Chicago’s Streets Teach about Politics

I have mentioned before that Obama’s selection of teammates doesn’t seem to have any “new climate,” on the contrary, it is more like “the climate of old Clinton returns with old party members.”

I think the best example is Hillary’s nomination as the Secretary of State. I have discussed Hilary’s left wing agenda and tough minded approach in depth during Democratic presidential primaries early this year. Her most astonishing act was definitely her attempt to reform America’s health system into a nationalized one together with Rahm Emanuel soon after Clinton was in office. Her left-wing agenda is obvious.

The most disappointing thing was her overstated statement during presidential nomination period. Don’t you remember, in order to “enhance” her diplomatic experience, Hillary claimed she dodged sniper fire on her visit to Bosnia when she was the first lady. A file photo was found later showing that she was not at a dangerous place at that time, but a ceremony receiving flowers from children etc, and what she had said was obviously “exaggerated.”

At that time, Obama’s camp even criticized Hillary over this. How could they totally forget about this and even nominate her as the Secretary of State in charge of international affairs? I think, Obama’s choice was less likely to choose a smart and capable person, because he had to “comfort” Hillary to prevent her from fighting over the Democratic presidency four years from now. Don’t forget, Hillary’s votes were about the same as Obama’s half a year ago during the Democratic presidential primaries.

On the other hand, if one continues to read Obama’s cabinet list or White house’s appointment list, it is not difficult to notice names of Illinois senators -- especially those Chicago “old folks” keep appearing, including those who worked in the election campaign -- and also the names of those party members who had been “working” for a long time in the infamous Chicago “Democratic machine” etc. Following Obama’s victory they each now get a slice.

Off course, it is common for politicians to use their own people. However, didn’t Obama say he represents “change”? He want to bring a “new climate”? Even Obama, deemed stronger, has to go back the old path focusing more on politics.

Last week, early in the morning, llinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, was suddenly arrested by the FBI. Later he was released on bail. Indeed, Rod was charged with many corruption practices, in which the worst was the allegation that he tried to sell the US senate seat vacated by Obama. Off course there were also many other political corruption charges that took place in the past years, including an attempt to threaten the Chicago Tribune that he would sack a few of their editors.

Frankly speaking, Illinois State, especially Chicago’s political movement, is similar to the political scenario in many developing countries. The FBI investigated corrupt practices several times, whereby more than five former governors were charged, or sentenced to imprisonment, because of corruption.
Just imagine, politicians “trained” in such a political environment, could they really bring positive “changes” to America?