Stunned: I Fought Real Hard

It's over: former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich found guilty on 17 counts of corruption. Hopefully his "public service" career is ended forever.  The overly talkative former governor kept his remarks brief, saying he was stunned by the verdict, and that he hoped people didn't think he let them down because he fought real hard. The Chicago press is carrying on as if someone had maced their dog, and when interviewed, current office holders appeared particularly pious. Kudos to Channel 5 News  who gave long coverage of the press conference of a very tired looking US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
I have heard that the big contributors to newly elected Rahm Emanuel's campaign now have jobs and contracts, and there are plenty of clues that less egregious but similar behavior which resulted in the downfall of Blago are still common practice. Patrick Fitzgerald invited the public to bring him their stories of corruption.  From the various comments on the Bagojevich verdict, however, it might be safe to say that plenty of Illinois citizens don't think there was much wrong with a Constitutional officer using a public office for private gain, and that is really a shame.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! Hope you don't get a card as bad as this one! For those who have been out shopping for cards and are somewhat tired of the sugary sweet sentiments, this card could be somewhat tempting. Well, maybe not. Hope you have a great holiday.

Freedom is Never Free: 67th Anniversary of D-Day

"Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

"Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely." -Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

The peaceful picture of Pont du Hoc, France--with Omaha Beach in the background--is a far cry from the chaos of 67 years ago at the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, one of the greatest military invasions of history. The US Army has a comprehensive web page if you are interested in learning more, and Ronald Reagan's speech, "The Boys of Pont du Hoc," reminds us how Presidential leadership in peacetime can alter the course of history.

A British hiker decided to take a days long walkin tour of the area, and his account is here.