Hammie and Blygojevich

Dec 14, 2008 Features / Columnists

---

The Parrot is always amazed how two people can basically exhibit similar behavioural traits. I am not referring to heredity factors through present or past generations; I am talking about people who are certainly not genetically related.

There are those who believe that all are somehow related. The reincarnation-ists would provide seemingly logical explanations as to how two persons from opposite sides of the world, and who are known for not being of the same genetic lineage, can somehow be analogous in mannerisms.

Political shockwaves which recently emanated from Illinois are still reverberating across the US. The news that the Governor, Rod Blygojevich, was charged for allegedly trying to sell the vacant Senate seat of President-elect Obama, spread like the California wild fires.

Efforts to “douse” may be impossible to implement. As investigation continues, it is still not clear if any of Obama’s aides may have been in contact with the now disgraced Governor to fill the Senate seat with a candidate favourable to the President-elect. This, I am sure, will be made clear over time.

Hundreds of stories pertaining to the Governor’s arrest were splashed across the world; most, if not all, as breaking news.

For many it was inconceivable; those au fait with Chicago politics over the years, were not as surprised. The breaking news and the stories that followed provided an insight into the Governor’s alleged behavioural record.

This explained why some were not surprised. What is surprising to us in this part of the world is how many of the things about the Governor which are now being revealed were “allowed” to go unabated in the US of A?

Further, what I found even more surprising is that the Governor, after being released on bail, turned up for work the next day as if nothing had happened.

Now mind you, the FBI reported that they have recordings of the alleged conversations that led to the arrest of the Governor. Reports indicate that it was business as usual for him after leaving the court. Given the scenario, the local terms “he ain’t got shame” and “barefaced”, seem apt.

Maybe this provides the motivation to delve into some Freudian research to better understand how the minds of such persons operate. How it is that shame can seemingly be erased in such situations? Is it as a result of the magnetic effect of high office?

This kind of “barefaceness” is not alien to some politicians here who hold important office. Take the Mayor and City Council of our Capital City. I know much, plenty much, has been written and spoken about this; this column included.

However, given the importance of the office of Mayor, the continuous discomfort citizens are forced to endure and the frequent financial interventions by central government to bring relief to those affected, it is imperative for these discussions to continue.

Every year during the rainy season the city floods. Every year the Mayor claims that the council is prepared for the rains; this year is no exception.

Almost every year in recent times City Hall workers face challenges to receive Christmas salaries. Every year when this occurred, central government intervenes much to the delight of the workers.

The question is, how longer must this continue? The Mayor harps that the council is always cash strapped. How it is then that the council carries out all other functions, including overseas travelling, parties, etc.?

How it is that the Mayor who wants us to believe that he is prudent in his management style never proposed an overhaul of the council’s operations? Companies are forced to become more efficient more so now following the global financial crisis.

Why not City Hall? Why it is that we are being told that the city is prepared for flooding, but only see efforts to clear drains and canals during the rains? Areas around all the markets are strewn with refuse; cardboard boxes, plastic bags and wraps, food boxes and bottles.

In some instances they pile up like hills. Has the council charged any vendor for the littering of these areas where thousands have to traverse? Has it a plan to clean the city daily?

Like Blygojevich who turned up to work the next day, staff of the City Council are seen manoeuvring between the garbage to collect daily rentals from vendors. No shame? Where is the management that is supposed to be forthcoming from the Mayor?

For years many have been calling for the Mayor to resign; for days many in the US, including Obama, have been calling for Blygojevich to resign.

Both, so far, have ignored such calls; both continue to work without regard for their subjects; both have become an embarrassment to their respective cities; both seem concerned with their own political longevity. Similar behavioural traits? Brothers? Twin cities? You judge or ask the reincarnation-ists. Squawk! Squawk!

---

---