Don't rush to judge Burris or governor

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has appointed Roland Burris to President-elect Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat.

Republicans and Democrats alike are aghast that this accused but not convicted Governor has done his Constitutional duty.

Illinois' Secretary of State, Jesse White, is threatening to withhold his certification of Burris's appointment, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is threatening to refuse to seat Burris as Obama's successor. What hypocrisy. If we ignore the fact that all these threats are probably without legal merit, it is amazing that there is so much outrage at Blagojevich.

We have lived through eight years of war based on lies, the treasonous outing of a CIA agent, misuse of the Justice Department for political gain, illegal surveillance of American citizens, illegal torture of prisoners.

I could go on and on. We should have seen similar indignation at these atrocities, but Democrats stood by and allowed the perpetrators to benefit from their actions and to go unpunished.

Once again Democrats choose to chew on each other rather than to forge the unity needed to force through their own agenda. They should stop the hypocrisy and quit trying to cover their backsides.

Roland Burris should be judged on his own good record and not forced to suffer for Blagojevich's failings. Roland Burris should be seated in the Senate.

Rod Blagojevich should be innocent until proven guilty.

Democrats should put their energies toward the real problems at home and abroad. Republicans are determined to sideline Obama's agenda, no matter the cost to our nation. Congressional Democrats should unite against these real enemies, quit wasting their time fighting among themselves, and stop quaking in the face of opposition from across the aisle.

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows