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Column: 'Pay to play' is here to stay
Charles Kyle / Columnist
Issue date: 2/25/09 Section: Opinions
The recent news that newly-appointed Sen. Roland Burris was not only contacted by impeached former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's brother Robert, but was also asked to donate to Blagojevich's campaign fund, sent shock waves throughout Illinois last week — especially after Burris testified under oath, saying that he was not in anyway contacted by Blagojevich or his brother.
This week many have called for his resignation, including Gov. Pat Quinn, stating a resignation by Burris now would be "heroic."
I would like everyone to re-read the last sentence. Only in Illinois would a statement as absurd as this actually have some validity to it.
Which leads to my next point: While many may be shocked or appalled, or even both, about the events that have unfolded, in reality, they shouldn't, because "pay to play" is here to stay.
After the fallout from former Gov. George Ryan's term, those outside of Illinois may have thought that Illinoisans had learned their lesson about shady business deals and assumed the people would not accept corruption.
But Illinoisans know a different truth.
Although Illinois is a big state, it is widely known that most decisions concerning the state are made north of Interstate 80, and rightly so.
Most of the population of Illinois does reside in northern region of the state, with Chicago obviously being the center.
And anyone north of I-80 knows the Chicago political machine is a powerful one.
Want proof of this?
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley has been mayor for 20 years and has run practically unopposed during every election. Daley's popularity level never wavers.
In fact, in 2005, Time named Daley the best mayor of five major U.S. cities. Even with the hired truck scandal, the debacle with Meigs Field and that half his family is on the city payroll, he will undoubtedly still run unopposed when he is up for reelection.
This is Chicago clout at its best. And how does one crack the machine or get involved in it? Quite frankly, you have to pay to play.
To put it in a more politically correct sense, one must rub shoulders with incumbents, buy plates at ridiculously expensive banquets and of course, donate to campaign funds.
So we sit here, shocked about what is happening with Sen. Burris and everything that has already happened with Blagojevich.
While these are deplorable events, in all honesty, these things will continue to happen because "pay to play" is here to stay.
Charles Kyle is a senior biological science major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
This week many have called for his resignation, including Gov. Pat Quinn, stating a resignation by Burris now would be "heroic."
I would like everyone to re-read the last sentence. Only in Illinois would a statement as absurd as this actually have some validity to it.
Which leads to my next point: While many may be shocked or appalled, or even both, about the events that have unfolded, in reality, they shouldn't, because "pay to play" is here to stay.
After the fallout from former Gov. George Ryan's term, those outside of Illinois may have thought that Illinoisans had learned their lesson about shady business deals and assumed the people would not accept corruption.
But Illinoisans know a different truth.
Although Illinois is a big state, it is widely known that most decisions concerning the state are made north of Interstate 80, and rightly so.
Most of the population of Illinois does reside in northern region of the state, with Chicago obviously being the center.
And anyone north of I-80 knows the Chicago political machine is a powerful one.
Want proof of this?
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley has been mayor for 20 years and has run practically unopposed during every election. Daley's popularity level never wavers.
In fact, in 2005, Time named Daley the best mayor of five major U.S. cities. Even with the hired truck scandal, the debacle with Meigs Field and that half his family is on the city payroll, he will undoubtedly still run unopposed when he is up for reelection.
This is Chicago clout at its best. And how does one crack the machine or get involved in it? Quite frankly, you have to pay to play.
To put it in a more politically correct sense, one must rub shoulders with incumbents, buy plates at ridiculously expensive banquets and of course, donate to campaign funds.
So we sit here, shocked about what is happening with Sen. Burris and everything that has already happened with Blagojevich.
While these are deplorable events, in all honesty, these things will continue to happen because "pay to play" is here to stay.
Charles Kyle is a senior biological science major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
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