Yesterday I felt quite poorly. I slept late, did morning email, and went back to bed. I’m current with replies. Today depends on how I feel.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today it took me 3:52 (average 4:26). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Takes:
From The Guardian: Rod Blagojevich, the ousted Illinois governor whose three-year battle against criminal charges became a national spectacle, was sentenced to 14 years in prison Wednesday, one of the stiffest penalties imposed for corruption in a state with a history of crooked politics.
Blagojevich’s 18 convictions included allegations of trying to leverage his power to appoint someone to President Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat to raise campaign cash or land a high-paying job.
The twice-elected Democrat is now the second former Illinois governor in a row to be sentenced to prison, and the fourth Illinois governor in the last four decades. His Republican predecessor, George Ryan, currently is serving a sentence of 6 1/2 years, also for corruption.
What is it about Illinois?
From NY Times: Prosecutors in Philadelphia announced Wednesday that they had dropped their attempts to execute Mumia Abu-Jamal, the death row inmate convicted of killing a police officer 30 years ago and whose subsequent legal case based on claims of innocence had received international attention.
Mr. Abu-Jamal will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole, said Seth Williams, the district attorney for Philadelphia.
I haven’t investigated this in many years and have forgotten many of the details, but remember that, the last time I did, I thought the case against him was not clear cut and has the appearance of a frame up, especially since witnesses have recanted, and other witnesses have said they did not testify on his behalf, because police had threatened them. In any event, I’m glad he’s off death row.
From The White House: Obama’s complete Osawatomie speech.
For those of you who missed it.
Cartoon:
15 Responses to “Open Thread–12/8/2011”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
One just has to wonder if Blagojevich and his infamous hair served as the model for one of those Lego toy characters:
LOL! I hope he gets a crew cut! 😉
I actually thought the sentence was a little on the heavy side, even if a crook – and even if as an elected official he sets the example – hey – it’s Chicago – they’re used to it – aren’t they?
Sure hope you feel better –
I have also felt very uncertain about the Abu-Jamal – agree with you – still it’s something of a victory for a case against capital punishment.
Cenk on the “turks” gave Obama a very hard time last night citing example after example of the same criticisms I’ve been so disturbed about – following the money – let’s see him break up the banks – let’s see him stand up to XL – the guy’s on probation here – interesting how ego is apt to interfere with the “job” – his has got to take back seat – he’s got to send his “donors” a message!
I disagree. He tried to sell a Senate seat. I know people who have longer sentences for stealing food for their families. It’s time that Big Crime have comparable penalties to Street Crime.
Thanks.
Agree,
I saw that too, but he gave him higher marks today.
Since I am a lifetime Resident of Ill– it absolutely sickens me what is going on— and has for many many years– Ryan and Blago got caught– in large part thanks to modern technology— Blago is from Chicago— where the slogan was , all the years I was growing up ; “Vote early and Often “— yes indeed- :!4 years– Surprise!
Could it be related to the University of Chicago School of Economics, the home of supply side imperialism?
4:01
The sentence was a bit heavy but it will be served in Club Fed.
Lovely picture of Santa in AZ.
Not bad!
He’ll get soft time, but time is still time.
TYVM.
Rod Blagojevich — Well it is about time! I am glad to see that corruption in politics is being targeted, regardless of party affiliation. Only one problem for him, I’ll bet he gets bullied because of his bad hair!
Mumia Abu-Jamal — I am glad that some form of sanity has reigned in Pennsylvania for Mumia Abu-Jamal, when it didn’t in Georgia for Troy Davis. After 30 years, some of the potential witnesses might very well be dead, and some of the others as well, not to mention memories become fuzzy. I am glad that the death penalty has been waived and he is off death row. Capital punishment is not a deterrent to anything and is nothing more than state ordered murder.
Cartoon — You know I really find it hard to believe that the so called Republican Christians of Arizona, or any state for that matter, can look on this as a suitable Christmas picture. But then that’s the pseudo Christians for you! For real Christians, this is a season of joy, love, peace and hope for ALL humanity. Well at least Santa isn’t holding a gun, which is of little consequence since he is still in the picture. In my opinion, anyone having this picture taken has to have no morals and be thoroughly numb or vacant between the ears!
I agree. I pulled no punches, because he’s a Democrat.
I agree. The US needs to depart from that barbarism.
That is what I was trying to convey!
3:54 Cats are tougher than they look…that goes for cat puzzles also.
Blago tried to sell a Senate seat…one of the most powerful positions in the government. He deserves every year he got. Some places would consider it treason and in may places treason means death. I think he got off easy…although I don’t believe in the death penalty.
Dang! I’m surprised to have won the day. I did poorly on the next one.
Agree!
See this post of a Rick Perry rebuttal ad and get a h*ll of a good laugh.
http://www.balloon-juice.com/2011/12/08/a-response-to-rick-perry/
Have a great day.
Thanks AP. That’s funny!
PIMPROTFLMAO!!!!!