Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Bad trends have a starting point

It's been a couple weeks since I've posted here as I've been writing my sports blog. A couple things have arisen that need mentioning.

First, Rod Blagojevich is asking a judge today if can go to Costa Rica to do a television reality series. Here is a person who has been charged with serious federal crimes and is out on bond awaiting his trial, which may start next year sometime.

He governed the state of Illinois into the ground financially, made it a laughing stock and broke the trust of the people. Yet he continues to make a mockery of the whole situation by requesting to go on a game show. He needs the money.

If the judge, U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel, allows this idiot to participate in the show he too is making a mockery of the justice system and should be fired. What's next, mass murders playing on The Price is Right before hitting the gas chamber? Embezzlers as The Bachelor? Busted madams as the rose winners? The judge must deny this motion.


Secondly, over the weeked Miss California in the Miss Something Or Other pageant voiced her "opinion" that she was against gay marriage. For some reason the shit hit the fan and so many people are like, "How could she?"

Are people not allowed to have an opinion of their own? The greatness of this country is free speech. However, of late any controversial topic (i.e. gay marriage) that arisesunless you agree with it you're chastised. This young lady voiced her opinion and now she's the devil. What is wrong with people?

I'll tell you, they lack respect and that's the problem.

Update from Chicago Tribune:

A federal judge today denied permission to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to travel to Costa Rica to participate in a reality TV show.

U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel called modifying the terms of Blagojevich's bail on political corruption charges "a bad idea."

Even if Blagojevich had a personal monitor, that person wouldn't have the authority to arrest him, Zagel noted. He also said Blagojevich needs to stick around to read the government's evidence, because only then will he be able to understand the jeopardy he is in.

Zagel added that he was sympathetic to Blagojevich's financial condition, but said there were others ways for him to earn money.

Outside court, after the hearing, Blagojevich told swarming reporters: "This is another day in the big city. I know what the truth is when it concerns me, and I know that I've done absolutely nothing wrong. ...I'm actually looking forward to this day in court. ...I want to prove my innocence, I want to vindicate myself."

When Blagojevich arrived at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in downtown Chicago this morning for the hearing, he said participating in the reality show would be "a way to earn a living and support my children.

"It's not my first choice, but it's a living," he said.

Asked later if his client was really broke, attorney Sheldon Sorosky said: "It shows he is an honest man."

Blagojevich's lawyers had asked permission for their client to travel to Costa Rica in June to be a contestant on NBC's "I'm a Celebrity ... Get me Out of Here!"

In a short-lived 2003 version of the show, contestants, among other things, had to put insects, worms and rats in their pants, sit in a tank of leeches and wade through a swamp populated by snakes and eels.

Blagojevich also is seeking the court's okay to use more than $2 million in his campaign fund to pay for his legal expenses. Zagel encouraged his attorneys to file a motion to that effect but said he believed Blagojevich should be allowed to do so. A hearing on that issue was set for May 1.

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5 comments:

Mike said...

This kind of thing has been taking place for a while. Criminals have been writing books, giving interviews, and going on shows.
If some or even all of the money can be used to pay the taxpayer back for their incarceration and the cost of getting there, I'm all for it.
These type of offers are put out there for a reason. There is a demand for them....

Scott Plocharczyk said...

Writing books and talk shows are one thing. Playing on a game show is a mockery of all us.
At least the judge was smart enough to stop this.

Tara said...

I don't think she is the devil, just a dumb blond. I respect she is entitled to her opinion but was very glad after hearing her answer that she did not win. Her country? I was completely confused by that comment. I also don't think I have the right to throw judgment or deny rights that I have to anyone else.

But, I am not religious, I see it as a civil rights issue not a God issue. There were also plenty at one point (and probably still are) that think women and/or blacks should not have rights, that it is okay to own another human being.

*disclaimer* I am NOT a fan of any sort of beauty pageants,in fact the opposite. I try to judge people on their merits as people, not how they look in a bikini and high heels.

Scott Plocharczyk said...

Pageants are dumb. Two questions before the gay marriage question the teens were asked about their beauty secrets. They probably nailed that.

I was taught God loves everybody. Aren't gays included? I'm all for gay marriage be it civil or religious.

Tara said...

We must believe in the same God then. I was taught the same. What a great place the world would be if we all just followed the golden rule.

I only caught the tail end of it, actually right at that question, I have no idea what else was asked of who. Of course for all I know one of them could have said Dick Cheney is the greatest man in the world and I would feel the same, she is entitled to her opinion and I am entitled to think she is an idiot, lol.

AT least they are adults, not quite as bad as parents who subject their children to see who is prettier, skinnier, more talented. Some parents get right into that sort of thing, it appalls me.

I'm a bit sore on the same sex marriage subject, local boards are screaming with hatred and bigotry around here lately. I am amazed by the amount of people who speak for God and condemn in his name. I really do hope it passes here, we could use the economic boost and I think gay people deserve the same rights I have anyway. Of course the same people crying over the loss of revenue here are also the same ones who say we don't want tainted money from those abominations. :(

I think if you are against gay marriage then you probably shouldn't marry someone of the same sex. I am married and I can not fathom how gay couples getting married threatens my marriage in any way whatsoever. I understand people are twisted into thinking God hates gays but why not leave that judgment to him? You don't have to like it, but you don't have to be ignorant, nasty and hateful about it either. I guess I am of the thought he loves all of us and wants us to be good to one another.

Sorry for the vent :)