change? dollars is more like it...

so, we've passed a historic threshold by electing a black man as president and yes that is quite a nice feel-good emotion and reality. Substance-wise, we won't truly know until history provides us with hindsight, although Obama's apparent charisma and stated sincerity have put many of these concerns at ease. After all, his election was by no means a grand mandate, but nonetheless a reflection that the country (well, 52% of it) did in fact find his rhetoric as believable, or least more palatble than what McCain & others offered. Obama definitely seemed sincere & 'presidential' and this worked to his advantage, especially during the campaign's ending days. While McCain seemed desperate and willing to vilify the senator from Illinois, Obama seemed a figure of cool composure & professionalism, in spite of his own party's attack ads & misinformation. Now that he is soon to take the seat of our government, we all must remember to stop patting ourselves on our backs for 'overcoming racism', and cast a scrutinizing eye to the White House. To be free from racial concerns, good or bad, is the basis of a good citizen, and we must as always watch those in positions of power. Sadly, as we approach January 20th, our new, untested president of change already has scandal pooling around his loafers. Obama was able to dodge William Ayer, Preacher-gate, and Tony Rezko during his campaign, although with effort. It is likely that these may again rear their heads and be heard; in fact, they already are. Obama's friend and colleague, the governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich has been caught trying to sell Obama's now vacant senatorial seat to the highest bidder. This is on top of strong-arming both a children's hospital and Wrigley Field into political donations, amongst even more speculation of wrong-doing. He was voted into office as an example of change to replace the prior corrupt governor and now we see more of the same scandalous behavior. Blagojevich seems now just another cog in wheel of old-time Chicago politics of paybacks & pocket-stuffing. It may have to do with the company he keeps. After all, he is a good friend of Tony Rezko, the slumlord, political fundraising kickback artist who has helped (& now hurt) the political life of both the Illinois governor and senator. As well, he is friends with Dan Rostenkowski, disgraced Chicago congressman, who was considered the symbol of Clintonian corruption. One wonders about such company and how close Obama is to any of this. Possibly not at all. Yet this in itself may not be a good thing, as ignorance of fellow Democrat politicians & fundraisers, as well as friends, shows poor judgement, at least. Keep your eyes peeled as "Change" becomes very greasy dollars.