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Subscribe to RSSThose who have served time in the federal prison system say Rod Blagojevich is in for a wake-up call, especially because federal policy typically dictates that convicts facing more than 10 years don’t qualify to start their sentences at any of the minimum security prison camps, commonly called Club Fed.
"As soon as he has that first strip search, his life is going to be completely different," said former Cicero Town President Betty Loren Maltese, who served six years of an eight-year sentence for stealing $12 million in municipal funds in an insurance scam.
Illinois' former governor on Wednesday was sentenced to 14 years on federal corruption charges. Former convicts stressed that VIPs don’t get special treatment.
"From the moment you walk in there, it’s all pretty humiliating," said ex-Gov. George Ryan's former chief of staff, Scott Fawell, who served 52 months, mostly in a federal prison camp. "You get there... They sign you in, give you a number, hand you your bunk, your bedding and pillow and tell you what bunk you are in and you march down there and you look around as you are walking there and you think 'Oh my God!'"
Read the original story on NBCChicago.com's "Ward Room" blog
If anything, Fawell and Loren-Maltese said, the favored few in the outside world get harsher treatment inside the walls of a federal prison facility.
"They’ll call you in a little more. They’ll put a little more heat on you. They’ll try and put you in your place, so you understand you’re just like everybody else,” said Fawell.
Loren-Maltese agreed.
"You’re given assignments as soon as you get there. You’re known as what’s called A&O, Admissions and Orientation. So you have some of the worst jobs [like] cleaning toilets," she recalled.
"He will be on a strict regimen. You have 10-minute movement. You’re locked in at 8:30 at night until six in the morning, so it’ll be a big difference. A big difference," she added.
Blagojevich may spend the initial portion of his sentence in a traditional, prison-type setting, the location yet to be determined by The Bureau of Prisons. Typically, the agency tries to keep inmates no farther than 500 miles from immediate family. So options for the ex-governor include Pekin, Ill., Terre Haute, Ind., and Oxford, Wis.
"It’s a painful day leaving your family," recalled Fawell. "When you’re walking across those gates, you know it’s over for all intents and purposes, the life you’ve been living."
Blagojevich surrenders to prison on Feb. 16, 2012.
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I hope he's in for many "rude awakenings" from his cellmates.
Now if only we can put some bankers in prison. What is the sentence for selling worthless securities and lying about it? To damaging an economy so badly that it goes into a depression so that millions lose jobs and are forced to live on their savings and retirement funds prematurely? To going before congress and shrugging off misplacing hundreds of millions of dollars of client's money.
Blagojevich did what elected officials in Congress do everyday--look for ways to increase their wealth, solicit bribes, sell influence.
It's funny, but I can't help feeling sorry for him. Yes, I know, he's a dweeb and scum and has bad hair and deserves everything coming to him, but I can't help it. Guess it's just because I've seen him enough for him not to be just a name.
Is it funny... The big banker's do pretty much the same thing and our goverment helps them out. They recieve no punishment. I know Rod got what's coming to him, but what about the banker boy's? Although I think Rod thought he was, he wasn't "too big to fail"!
AG99... just read the transcripts of his phone calls when he was trying to sell Obama's Senate Seat. You won't feel very sorry for him after that. It's a fun read.... give it a shot.
I guess instead of pistachios, he will be sampling some different nuts in the clink. Bottoms up!
I agree that he was convicted and should pay for his crimes but the truth is this trial had three prima donna in it the firs was Rod himself who didn't do himself any favors by his actions.
Second was the prosecutor who appears to be looking for a political office.
And third and sadly the worsts of all the Judge who went hog wild with this sentence.
Child rapist don't receive such a long sentence in this state as just one example why I hope and expect that the appeals court to reduce this by half
All of you people who are obsessed by homosexual sex in prison need to get over it or see a therapist, really...
If we can convict a corrupt governor (and in Illinois), how come we cannot extend the same treatment to certain Federal officials and members of Congress who have done worse?
Child rapists don't get 14 years or less, bopdaddytoo, they get 25 to life, like murderers.
Why do they give him until February? If I had to report in for a 14 year sentence and had until February to do so, I could think of a couple different scenarios, but going to prison wouldn't be one of them. I bet he flees or kills himself before Feb.
Big Jeff - I agree with you. He is going to sign his life away to his wife and kids and kaploweee!!! he will be outta here. Whether he flees or takes his life. I don't think he will get to prison. I don't mean to say that but its true.
I always said, there is nothing I would not do to avoid prison. If I had to run, I'd RUN. I don't feel the least bit sorry for him. But if I were in his shoes, facing 14 years of hard time, I'd be GONE. Pull tougher as much cash as you can, buy a gun, and get outta dodge!
And YES, there are WAY too many bankers, hedge fund managers, and CEO's that need to see prison from the inside. The crowds are just getting started with the torches and pitchforks.
His buddy Obama will pardon him when he leaves office. He won't be in there that long as long as he can keep his mouth shut
The conditions in these prisons need to change!!!!
You cannot put people in harms way and treat them worse than animals!!!!
Feed them ham snadwiches and don't provide the proper nutrition!!!!
I'm sorry but, I would come out of jail like a terrorist and start looking for my enemies!!!!!
Brian,
So Rob was trying to sell Obama's senate seat, and he's his buddy? God, some of you haters are so ridiculous it's beyond belief. You have a brain, try using it, if you can!
In my (thankfully) limited experience, bologna is far more likely.
"The big banker's do pretty much the same thing and our goverment helps them out." As if that's not bad enough, the very next year they gave themselves some fat bonuses. Shame on them, but even more shame on Presidents and congressmen of both parties for allowing it to happen. You'd think in a 900-page bailout bill someone might have put in a few restrictions along with the subsidies for wooden toy arrow makers in Oregon.
@Sergio, it's a true fact that those type of actions goes on in prison, both State & Federal ones. And it's usually not consensual. It's an act of power, the strong preying on the weak. Same with money & cigarettes, the weaker prisoners often gets strong armed for what they have. The guards cannot protect everyone behind bars. They can barely watch each other's backs, what makes one think that they give a damn for someone who won't (or can't) stand up for him/herself?
This is reality, not what you see on TV. The prison world is very dangerous, just as much so as street gangs. Only difference, they are contained inside of fences & walls by force, and gun towers.
Thank goodness for that. If you get the chance, read up on what prison life is all about. Here's a sample:
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540691
Cat
I believe he deserves punishment, but unfortunately, he ends up costing taxpayers money again. I wish there was a form of "imprisonment" that would force white collar criminals to make restitution for the money that was stolen or misappropriated. People like Bernie Madoff and Rod Blagojevich should have to work to pay back those whom they had cheated. And I don't mean work such as making license plates or other menial labor. How that could be done, unfortunately, I have no idea.
Good for him. He deserves a nice place like prison.
I did time in the Navy. I bet I could handle prison.
He is an embarrassment to the state and people of Illinois and deserves all he gets.
Uhm, I think he is par for the course
Don't worry about him, Big Bubba probably going to think he's real pretty with that fancy hairdo........
This is normal Chicago politicians. Betty maltese served only six years for stealing 12 million from the citizens of Illinois?? She should have gotten life without parole. These public servant gangsters get off way too easy. If an average guy knocks over a 7-11 for $200, he could get 20 years.
Obama will pardon Blago the bum when Obama leaves office next year anyway.
Hey Dan, would you like to make a one-zillion dollar bet on that?
BLS.... BIG difference. You're on board 6 to 12 months, and get port calls and have a degree of freedom off watch.
Prison is 24x7 under watch by someone, told exactly what, when and where to do something. Your conversations with visitors are monitored... big difference.
I did 14 solid...In a state pen...Way worse...He will be fine...Just remember...Kindness is seen as weakness...Do your own number...And never bitch about your time...Some are doing all day.
I never got to report...No bail...But I wasn't rich and famous. DOH!
There is a joke about a guy who got sentanced by a hard judge...The kid says...But your honor...I can't do that much time...The judge said...Well do as much as you can and we will help you do the rest.
He earned it...Now get the rest of the scamming politicians, war criminals, and bankers on the chain...Damn...they make me look like a saint.
Peace
I believe he deserves punishment, but unfortunately, he ends up costing taxpayers money again. I wish there was a form of "imprisonment" that would force white collar criminals to make restitution for the money that was stolen or misappropriated. People like Bernie Madoff and Rod Blagojevich should have to work to pay back those whom they had cheated. And I don't mean work such as making license plates or other menial labor. How that could be done, unfortunately, I have no idea.
Maybe it will help to take that smug and smarmy smile off his face!!
Yup, that would be nice to see. He always thought that he is special. Yea, he's special alright but, not the way he thinks. Perhaps he can even get a good hair cut so he does not look so ridiculous. Beatlemania was over a long time ago!
I agree. I often wanted to reach through my television screen and slap that smug right off his face. Also...I think his nasty, selfish, shrew of a wife should get some time as well.
Well, she did do a reality t.v. show, which is pretty close to the level of shame and humiliation one might experience from incarceration. With any luck, she'll pull a "Richard Hatch" with any reality tv earnings and get to experience the real deal as well . . . kinda like a bonus ;)
His language will fit in nicely with the toilet cleaning job.
It'll be interesting to see the way he walks when he gets out. He's made plenty of back door deals, hopefully the experience will serve him well. He'll sure need it.
Cat
He won't be trying to sell any seats now. But he'll probably have his taken a time or two.
Agreed.
In fact I think that it will be HIS seat that gets bought and sold (for the price of a pack of cigarettes).
Good riddance, Blago!!
He's already planning the book he'll sell once he gets out.
Son of Sam law...One cannot profit from his crimes...Any profit would be seized for restitution.
I am a little perplexed. While not defending the guy, I do have to wonder why someone guilty of manslaughter (Conrad Murray) gets 4 years, while a non-violent criminal like Blagojevich gets 14! What message does that send?
i agree .. i think law officials do thier best , but sometimes life gives u the short end..
Cuz blago was intentional, murray was only incompetent.
I think his arrogance did not help him. Plus, they wanted to make an example and more or less said that in the press conference.
Intent probably factors into it. Manslaughter is unintentional. Selling political seats is definitely done on purpose.
(Oops, peanut beat me to it.)
Wanted to make an example of him???? I've lived in Illinois all my life (51 years) and know how corrupt this state is, especially its governors. Look at how many of them have gone to prison. I don't think we need anymore "examples", we need justice! We need to get someone in there that isn't going to financially rape us!!!!!!! I know --- Goog luck.
Agreed (illinois resident) we need to start setting the president that risk vs reward of coruption is bit heavier now
I live here too and just a short time ago the power companies lost a legal battle in Springfield but went to our politicians and passed out money and lo and behold they reconsidered and allowed the power companies to rob us one more time
Also -- Multiple counts -- Each count adds to the sentence
Murray's conviction was under state law. Blago's is Federal. Findlaw.com says:
Looks like he would have gotten of with a lighter sentence if he had killed some one.
Wonder if he will get to keep that Dondi hair cut.
Conrad Murray was guilty of involuntary manslaugher - NOT murder. What he did was wrong in every sense of the word, but there was enough evidence to show that MJ was at least partially responsible for his predicament. Let's not forget that it was MJ who asked for the medication and voluntarily let it be administered to him on multiple occasions.
Rod - on the otherhand - has no-one to blame for his actions but himself. As a former resident of Illinois I am disgusted at his thought that he could improve his personal status.
To compare the two crimes is wrong.
I think trying to use corruption on an entire State should get you 10 times more time then a crime against a single person like Murray did.
Manslaughter is usually an accident, not a planned crime. If you accidentally hit a person in a crosswalk and they died, you would be guilty of manslaughter. Esp if you were negligent in some way. But in reality, this could happen to anyone. Blago planned a crime and then commited it. No accident there.
Yep...I did 14 for manslaughter in the state pen...The guy in the cell next to me had 15 years for two counts of robbery...His victims were drug dealers...No @!$%#...
I am not voting I get more time...But...Life = drugs?...Something is seriously wrong...My friend is doing 53 years for robbing theatres...No one was hurt, the witnesses said he was the most polite robber...53 years...No @!$%#.
A lot of it has to do with who has a better lawyer...And who keeps their mouth shut...Blago talked way too much...he angered them with his boasts of his innocence...That's never smart...Never speak to the press...Or the cops...Hell...Barely talk to your lawyer...LOL
Illinois has so much corruption - didn't our President come from being a Senator in Illinois? Now, everything is starting to make sense.
This guy deserved five years at the most.......people convicted of manslaughter get less time than what he's going to do....you could put most all of Chicago's politicians in jail for much worse than Blago did, including the Divider in Chief.....
I agree, the Divider in Chief, George Bush should be in jail. Not only for destroying the US economy, let's not forget the illegal invasion of Iraq, killing more Americans than Osama. Why is that scumbag still walking around free?
Excellent Post Jake. You hit it right on the head.
I thought the article was about Rod. Just because there's rampant corruption in Chicago doesn't lessen his crime. Selling a U.S. senator's seat is a very serious crime. George Bush is out of the picture now. So why are you still crying for his head? How about our current leader? So far the CHANGE has been for the worse.
If Blago gets sent to the prison in Terre Haute, IN. he can hook up with Inmate Number 16627-424 (George Ryan) maybe they can have a debate.
Since 1968 we (In the state of Illinois) have had four governors convicted of white-collar crimes and sent to federal prison Atto Kerner Jr (D), Dan Walker (D), George Ryan (R), and now Rod Blagojevich (D).
Do you think Gov Quinn (Blago's Lt Gov) and Pres Obama (IL. Senator) could have made it as far as they have without participation in corrupt Illinois politics.
I think Blago could have been charged with more crimes then he was but that may have implicated another sitting Governor and a sitting President.
I am a Democrat and a state of Illinois union worker and I didn't vote for Quinn or Obama, I would rather be thrown to the mercy of the republicans then have criminals in the Governor's Mansion and/or the White House.
I don't understand the hateful comments and wishes. Very sad. I understand he was corrupt, and I understand he was guilty and deserves to go to prison, but, I dont understand people wishing horrible things to happen to him.
The hatred that is simmering in this society is a bit frightening these days.
I'm glad the man will have to serve time. However, I hope that he will survive and come out of there a new man.
And here I thought I was the only one not hating on him. Guess we're both just a couple of saps.
Nope. People need to remember that anonymous forums like this one are not real life. It's not reality. What people say on the internet compared to what they'd say in a face-to-face conversation, are usually quite different.
You're not saps. You just haven't mastered "Internet Bravado" yet. Good for both of you.
Rob and AG, I agree with you both. There is enough HATE in this world.
Harold, the problem with forums like this is that most participants are cowards, for the reason you mention. This is anonymous and the perfect forum for cowards.
There are those that are willing to take ownership of their comments. We must endeavour to endure the rants of chickens ;-)
Honestly Jake.... some of the salaciousness you get with an anonymous forum is a fun read. I think I enjoy it more, in the same way that people know pro wrestling is fake, but they love watching it anyway.
I hate pro wrestling, but love the "pro commenting" here on his board. Always a fun read.
All that said... when the conversation is serious, I take guys like yourself (who use their real name) more seriously than people that take dumb Primus songs and adopt that as their name.
"Harold of the Rocks
All that said... when the conversation is serious, I take guys like yourself (who use their real name) more seriously than people that take dumb Primus songs and adopt that as their name."
..........Harold, very admirable, and if you are a man of your word, we can all then believe that your real last name is "of the Rocks". If not, then what right do you have to throw rocks at us "song" people?
.......Also, can you be sure that the other poster's real name is Jake Reyna (I have no issue with that post and respect his right to his opinion)? My point is, could it be the name of his ex-brother-in-law, whom he might hate and wish to subject to undue attention (No offense Jake, just making a point)? After all, it is a strange world we live in, who knows what the truth is anymore.
.......As far as using one's real name here, the lack of doing so is not an act of cowardice, but more a case of using common sense and protecting oneself from some of the warped people who might be trolling these waters. You'd be surprised what people can find about you on the Internet, you can actually trace people down to possible locations where they live, so I'd advise you all to be careful.
Rob, as Harold noted, there is a degree of "Internet Bravado" at work. There is also a deep seated feeling of disgust and anger at any and all politicians of ALL political parties. Someone like Blago flaunted that, not only in what he tried to do, but in his actions and words after the fact. He personified the politicians to the people as "I make the laws, but I don't have to follow them. That's for you little people." THAT'S what they're reacting to.
Personally, I don't care. He didn't represent me, I don't live in Illinois. But I do hope he is knocked off that pedestal he believes he belongs on. Let him learn what the people he was supposed to serve have to live like.
I just hope he's not given a job as prison hairstylist!!!
Now can the Feds move Obama into his cell!
Yes, that would be fitting, especially if his cell mate/s would be Bush and Cheney. Until they get moved into a cell, no way will Obama be moved into a cell.
His buddy Obama will pardon him when he leaves office. Thats the deal they made if he can keep his mouth shut for a few months
It appears that Mr. Blagovich is a handsome guy, so he should have no problems making lots of "friends" in prison. Besides, he probably will look very nice in lipstick, pigtales and a short skirt! (How's THAT for a visual!)
I suspect he will definitely be a "new man" when he gets out!
he's purdy.
funny...if a person swipes some money from a cash register, or whatever, and is found guilty...do they decide when they will surrender?
A common thief cannot decide when to turn himself in, that's another one of those privilages that only those crooked politicians and "stars" have...Us po folk are lucky if we dont't get tasered in the process.
Sure, if they can afford an expensive lawyer to keep filing appeals.
He deserves what he got, and I do not feel sorry for him one bit! He committed the crime, then lied on the stand to try to get out of it, and only came around when it came time to be sentenced! Then he came in cowed, humiliated, and beaten, only to have his lawyers present pleas from his daughters about how much they will miss their dad! Well, he should have thought about that when he was trying to commit the crimes to begin with, but his hubris was too great, and his humility too small, and now he will be learning otherwise!
Let's not forget that he and his wife both were on "reality" TV touting that he was innocent...
he should get 5 years.. not 10 .. the hitman and murders turn informants get away scott free. now why can't the government lie to them and get the info from them then screw them over ? they do more harm to society and families then blagojevich.. corruption i do not stand for but injustice i dont stand for more..
While there is some justification and gratification in seeing a politician serve time, I don't think ist is fair for our justice system to let the fraud crimes of the Wall Street group and the Big Bank CEO's go un-punished for their crimes. Their crimes has affected alot more personal lives in more ways than one then what this guy did.
Support the 99% movement for justice..........................
He definitely deserves it, and worse IMAO. Why is he being picked on so badly, though, when most who do what he did don't even have to explain themselves? I think it is because he crossed a line when he messed around with the newly elected President's position. Is it possible that there are still a few remaining crumbs of scruples left when it comes to our government? Now that I think about it, the obvious answer is NOOOOOOOO!
I'm going to write to Blagojevich in prison.
why on these post does some moron like chicagok, have A obama slant for everything
let me try
First he is black
Second he is not in the pocket of the very rich
Third he pushed national health care and got it done
...really?......Obama is half white.....he is owned by his rich masters like Immelt and Soros.....and Obamacare has not begun yet and there is a great chance it never will.....so keep lying about Obama it is not helping him......
Rudy:
To answer your question....because it's easy. And accurate. I fully commend nycguys' approach. Let us not forget POTUS and Immelt laughing slyly at..."Shovel-ready was not as shovel-ready as we expected".
I take no particular political side preferring to consider myself a patriotic American before buying into the 'Left-side/Right-side' debacle our political system has become. Think for yourselves to avoid espousing nonsensical 'party line' B.S. It might just be a better society (?)
AmericanDefender9..... do you really expect people to understand the concept of original thought? If it's not their particular party rhetoric or propaganda, it's absolutely positively wrong. Didn't you know that?
I personally prefer your concept of INDEPENDENCE and not subjucating myself to any particular party or dogma.
XDm9mm
I personally prefer your concept of INDEPENDENCE and not subjucating myself to any particular party or dogma.
...Together we stand, divided we fall. What a shame. Stay strong, XD.
nycguy, part of Obamacare HAS begun. Children under 26 can be on their parent's insurance (the biggest profit maker for the insurance companies out of all groups). On the senior's (& disabled) drugs, the percentage that we pay is now only 50% in the gap or "donut hole" coverage. The portion for generics will drop from 93% to 87% in 2012. These percentages will continue to decline until 2020, when both brand & generic will drop to 25% in the gap. Not to mention that the level to reach the gap by then will be way over $10,000.
There are parts of Obamacare that hasn't begun yet, but lets get the facts straight, they have begun.
Cat
Excuse me but why is this guy sentenced to 14 yrs.I was thinking about this last night.The guy committed a crime for trying to sell a senate seat, but really who isn't bought and sold in the Senate and Congress.So it's okay to buy and sell senators other wise but this idiot Blago does it, and gets 14 yrs.Oh wait he got caught that's it.The pots calling the kettle black!
A tad harsh don't ya think?Especially when this WHOLE SYSTEM GOVERNMENT IS BASED ON CORRUPTION.
I JUST LOVE THE HYPOCRISY OF IT ALL!
I completely agree!
Yes he did something wrong... but 14 years worth of punishment for trying to sell a senate seat?
The seats are sold all the time, just not for direct cash!
Why can't we serve this punishment to the CEOs and Banks that have done so much worse?!
Well, part of it is that Blago bucked the Chicago machine. He was doing things the Chicago way, but thought he didn't have to pay attention to what his "friends" had to say about it. And that includes his Father in law, a big Chicago pol from way back.
And Blago was pissed that Obama got the nod, that he thought he was going to receive. Seeing as how Chicago had backed the other guy for the presidency, Blago apparently didn't understand that they were going to back him all the way. Further, he tried to get Raum and/or President Obama to testify. Simply not done.
So that's really why he's paying this price now. It's the way things are done in Chicago land.
i think it sets a great precedent. cheat or attempt to cheat the american people and you will pay stiff consequences. but if if keeps happening and others aren't scrutinized the same way then it will have failed.
OF COURSE others won't be scrutinized the same way.
Are you kidding me?
Trying to sell the Senate seat was only one of the crimes he was accused of. There were 18 counts he was found guilty on, and that was just one, the one that was publicized.
maybe BLagojevich can teach a class on ethics in the prison library
Rapists and murderers spend a few years in jail, and this guy gets 14 years? Bizarre. I for one hope he's learned a lesson and comes out a better person. And that they don't buzz cut his epic Kennedy-style hair.
Blago is really just an immature, under-educated, dolt. My guess is that he probably didn't know that what he was doing was illegal because he's just not that smart. He saw other politicians getting away with bettering their own lives - but the difference is these politicians started with money and monied friends. He didn't have that benefit and his own stupidity didn't allow him to know when to stop talking. I feel bad, not because he's going to prison, but because the population that believes people like him, George Bush, Palin and the like are not going to learn from this.
We, as a population, need to pick better representatives to lead us than under or uneducated grandstanders who make promises they can't keep or the rich who are only working in politics for power or more money. Our whole system is just not working the way it was intended and we need to get back to the point where working in government isn't an elitist job with unfair benefits - but rather an obligation and duty we all should be called upon to do. Maybe it would force reform of our education system?
You are correct that Blago is immature and not smart...in fact, he is just plainly dumb! On top of that, he is a narcissist.
Being a Narcissist was his down fall.
JMG.... and who might I ask is under or an uneducated grandstander? How is that defined? Is it necessary to have an Ivy League education or is graduating from a two year school and transferring to a four year degree program school sufficient? What about those who didn't have the ability to go to college? Maybe we should have a legislature of almost all Lawyers... oh wait, we do and THEY'VE been spectacular at their jobs haven't they?
It's NOT the education that makes the person. There is much to be said for common sense and INTEGRITY that a formal education will not necessarily impart on the individual. That is the predicament this country is in now. We've been bought by the slick campaign ads and neglected to look under the hoods at the motor that makes it go.
It's probably just me....but.... don't half of our politicians belong behind bars?
No Not half! ALL of today's politicians - Fed, State, City, and local belong behind bars.
Anyone see a trend here? How many ex-governors from Illinois are now either in prison or on their way? Will the current governor follow suit?
I see that Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Illinois are in a race to see who has the most corrupt pols ever. All the crooks are lined up at the gate. BANG! And their off.
Makes holding one of those alumni style former governor gatherings much more convenient.
And:
Don't leave LA out of the race.
We vote politicians into office with our TRUST TO SERVE US and any of them that get caught doing what he did should go to prison. Its amazing that people feel sorry for this crook. I bet if he was from the other party they would say he didn't get enough time. Apoligist make me sick to my stomach and is the reason we vote these slimmy people into office and then re-elect them. We get what we vote for.
When talking about criminal politicians, party affiliation has little play in the conversation. I would actually bet that there are more crooked republicans - who are supposed to be apposed to government in the first place, but that they're not getting caught because they have the money and power to keep themselves out of court in the first place. There are just so few people in government today that are doing the job intended, representing we the people. So many get caught up in the money of politics that they end up representing the needs and desires of big business, not you and me.
I only feel sorry that he wasn't able to realize that he wasn't above the law and that this will probably destroy his family. I doubt his wife will wait for him, his daughters will quickly move on. I doubt he played much part in their lives outside of being a walking bank account.