did not choose the replacement for President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate. The 76-page criminal complaint against Blagojevich depicts a conniving politician, bent on getting personal gain out of constitutional power to choose a senator. It is reprehensible behavior, and it should be dealt with in both a court of law, an impeachment trial in the state Senate and in the court of public opinion.
However, given the opportunity to either strip Blagojevich of that power to choose a senator, or to set a special election to let the public choose a replacement, the state Legislature whiffed both times. Their paralysis left a window open for Blagojevich to act, within his constitutional powers, and he sought to make sure that Illinois did not operate in the 111th Congress with just one senator.
We would have rather seen a special election because despite Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s pronouncements, we think a strong Black candidate could be elected and re-elected. Illinois can boast that of the five Black members of the U.S. Senate in the history of this country, three of them have come from Illinois.
Now, Senator Roland Burris joins that august group. We have never doubted that he would be a good representative for this state in Washington. Burris is a savvy politician and an able public servant. We know that he will work in the best interest of the citizens of Illinois.
______
To read the rest of this article, subscribe to our digital or paper edition. For previous editions, contact us for details.
Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
About Post Author
