Roland Burris Jumped Into a Shark Tank

Despite facing federal corruption charges, one thing Illinois Governor Rod Balgojevich has demonstrated is a profound skill in how to manipulate people and opportunities to create a smoke screen for personal and political survival.

When he tapped Roland Burris for the US Senate appointment, society was shocked at the brazenness of the move. However, people soon became more curious about the individual who would accept such a position despite the controversy and allegations surrounding the tainted senate seat Blagojevich had for the giving.

No doubt Roland Burris had a distinguished political record as Illinois State Attorney General up until 1995. However, he has not been directly involved in politics for the last thirteen years aside from unsuccessful campaign runs for City of Chicago Mayor and Democratic Governor nominee. He is currently the CEO of Burris & Lebed Consulting, LLC, which is a consulting firm providing services in public relations and governmental representation – a lobbyist.

However, you really have to question the level of common sense that Roland Burris would bring to this senate seat.

It stands to reason that anyone seeking a political office would engage in deal making with any individual who is currently under federal investigation. Relationships of these sorts represent political land mines and Burris willingly stepped on it for nothing other than what appears to be self gain – “I want to be a US Senator and I’ll do anything to get it.”

Burris had to know that if he did accept the position that he would become nothing short of a political pawn to satisfy Blago’s need to give the media something else to focus on other than his (Blagojevich) looming indictment. In so doing, Burris epitomizes the idea of a morally weak politician and will most likely follow the same path as that of Blagojevich and the like; embroiled in some future investigation for impropriety or corruption.

Whats more troubling is that Burris seems oblivious to the profuse amount of political toes he has managed to step on up until this point.

After the news of the appointment hit the street, Burris became as politically isolated as Blagojevich. Every single democrat in the Illinois assembly and US Senate was against the appointment. However, he turned a blind eye to his potential political allies and proceeded on his way to taking the senate seat. This alone will undoubtedly create a groud swell of resentment among his fellow democrats. The resentment will surface as a lack of support when and if he tries to accomplish anything in his political career.

Burris has already received the smack down from US Senate majority leader Harry Reid in refusing to initially seat Burris. However, despite this, Burris will eventually be seated for the simple fact that the law is the law and despite Blago’s looming conviction he is still the Governor empowered to appoint someone to the vacant US Senate seat. But, if you think Harry Reid among other senior democrats will forget being put in this awkward position – think again.

Once Roland Burris finally does take his seat in the US senate the reality of what happened will probably hit him pretty hard. The reality being, Blagojevich convincing him to take the position on the premise that he is jumping into a tank of friendly dolphins only to find out that they are sharks instead.

About the Author:
Eric Kaad is a Political Enthusiast favoring independent thought featured on http://averagejoeknows.blogspot.com