Burris committed lies of omission

Attention: The Honorable Lisa Madigan. I am not an attorney but I think I am a reasonable person. I do not consider the Roland Burris responses to the questions asked by members of our state legislature reasonable or truthful.

Are the rules in the kind of hearing Roland Burris was questioned in so loose that a blatant omission is not considered perjury? Is there any standard of negligent omission he can be held accountable for?

I can't help but to draw the analogy to a family lesson. I have taught my children that it is just as much a lie if you tell a lie as it is to omit information and allow others to think something true that isn't true.

Roland Burris knew he had conversations with the former governor's brother regarding campaign contributions. He was asked if there were any conversations with the governor and/or his relatives. The response omitted these conversations, and Roland Burris knew he had those conversations.

It's a lie of omission. I assume I could be held in violation if I knowingly omit information I am aware of if I am questioned by people in positions of authority (like you in your office, members of Congress, police, etc.) Is that true? I am sick and tired of the double talk and double standards from and for our politicians. I would like to see your office pursue this.

This is not a partisan request. It is a request from a citizen who is sick of this kind of deceit. I would not have held this against Roland Burris if he responded honestly, but I could look him in the eyes now and say he should be removed from the Senate position because of this deceit.

Steve O'Malley

Wheaton