Looking for signs on the tollway of Blagojevich's life

I took the tollway to work Friday just so I could see those annoying "Open Road Tolling - Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor" signs one last time.

When those 33 tollway signs went up at a cost of almost a half-million dollars, I couldn't find a single taxpayer who thought that was a swell use of public funds. The signs don't explain anything to commuters who don't know what open road tolling is, and they tick off those of us who do.

"Why don't we grab some citizens, form a torch-bearing mob, and take the matter into our own hands?" e-mails Joyce Haworth of Des Plaines. "Think how satisfying it would be to close down the tollway while we pour onto it; how enjoyable would be the sight of long-suffering citizens swarming up on that tolling framework to remove the signs; how we would cheer as they fell; how brightly the bonfire would burn."

If we raced out there on dog sleds, we could call it "The IdiotRod."

But state workers are spending the weekend putting panels over the disgraced governor's name. With the state in such dire financial straits, it seems silly to spend $15,000 to cover Blagojevich's name on all 33 signs. Our new Gov. Pat Quinn is a frugal type who always seems to have a soft spot for the quirky. So let's do something quirky and free - stop the replacement now, and leave Blagojevich on a few signs.

Consider it a scarlet letter, an ominous warning to all public servants who might think about ripping off the state. It would be a gentler symbol than putting Blagojevich's severed head on a stake outside the Old Capitol.

Either that, or see if we can sell them on Craigslist.

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Echoing a thought that has been running through my head, reader Rebecca Moore of Wheeling writes to say how much she longs for the wisdom on our late, great columnist and friend, Jack Mabley.

"I miss his insight and calm view of the world," Moore writes. "I would love to know his thoughts about Illinois politics and the era of service and sacrifice Americans are being called to embrace. Current pundits and opinion givers seem flat."

Jack uncovered government waste and sent politicians to prison during his brilliant career. Back in 2002, he seemed skeptical about Blagojevich, even though the soon-to-be governor, after an endorsement interview at the Daily Herald, left a personal note on Jack's desk.

"The new governor has the opportunity of a lifetime to lead a cleanup of government, get rid of waste and pork-barrel spending, and appoint to key positions the best-qualified people, instead of pals, political hacks and big-money contributors," Jack wrote. "The new governor has the power to reform. Does he have the will?"

Jack also smiled whenever we discussed Pat Quinn, our new governor. When six candidates were vying for their parties nominations for governor, Jack wrote: "One point the three Dems and three Republicans can agree on: They do not want Pat Quinn as their lieutenant governor. He is a populist, a gadfly, a public conscience, an independent operator and a major threat to business as usual in Springfield."

Then Jack concluded: "I'd love to see Quinn in office."

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While I was glad to see Blagojevich get hammered by the 59-0 vote to remove him from office, I wasn't a fan of giving him the political death penalty by virtue of the lifetime ban on holding a public office in Illinois. Maybe it's because of this impeachment day entry on my Dalai Lama calendar: "When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions done in one's past, we strengthen ourselves and can solve the problems of the present constructively."

I like to think people (even Death Row inmates or disgraced politicians) might be able to recognize their sins, turn their lives around and make contributions to society. What if doctors discover Blagojevich's actions were caused by a tumor pressing on the part of his brain that inhibits greed, ego and criminal activity?

OK. That's pretty far-fetched. But Blagojevich just lost his $177,000-a-year job. His wife, Patti, recently lost her $100,000-a-year job. And they have two young daughters to support.

Would it have violated his ban if the state hired Blagojevich to paint over his name on all those tollway signs?