Gandhi? Mandela? Really?

This won't be long, but this definitely qualifies as a WTF moment. During his interview with NBC's Today Show, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich said that when the federal agents came on December 9, 2008 to arrest him, he said his mind went to what Gandhi, Mandela and Dr. King must have thought. Hunh?

Let us see if I can put my arms around this. Governor, you being arrested for bribery charges is similar to those great leaders being arrested in an act of civil disobedience. Hmmm...I don't think so. Nice try, though. I get that you feel the Illinois Senate is going to railroad you out of office. I get that you feel you are innocent and hence, will be vindicated.

What I don't get is this martyr business. You are a politician. You do not sell U.S. Senate seats, actually or theoretically. You do not put yourself in a position where your integrity is questioned. Your job is to work for the people of Illinois. It is a temporary job, determined by the will of the people. Your election will not be deemed worthy of a national holiday, nor did it inspire a movement. You are just a good politician who has been impeached and probably will be stripped out of his office.

Instead of invoking the names of great men, this may be the time that you start invoking the name of God. Not once in the interview did you mention how your faith is getting you through this time. If you are truly innocent, God will remove the reproach.

My advice, Governor, focus on your faith and your family and leave the martyr comparisons alone. Preparing a good defense for the criminal trial may be a good idea as well.

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