Don't give up on public service

Governor Blagojevich ran on a platform of change and reform, always insisting that he was in it to serve the people. Now it is clear that he was in it only to serve himself.

How despicable. What is most atrocious about the Governor's antics is not his vengefulness, his lack of respect for a sacred duty, or even his hunger for power and money.

It is that he betrayed the very notion of public service. At a time when President-elect Obama's movement continues to promote service and faith in government all over the country, the actions of one delusional politician could shatter those ideals here in Illinois, substituting them with cynicism and distrust. The people of Illinois can't let that happen. This is not the time to give up on public service; it's the time to stand up for it.

Part of me always believed in Governor Blagojevich. I thought he believed in change. I thought he believed in representing working people. I thought he believed in supporting working children. My faith in the Governor has finally been shattered for good.

But my faith in public service and government hasn't even been dented. One of Illinois' greatest public servants, the late Senator Paul Simon, once proclaimed that "some of us still believe we can change the world." I do. And for others out there, young and old, Republican and Democrat: don't give up yet. This is the time to get angry and loud.

Together, we can fix the economy. We can fix our schools. We can stop genocide. We can improve lives. But we can't do it if we let a corrupt politician slow us down.

Sean Redding

Hoffman Estates