Where’s the sense of shame?

 

Politicians are falling to scandal at what seems like an historic rate. It would go a long way if they would at least come clean when caught. Be sorry. Apologize.

As it is, they are a defiant lot. Most prominently, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. His press conference yesterday after the Illinois House voted almost unanimously for impeachment was even more political theater.

Saying the Illinois House impeachment vote against him was “not a surprise,” a combative Gov. Rod Blagojevich defended his work in office and again asserted his innocence of any criminal wrongdoing, vowing to “continue to fight every step of the way.”

At a brief news conference Friday afternoon, Blagojevich sought to undermine the House vote by depicting himself as a public servant who does not deserve to be kicked out of office but rather should be recognized for saving lives.

Blagojevich said a hostile House had conspired to impeach him since shortly after his re-election in 2006.

“From the very moment of my re-election I’ve been engaged in a struggle with the House to get things done for people,” Blagojevich said, flanked by a dozen people who he said had benefited from his programs.

Yes, he trotted out a stage full of human props. And he argued that his efforts to give them good service programs was what got him in trouble.

Blagojevich said he is confident he will be cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.

That’s a common theme in political corruption cases.

A grand jury has indicted Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon on 12 counts of theft, perjury and misconduct stemming from her romantic relationship with a Baltimore developer, the state prosecutor said Friday.

But that’s not all… 

The prosecutor’s office charged Mrs. Dixon with four counts of theft, saying she used gift cards donated for needy families to buy presents for herself around Christmas every year from 2004 to 2007.

Mrs. Dixon, a prominent Democrat who was elected the city’s first female mayor in 2007, also was charged with four counts of perjury for not documenting gifts from two developers doing business with the city. The developers are not named in the indictment of Mrs. Dixon, but one is thought to be Ronald H. Lipscomb, who was indicted earlier.

Mrs. Dixon said she would not step down as mayor and defended herself Friday afternoon.

“I am being unfairly accused,” she said. “Time will prove that I have done nothing wrong, and I am confident that I will be found innocent of these charges.”

On a radio news report today in Chicago, I heard a clip of a member of the state House who said he voted for impeachment because he doesn’t want his children, or the children of Illinois, to grow up thinking that politicians are corrupt and that’s okay.

It would reinforce this teaching moment if they would take responsibility. Admit human failing and be an example of contrition and conversion.

In the case of Blagojevich, at least it’s an oddly instructive saga combining Greek tragedy and English literature.