From Sunday's Tribune:Should Rod Blagojevich remain as governor of Illinois?
He shows no inclination to resign from office. And while the state constitution does allow for his impeachment by the Illinois House and trial by the Senate, it's doubtful legislators could bring themselves to such drastic action. So the realistic question becomes this: Given the multiple ineptitudes of Rod Blagojevich -- his reckless financial stewardship, his dictatorial antics, his penchant for creating political enemies -- should citizens create a new way to terminate a chief executive who won't, or can't, do his job?
In Sunday's editorial, the Trib called for Illinois to adopt a recall provision to rid the state of future disastrous governors such as our current Governor Rod Blagojevich. While the Trib's frustration with the governor is understandable, the remedy it suggests leaves us in limbo, even if the process to establish recall was to begin immediately. The Illinois Constitution already has a provision to rid the state of the likes of Blagojevich -- impeachment.
The Trib brushes aside the impeachment idea, saying it is "doubtful" legislators could "bring themselves to such an action," a pathetic brush aside of our General Assembly's potential fortitude. State legislators are elected to legislate on behalf of the state's welfare. For them to not attempt to correct the state's ills by not "bringing themselves" to do the difficult but right thing is irresponsible and, simply, dereliction of duty.
The lllinois House should begin impeachment proceedings upon return to Springfield. An investigation should begin, and the Governor should be challenged for abuse of power and breaking his vow to uphold the state's Constitution.
Impeachment proceedings is a place to start if anyone is REALLY serious about redirecting Illinois' political disaster. Anything less is just a distraction and a way to escape accountability for being having a part in Hot Rod's re-election. The Tribune itself stands responsible.
