"With a Little Help From My Friends"

Because of my status as a senoir citizen in Illinois over the years I have been able to observe that most unusual animal , Illinois politics and the great statesmen in it's history . The latest political icon is former governor Rod Blagoiavich , now under indictment accused of trying to auction Barack Obama's vacant senate seat . The boyish Blago has stated when the truth comes out he will be vindicated , well let's wait and see , but federal prosecutors seldom move forward without pretty solid evidence . How about Dan Walker , another former governor who was a guest of the state after being found guilty of malfeasance in office , another great Illinois statesman . Now the most infamous Illinois politician has to be the late Paul Powell , at the time of his death as people were cleaning out his residence a virtual treasure trove was un-earthed , numerous shoe boxes were found containing millions of dollars in un-cashed checks . Back in the day checks were made payable directly to the secretary of state , not his office therefore all the checks were technically his , and I guess he thought that money was really his . People across the state were aghast , as Powell was lauded as one of Illinois' most ethical office holders . Nothing could be done about Powell's fraud because he fooled them all by dieing , thus avoiding prosecution , pretty sly on his part . Yesterday in Washington Charlie Rangel head of the powerful ways and means committee had his name brought forward for possible investigation on tax fraud and tax evasion . Rangel of New York has been accused of failure to report over $500,000 in income , plus income on offshore accounts , and unclaimed income on rental property . Rangel has tried to make light of this situation calling it an over-sight and he would look into it . Basically the powerful Democrat feels he is above the law , and guess what Nancy Pelosi feels the same way , she effectively quashed a congressional censure and a move to remove him as chair of the ways and means committee . I challenge President Obama to step in and show some character in this abhorrent example of looking the other way in a real question of integrity and legality in congressional partisanship . The political "Buddy System" doesn't speak well in an administration that touts transparency. Well this is surely transparent , it's an obvious cover-up of the mis-deeds of a political crony . During the election Rangel chanted " Who will save the world , Barack Obama !!". Well Mr. President will you , by your lack of action in this matter , save Charlie Rangel . Time to show America what your all about , taking care of your buddy's or taking care of America .