Politics as Usual

First let me apologize for the lack of updates. I have three four-page papers due in Metaphysics tomorrow, so I've been working on those for the past couple of days. I also have a test Thursday in Intro to the Middle East, so I can't promise a lot more to come the next couple of days, sorry. I'll be doing extensive updates over Spring Break next week, though. So look forward to it. I can always take a little time out of my early morning to take another whack at Obama, though. Anyway.

As documented in my last post, my vendetta against Barack Obama knows no limitations. It's good to see the Main-Stream Media reporting on the NAFTA debacle, but now Barack is knee-deep in more shit.

Rezko is accused of using his position on two state boards in an extortion scheme that would enrich him and his co-conspirators, while also adding to Gov. Blagojevich's campaign coffers. He is charged with eight counts, including fraud, attempted extortion, money laundering and aiding bribery.

Like the first question on the NPR piece, my first thought was, "Who the hell is Tony Rezko?" Furthermore, what does he have to do with Obama?

Back when Obama was at Harvard Law School, Rezko offered him a job with his development company in Chicago. Obama declined. But the relationship grew while Obama worked as a Chicago community organizer and then for a small Chicago law firm. Obama's firm did legal work for some of Rezko's development companies. Obama himself billed five hours for work on behalf of one of Rezko's nonprofit partners in an inner-city redevelopment project.

When Obama first ran for the Illinois state senate in 1996, Rezko was one of his first campaign contributors. He has remained a significant contributor to and fundraiser for Obama's subsequent campaigns.

If Obama comes out and denounces Rezko, returns the money he donated, and cuts ties with him, this shouldn't be a problem. Unfortunately, his reaction seems to be marked more by avoiding the question. Shame. Stuff like this and the NAFTA doublespeak should help people realize that Barack Obama isn't the Black Jesus, some political savior sent by God, or frankly even anything other than your avergae, run-of-the-mill, suspiciously well-connected American politician.